Fighters Megamix

"Pure fighting game bliss."

Fighters Megamix was released on the Sega Saturn in May of 1997. This is one of the most historical fighting games in history because it pits two fighting games against each other. This game pits the characters of Virtua Fighter against the rather odd cast of Fighting Vipers. The game features over 20 characters from the start of the game. With many more to unlock. The game has numerous modes: a training mode is featured that allows you to brush up on your technique, the usual 1 player tournament mode is featured, a team battle mode is featured, and a survial mode is featured to test your skill. The characters in the game feature broad move lists with some of the most bizarre moves ever seen in the history of fighting games. Now then, without further ado, let’s get onto the review.

Graphics- 7/10- The characters in this game, particularly the Fighting Vipers cast have some of the most unique character designs in history. The FV cast alone has a punk rocker, a skater, a G.I. Jane-esque character, and a big bear just to name a few. The VF characters aren’t quite as diverse a bunch, there’s a ninja, a fistherman, a wrestler, and a martial arts guy. The animation level in this game is beyond reproach; every single move in this game is as smooth as silk, it is quite obvious that every move in this game was painstakingly animated, there is nary a jittery animation in the game. The character models are pretty solid, but the joints on some of the characters look odd, in some cases it looks like the characters’ legs and arms are just hanging onto the body, but it doesn’t detract too much from the actual game. The polygon counts could be highter, as could the resolution, which has been lowered from Virtua Fighter 2, but, as with the joint problems, they don’t detract much from the actual game, just my score.

Pros- Excellent, original character design. Super smooth animation.
Cons- Joints look odd. Polygon count is lower than it was in Virtua Fighter 2. Resolution is lower than it was in Virtua Fighter 2.

Sound- 10/10- The music is excellent in FM, every stage features it’s own unique theme that fits the theme and/or setting of the level perfectly. The sound effects are excellent, they all add emphasis to the moves, making them seem very painful.

Pros- Excellent music. Sound effects are great.
Cons- None.

Gameplay- 10/10- Well, the game engines for both games are, for all intents and purposes, identical. The only differences between them are these: The VF series featured ring-outs (these have been eliminated in FM), the FV characters feature armor that can be broken during battle, the FV stages feature walls that can be used in battle, and the armor gives the FV characters more defensive power. The modes in the game are very well done; the training mode is one of the best ever in a fighting game, it allows you great freedom to practice whatever you want and to hone your skills. The team battle mode is an absolute blast to play, there are so many scenarios you can play out by using it, it’s not even funny. The survival mode gives you the chance to prove to yourself, and others, that you are the best. The 1 player tournament mode is where the game really shines though, this mode gives you three paths that you can take to victory: the Virtua Fighter path, in which you fight Virtua Fighter characters, the Fighting Vipers path, in which you fight Fighting Vipers characters, and finally, the Girls path, in which you fight the female fighters of the game. Each path has it’s own unique boss, and/or secret character. The sheer amount of characters in this game is staggering, sure 20+ characters might not seem like a lot (to some of you, that is), but that’s just the default character list. The gameplay is pretty balanced; for example, even though the FV characters have armor, the VF characters have armor breaking moves.

Pros- Well done modes. Tons of characters. Good game balance.
Cons- None.

Control- 10/10- The control is rock solid. Virtually every move in the game can be performed without a hitch, even the new, Virtua Fighter 3 moves that have been added to the VF characters. The control is very responsive and is never sloppy and unresponsive. Given the rather frantic nature of the game, and the complexity of some of the game’s moves, that is a very, very good thing.

Pros- Super responsive control. VF characters have new, VF3 moves.
Cons- None.

Challenge- 8/10- The game’s difficulty is adjustable, on the first few difficulty levels, the game is a cakewalk, on the later one’s, it’s nearly impossible.

Replay Value- 10/10- There is so much stuff to unlock in this game, it’s not even funny. You can unlock characters (and cars) from games all over the Sega universe, from Virtua Cop to Daytona USA. There are well over 20 secret characters in this game.

Presentation- 8/10- Some aspects on the game, particularly the backgrounds of menus are a bit on the bland side, but it’s no big deal because the menus are well laid out, as are the character lists.

Buy or Rent?- BUY- If you love fighing games, buy this game. If you don’t like fighting games, buy this one to find out why people are nuts about them. It shouldn’t set you back more than $15, and it’s more than worth the money.

Overall- 10/10- This is, without a shadow of a doubt, one of the best fighting games in history. It combines everything that makes a fighting game great; memorable characters, tight control, and excellent gameplay. This is a fighting game that all fighting game fans should have in their library.

Final Thought- As a huge fan of both the Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers series of games, I couln’t wait to buy the game. I can honestly say that this is my favorite fighting game of all time. And that my friends, is true.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 02/04/01, Updated 02/04/01