Eternal Champions

"Fighting Sweetness."

A looooong time ago, I played a not-so-well-known fighting game for the Genesis, and could never remember the name of it! So recently, I was in the local game shop, and came across this strange fighting game called Eternal Champions. Why did this sound familiar? Because I played it looooooong ago! I quickly bought it and played the heck out of it. Here's my review:

Graphics: 10/10

For Genesis, this is really pushing it, when it comes to fighting games. I've heard that the poor little Genesis has a very small pallette of colors for use, around 512. What's even worse is the onscreen maximum capability of color is around 64 colors or so! From what I read, this is the only Genesis game to use more than 64 colors onscreen; it uses 256. The detail of all the characters is very high and accurate. Backgrounds are well designed and colorful. All in all, if you're looking for a pretty 2D fighter on your Genny/Megadrive, it's right here!

Sound: 9/10

Okay, we all know that the Genesis had crappy sound output. The voices and music are hard to figure out. But, the music rocks my socks, and is very well done. It sounds fitting and nice, even though it sounds a lot like an NES game. Oh well, you make do with what (hardware) you got. It still works well in the game.

Gameplay: 10/10

FRICKIN' AWESOME. The fighting styles, moves, and fluidity of the game combine to form probably the best 2D fighting experience I've played. Along with a Tournament mode, there are a lot of options for you to fiddle with. Fighting has somewhat of a learning curve, but if you play the game for a bit, it becomes very fluid and fun. Underneath all this fun is the game's brutal side. There are special moves that can be performed at the end of a match in different stages, dubbed "Overkills". If you manage to hit your opponent into a certain part of a stage, something quite morbid will happen to your slain opponent. An example would be in Shadow's stage: There are big neon electric lights in the background of a stage. Hit your opponent into a certain one, and... BZZZZZZ!! Opponent goes BOOM! This is just one of several Overkills within the game, and adds a little challenge.

Story: 10/10

This is the most intricate storyline I've ever seen for a fighting game. At the end of the universe, all the skills of martial artists in the past unite to form the Eternal Champion. He uses all his strength to collect several fighters all around time to fight for another chance at life, to change the outcome of the universe. There's more to it, and each fighter has their own backstory which is explained in-game (by a handy-dandy info menu in the game itself!).

If you own a Genesis/Megadrive, and like fighting games, you NEED this game. It's a well-done, overlooked gem in the fighting world! Keep in mind, it's not for kids, but it's one of the finest fighters I've played. I highly recommend you check this one out!

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 05/27/05