Duration: 8:38

1,229 views

35

Whelp, while I'm getting caught up on other things, it occurs to me that I haven't dug through my SNES/SFC or Gen/MD library in quite some time, so this is a good opportunity to put out some simpler videos while I work on the longer projects in an attempt to avoid a dry spell. There will be a few oddities here and there. That said...

The last of three fighting games on the system based on Ranma ½, "Ranma ½: Chougi Ranbu Hen" is a modest attempt to really capture the fighting possibilities of the Ranma universe... while not exactly successful, it is currently the most ambitious attempt (the only other being Ranma ½: Battle Renaissance for Playstation, which had some very questionable traits) from a gameplay standpoint. It sacrifices both graphics and sound to add a few more moves and a more recognizable fighting system, but I think Hard Battle was the nicest overall, IMO (a simple, colorful SFII derivative released at a more appropriate time, and Happosai was still playable). The game was slated for an International release under the title "Ranma ½ II: Anything Goes Martial Arts" by DTMC who had published Hard Battle prior, but unfortunately went bankrupt after publishing "FireStriker", their last game. The game was developed by Rumic Soft & Atelier Double, and published by Shogakukan in 1994. The game has been fan-translated into English.

In the game, Ranma and company are fighting once again, this time because they got a mysterious letter stating that if they can gather twelve sacred ingredients scattered around the world and put them together, the Maneko Neko will grant any wish they desire, so characters hilariously duke it out to have their wish granted. The gameplay has made the final shift to imitating the Capcom and SNK systems with the exception that characters can taunt to get a chance to execute their super move (no more jump or block button). Each character has their own ending as well as a variety of fighting moves (two to three primary specials on average as well as a super technique) and a few characters have unique traits like Hinako Ninomiya who can change between child and adult form and Shampoo who can anti-air even unique attacks like Ranma's Hiryuu Kourin Dan (+1 for her). If struck while taunting or before executing your super, you'll lose the chance and have to taunt again. Some characters can perform mix-ups too, like Shampoo.

As a whole though, the game is not particularly impressive; the drop in audio/video is notable, especially when you consider the game was released mid-way into the system's run; the backgrounds lack the color or detail of Hard Battle (though some stages do have people and things animating, which is important to note) and the game has less illustrations and even lacks the basic Mode 7 use... the framerate is also inconsistent. Each character has a general story instead of unique plots with an opening, special loss screen, mid story and ending as well (from Hard Battle). The sound is lower quality as well. While the gameplay IS better, it isn't a drastic improvement, though it's certainly more competitive and the taunting/risk/reward system is a novel strategic addition. Otherwise, it's a pretty standard fighter.

This game will, at the very least, please Ranma fans, though there are better options on the system for fighting enthusiasts. I will say that it says a lot about how popular and endearing Rumiko Takahashi's Ranma was as very few anime/manga franchises have received as many video game adaptations outside of the utmost popular franchises (and Ranma having over a dozen games is nothing to scoff at). This is a video of the game in action. Enjoy.

- ADDITION -

Like Us On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegamingsanctuary

Follow Us On Twitter: https://twitter.com/GS_Vyse_and_Bel

Visit Us At: http://www.gamingsanctuary.com