Play Bloody Roar (JAPAN, Jun 21 1997) Online in your browser

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Default · JAPAN, Jun 21 1997
Beastorizer (USA bootleg)

Selected: Default · JAPAN, Jun 21 1997 · Japan

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Bloody Roar (JAPAN, Jun 21 1997)

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Bloody Roar - Fighting Classic

Arcade
Fighting
5· 0 votes

Bloody Roar is a fighting game that hit arcades in 1997, developed by Raizing and published by Hudson Soft. It later made its way to the PlayStation, but the original arcade version is the one we're looking at here. The big hook is the ability to transform into powerful animal forms mid-match, which changes how each character fights. The core loop is standard for a 2D fighter: you pick a character and face off against an opponent in best-of-three rounds. What sets it apart is the beast gauge that fills up as you land hits or take damage. Once full, you can trigger a transformation that boosts your speed, strength, and unlocks new moves. Managing when to transform is key, as it can turn the tide of battle. Compared to other arcade fighters of the late '90s, Bloody Roar stands out for its transformation mechanic, which adds a layer of strategy beyond just combos and specials. It's not as deep as something like Street Fighter Alpha 3, but it's fast, flashy, and has a unique identity that still makes it fun to pick up today. If you want a quick, explosive brawler with a twist, this is worth a few credits.

GAME INFO

Platform: Arcade
Genre: Fighting
Publisher: Hudson Soft
Developer: Raizing
Released: 1997
Players: 1-2
Region: Japan

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How to play Bloody Roar online

Getting Started

When you boot the game, you'll see a Japanese title screen. Press Enter to start, then use the arrow keys to move through the character select screen. Each fighter has a human and beast form. Pick one by pressing X (A button) and you'll be thrown into a standard three-round fight.

The basic controls are simple: press S (B button) to attack, and combine directions with S for special moves. Your beast gauge is the bar at the bottom of the screen. It fills as you hit or get hit. Once it's full, press Z (Y button) to transform. While transformed, your attacks hit harder and you get access to unique beast-specific moves. The transformation lasts until the gauge depletes, so time it wisely.

Menus are entirely in Japanese, but the structure is straightforward. You'll see options like arcade mode, versus, and options. The game expects you to fight your way through a series of CPU opponents. If you lose, you can continue by inserting another credit (press V to insert a virtual coin). The arcade version is unforgiving, so learn the basics quickly.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: Joystick / Movement
X: Button 1
S: Button 2
Z: Button 3
A: Button 4
Q: Button 5
E: Button 6
Enter: Start / 1P
V: Coin / Insert

Bloody Roar FAQ

Is Bloody Roar an official release, a fan hack, a prototype, or another kind of build?

Bloody Roar is an official commercial release from 1997, developed by Raizing and published by Hudson Soft. It originally hit arcades before being ported to the PlayStation.

Is Bloody Roar exclusive to Arcade or did it appear on other systems?

The game debuted in arcades and later received a home console port for the PlayStation. There were also sequels on later platforms.

What makes Bloody Roar stand out among Arcade titles of its era?

Its signature animal transformation mechanic sets it apart from other fighters of the late '90s. Players can shift into beast forms mid-fight for enhanced stats and unique moves, adding a strategic layer to the brawling.

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