Bravoman (USA)
Bravoman (USA) - Action Classic
Bravoman is a side-scrolling action game that parodies Japanese sentai superhero shows. Originally released in arcades by Namco in 1990, it was ported to the TurboGrafx-16 in 1991 and eventually made its way to the Wii Shop. The USA version on TurboGrafx-16 brings that arcade experience home with a bright, cartoonish style and a wacky premise - you control a hero whose limbs can stretch to ridiculous lengths to pummel enemies. It's a straightforward, short burst of fun that doesn't take itself too seriously.
Players guide Bravoman through a series of horizontally scrolling levels, fighting waves of quirky enemies and confronting themed bosses at the end of each stage. The main mechanic is the stretchy arm: holding down the attack button lets you extend your punch across nearly the whole screen, hitting enemies from a safe distance. You can also jump and unleash a variety of special attacks by pressing different button combinations. The core loop is simple - move right, punch everything, avoid damage, and reach the boss. There's some light platforming, but the focus is on the comedy and the satisfying reach of your punches.
The game is short and repetitive compared to bigger action titles, but it has a genuine arcade charm. Its cartoonish visual gags and the novelty of the stretchy-arm attacks make it worth a quick playthrough for anyone curious about offbeat TurboGrafx-16 games. It's not a deep or lengthy experience, but that's part of its appeal - it knows exactly what it is: a silly, fast-paced brawler that pokes fun at the very genre it belongs to.
How to Play Bravoman (USA) Online
Getting Started
When you start Bravoman, the title screen appears with a single option - press Start (Enter) to begin the game. There's no menu to navigate; you are thrown directly into the first stage. The storyline is presented through brief cutscenes before the action, and you'll see your character Bravoman standing on the left side of the screen, ready to fight.
The core of the game is simple: walk to the right using the D-Pad, and use the B button (S key) to attack. Hold the B button to charge your stretchy arm - release it to unleash a long-range punch that can hit enemies from halfway across the screen. This is your primary weapon and the key to staying safe. Jump with the A button (X key) to avoid ground-level hazards or to reach platforms. You'll encounter a variety of goofy enemies that require different approaches; some block, some fly, and some rush at you. Experiment with the reach of your punch and learn the patterns.
Each level ends with a boss fight. Bosses are often more elaborate versions of common enemies or unique characters with their own attack patterns. Use the charged punch to hit them from a distance, and watch for openings. You have a health bar that depletes when hit, and you can restore it by collecting power-up items that occasionally drop from enemies. The game is fairly forgiving - you have continues, but the challenge increases as you progress. Don't expect a long journey; Bravoman is meant to be played in short sessions, and its humor is best enjoyed in small doses.
Bravoman (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: I button
- S: II button
- Enter: Run / Start
- V: Select
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