Fighting Masters (USA)
About Fighting Masters (USA)
Fighting Masters is a 1991 fighting game for the Sega Genesis, developed by Aicom and ALU and published by Treco. It arrived during the early 90s fighting game boom, but it's not a port of a popular arcade title - it's an original creation. Some of the same team members later worked on E.V.O.: Search for Eden, which gives it a curious lineage for retro enthusiasts.
You select a hero and fight through a series of opponents in an apocalyptic setting. The goal is to eventually confront the entity called Lord Valgasu. The gameplay sticks to the standard one-on-one fighting formula: you use punches, kicks, and special moves to deplete the opponent's health bar. Movement and attacks are handled with the D-pad and action buttons, and matches take place in static arenas with a side-scrolling view.
Fighting Masters received mixed reviews when it came out, and it's not as well remembered as Capcom or SNK fighters from the same era. That said, it's an interesting curio for Genesis collectors who want to experience a lesser-known title from a development team with later ties to a cult classic like E.V.O. Its apocalyptic theme and enemy designs give it a distinct flavor, even if the gameplay doesn't break new ground.
How to Play Fighting Masters (USA) Online
Getting Started
When you start Fighting Masters, you'll see a title screen and then a character select screen. Pick your fighter from the available roster - each has a different look and presumably unique move set. After selecting, you'll face a series of one-on-one fights against computer-controlled opponents. Each win advances you toward the final boss, Lord Valgasu.
The core loop is straightforward: approach your opponent, use the attack buttons to land hits, and block or evade to avoid taking damage. Special moves likely require specific button combinations, but the game doesn't teach them in-game - experiment with the D-pad and buttons during matches to discover them. Your health bar is at the top of the screen, and a round ends when one fighter's health is fully depleted. Win enough rounds to win the match and move on.
Since Fighting Masters is an English release, all menus and on-screen text are in English. There's no save feature, so you'll need to finish your game in one sitting. If you're used to more polished fighters from the same era, this one may feel a bit stiff, but its controls still respond well enough for casual play.
Fighting Masters (USA) Keyboard Controls
Controls
- Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
- X: A button
- S: B button
- Z: C button
- A: X button (6-button pad)
- Q: Y button (6-button pad)
- E: Z button (6-button pad)
- Enter: Start / Mode
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