Fighting Vipers

"Another Excellent Fighter, But Not as Good As Virtua Fighter 2."

After purchasing Fighters Megamix, I decided to get Fighting Vipers since it added a lot to Fighters Megamix as a whole. Yet again, I was not disappointed with an AM2 fighter. This game is nearly perfect, just falling short of its cousin, Virtua Fighter 2. Game play is one of the main reasons why it fell short.

Game play: 9/10

Yet again, so close to perfect, but not quite. Since this is an AM2 fighter, there are the same standard moves, your punches, kicks, throws, pounces, etc. As a result, this game plays almost exactly like the Virtua Fighters, except for one major difference; armor. The Vipers all wear armor, and it is possible to knock off the armor if you cause enough damage to the area that it covers. Of course, when the armor is knocked off, more damage can be caused to that area. There are also walls, so now there won't be any ring outs, and you may throw your opponent into the wall if you please. There are 5 game modes, and there are 8 characters, each is VERY unique, and each has their own moves. The story is also another good element in the game.

Story: 9/10

Armstone City is a city overrun with gang violence, and the mayor has decided to hold a tournament on a large scale, culminating atop a large building. Every Viper has their own story, and background, and each, again, is 100% unique and interesting. Graphics are next.

Graphics: 9/10

The graphics in Fighting Vipers are nearly identical to Virtua Fighter 2, maybe a bit worse. The characters all look very detailed, the backgrounds though, not so much. They are lacking compared to Virtua Fighter 2, however it isn't much of a stretch. Everything moves at a smooth frame rate though, and nobody can complain about that! The same goes for sound.

Sound: 9/10

The sounds are also great. The music isn't as captivating and enjoyable as the Virtua Fighters (especially Virtua Fighter 1), however yet again, it isn't bad by any stretch. The sounds are all the same for the most part, except instead of the highly lovable, geeky male announcer voice from the Virtua Fighters, we have a female voice that is just meh. There are a few new sounds thrown in, such as glass breaking, and bowling pins... yeah you read that right. Does Fighting Vipers get a 9 for replay ability also?

Replay ability: 8/10

The 9 streak ends at replay ability. While the game doesn't have as many extra features as Last Bronx, or Fighters Megamix, it is still highly replay-able. The two player in this game is highly enjoyable, so invite your friends over.

Buy or Rent?

As usual, being a Saturn game, it cannot be rented, but it can be bought fairly easily, albeit a bit on the pricey side due to its popularity. Pick it up though, its another great fighter.

My Saturn AM2 fighting collection is now complete, and one of the best was saved 'till last. While I wouldn't have changed the game at all, this does feel a bit like an underachiever compared to Virtua Fighter 2. No problem though, its still a great game, and it will be played extensively in my house. "Fight 2. Ready? Go!"

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 07/30/07, Updated 09/11/09

Game Release: Fighting Vipers (US, 11/30/96)