Play Growl (USA) Online in your browser

CHOOSE A VERSION

2 versions · same console

Choose an original release, regional version, revision, bootleg or clearly labelled ROM hack/mod, then press Play. Hacks may change the gameplay. Switching versions restarts the player.

Default · USA
Runark (Japan)

Selected: Default · USA · USA

The game loads when you press Play · press “Play Now” inside the game if it asks.

Growl (USA)

40 plays

Growl Overview

Growl is a beat-em-up that was originally an arcade game before being ported to the Sega Genesis. The arcade version allowed up to four players to team up, but the Genesis port scaled that down for home consoles. It came out during the early 90s when the Genesis was getting a lot of arcade conversions, and it stands out because of its unusual setting instead of the usual urban or fantasy backdrops. The game carries an outback Indiana Jones type theme, which means you are not fighting gang members or ninjas but rather poachers and wildlife in jungle-like stages. What you actually do in Growl is walk from left to right across various outdoor levels, punching and kicking enemies that come at you. You can also pick up weapons like whips and knives to deal more damage. The core loop is straightforward: clear each area of bad guys, collect any power-ups or items they drop, and move on to the next screen. Boss fights appear at the end of certain stages and require you to dodge and land hits until they go down. There is not much depth beyond the basic brawling, but the exotic setting gives it a distinct feel compared to other Genesis beat-em-ups of the time. For fans of the genre, Growl is worth a look because it offers a unique atmosphere that you do not see in many brawlers. The Genesis port is not as polished as the arcade original, but it still delivers satisfying action and a decent challenge. It is a niche title, so do not expect a huge library of levels or complex combos. If you enjoy simple, no-nonsense beat-em-ups with a pulp adventure vibe, this one is a solid choice for a quick play session.

GAME INFO

Platform: SEGA Genesis
Genre: Beat em Up
Publisher: Taito
Developer: Taito
Released: 1991
Region: USA

How to play Growl online

Getting Started When you start the game, you will see a title screen and then a character select. Pick your fighter - each one looks similar but may have slight stat differences you can test. Once you choose, you enter the first stage: a jungle path. Your goal is simple: walk to the right, beat up every enemy that appears, and survive to the end of the level. The game uses the typical beat-em-up formula. Press the attack button (S) to punch or kick. If you see a weapon on the ground like a whip or a knife, walk over it to pick it up. You can then use the attack button to swing the weapon, which deals more damage and has longer reach. Enemies will come in groups, so try to position yourself so you are not surrounded. Use the jump button (X) to avoid low attacks or to kick downward. There is no block button, so your best defense is moving out of the way. The core loop repeats across several stages. Each stage ends with a boss that has more health and stronger attacks. You can also find health items like food scattered around. If your health gets low, keep an eye out for these. The game can get tough, especially on later levels, so do not be afraid to use continues if you lose all your lives. Just press Start to continue when the option appears. That is all you need to know to jump in and start brawling.

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

Growl FAQ

Roughly how long does it take to finish Growl?

A straightforward run through the game takes about 30 to 40 minutes, depending on how many times you continue. The stages are not very long, and the game does not have branching paths, so it is a short arcade-style experience. Skilled players might finish even faster, while newcomers may need a few extra tries on the bosses.

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

Growl is an official commercial release. It was first an arcade game by Taito, and later ported to the Sega Genesis. The version labeled (USA) is the North American retail cartridge, not a bootleg or fan creation.

Is Growl exclusive to SEGA Genesis or did it appear on other systems?

It is not exclusive to the Genesis. The game started as an arcade cabinet in 1990 or 1991, and then received a home port for the Sega Genesis. No other console versions were released, so the arcade and Genesis are the only two ways to play the original game.

All SEGA Genesis games