Kinnikuman
Kinnikuman Overview
Kinnikuman on MSX 1 is a fighting game released in 2006, developed by AKI Corporation, best known for their wrestling titles on later consoles. It's based on the popular Kinnikuman manga and anime series from Weekly Shonen Jump, bringing puroresu-themed combat to a platform that was long past its commercial prime. This is a rare late-era MSX release, and its existence is unusual given the system's hardware limitations for a fighting game. Because the game was released after the MSX's active years and by a developer that primarily worked on N64 and PlayStation, it has a cult or homebrew feel, though the catalog treats it as an official product. The game's title is Kinnikuman Muscle Grand Prix, and it appears to offer one-on-one battles with characters from the franchise. Given the platform's keyboard input, the controls are likely adapted for MSX. The game is entirely in Japanese, with menus and text that may be challenging for non-Japanese speakers. Its status as a late addition to the MSX library makes it a curiosity for collectors and fans of unusual ports.
How to Play Kinnikuman Online
Getting Started
When you start Kinnikuman, you'll see a title screen likely in Japanese. Press Enter to proceed. The main menu offers several options - player versus player, versus CPU, and possibly a tournament mode. Use the arrow keys to navigate and press X to confirm your selection. Since the game is in Japanese, the menu items might be cryptic; look for symbols indicating two players versus one player. Start with the single-player mode to get a feel for the controls.
The core loop is simple: select your wrestler from a roster of Kinnikuman characters, then fight your opponent in a best-of-three rounds match. Each round has a timer. You attack with the B button (S key) and jump with the A button (X key). Special moves may require direction combinations. The grapple mechanic is central - try getting close to your opponent and pressing attack to initiate a clinch, then use more buttons to perform throws or submission holds. The AI is basic; focus on timing and learning your character's move set.
If you are new to the game, play through versus CPU first. The game can be frustrating because of the limited visual feedback and blocky sprites. Experiment with different characters to find one with reach or speed that suits you. Remember that this is a very rare MSX fighting game - it may not have the polish of commercial titles, but it offers a unique piece of wrestling game history on a platform that rarely saw such games.
Kinnikuman Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: Trigger 1
- S: Trigger 2
- Enter: Start
Comments (0)