Ranma 1/2 - Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu! (Japan)
Ranma 1/2 - Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu! (Japan): PCE-CD Fighting
Ranma 1/2 - Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu! is a one-on-one fighting game based on the beloved Ranma 1/2 manga and anime series. It was released exclusively for the NEC PC Engine CD in Japan in 1992. The game was published by Masuda, a company known for several anime-licensed titles on the platform. This was one of the earlier attempts to bring the chaotic martial arts world of Ranma to a console, and it took advantage of the PC Engine CD's ability to deliver high-quality sprite animation and CD-quality audio, including voice clips from the original Japanese voice cast.
The player selects from a roster of characters from the series, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves true to the source material. Combat takes place in a 2D arena, with the goal being to deplete the opponent's health bar through a combination of basic attacks, throws, and special techniques. The controls are responsive, and the game features a standard arcade mode where you face off against a series of opponents, culminating in a final boss. There is also a versus mode for two players, allowing for local multiplayer matches. The gameplay is straightforward but captures the frantic, comedic energy of the series.
Today, this title is a niche curiosity for both Ranma fans and retro fighting game enthusiasts. While it does not have the depth or polish of major fighting franchises of the era like Street Fighter II, it offers a piece of anime history with its faithful character representations and voice acting. The CD soundtrack and full-motion cutscenes add a layer of immersion rare for the time. It is worth trying if you are interested in how anime licenses were translated into interactive media on the PC Engine CD, but be aware that the Japanese menu text may require some familiarity with the language or a guide to navigate.
How to Play Ranma 1/2 - Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu! (Japan) Online
To start playing, first boot the game and wait for the title screen. Press Start (Enter) to proceed to the main menu. In the main menu, you will see options like 1P Game, 2P Game, and Options. Use the D-Pad (Arrow Keys) to navigate and press A (X) to confirm. If you are playing alone, select 1P Game. You will then choose your character from a selection screen; use the D-Pad to highlight a portrait and press A to lock in. After that, confirm your selection again and the first fight will begin.
The core loop consists of facing a series of opponents in best-of-three rounds. Each round, try to deplete your opponent's health bar while avoiding their attacks. Special moves are performed by inputting specific directional commands followed by an attack button. Experiment with the B button (S) for basic punches and kicks, and combine with jumps or dashes to explore your character's repertoire. If you lose a round, you can continue from the same match using the continue screen. Since the game is in Japanese, the menus may be unfamiliar, but the layout is typical of fighting games: select "1P" for single player and choose your fighter via portraits. There are no in-game tutorials, so learning the moves via trial and error or a move list from online resources is recommended.
Ranma 1/2 - Datou, Ganso Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu! (Japan) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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