Sumo Fighter (Game Boy) Playthrough
2Playthrough of DTMC's 1992 action-platformer for the Game Boy, Sumo Fighter.
0:00:00 Playthrough on hard difficulty
0:44:46 Playthrough on super difficulty
Sumo Fighter, developed by Kid and published in Japan by I'max, is a unique beat 'em up/platformer that remains relatively obscure in North America. Due to its specific cultural references to traditional Japanese themes, it was not widely released outside of Japan, as companies typically avoided games with such niche content for overseas markets. As one of the lesser-known Game Boy titles in North America, Sumo Fighter demonstrates the challenges of marketing culturally specific games to a broader audience.
In the game, players control Bontaro, a sumo wrestler on a mission to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. His journey takes him along the Tokaido Road to Kyoto, where he faces a variety of enemies including farmers, merchants, ronin, ninja, and other obstacles. Bontaro uses a variety of sumo-inspired moves, such as slaps, throws, stomps, and body charges to defeat his foes. The game also features a point-based upgrade system that allows players to enhance Bontaro's abilities as they progress.
As an early Game Boy platformer, Sumo Fighter performs well within its limitations. The controls are functional, and the character sprites and backgrounds are well-detailed for the system. The difficulty level is balanced, providing a fair challenge to players. The game offers a unique experience, combining sumo wrestling with platforming mechanics, which differentiates it from other titles on the Game Boy. While it may not reach the level of Kid's best NES works, Sumo Fighter offers a distinct and enjoyable experience that stands out as a rare and interesting Game Boy title.