Fighter's History

"Knock OFF? You Decide!...."

Fighter's History....
....The game 8 out of 10 people call the SF2 RIP OFF?.!. Fighters History is actually the 3rd, 2D fighting game created by Data East, the 1st being ''Karate Champ''. Data East's 2nd 2D fighter was the first weapons based 2D fighting game called ''Hippodrome''.
-Gameplay-
The gameplay in FH is similar, but not identical to SF2. It's similar in how you execute the special attacks, can do the trip-fireball push-away (which if done to a cornered opponent leaves you wide open). Something original to FH is the ''Weak-Spot''. The ''Weak-Spot'' is a specific part on you or your opponents body, which when hit a few times will send that piece of gear/clothing flying off leaving you or your opponent DIZZY.
-Control-
FH uses a 6 button control identical to SF2. The control in FH is extremely Lenient and user-friendly. Where SF2 focused on two-in-ones, FH started the chain-special combos. In example of a chain-special combo with Ray is: Jump in hit hard kick, do a crouching light kick, do a standing hard punch, finishing with his Dynamite Tackle. The special moves and combos are very easy to execute.
-Graphics-
The animation and graphics in FH are above average. The characters are slightly smaller, but at the same time retain the high detail as their arcade counterparts. The backgrounds are illustrated very well, rich in color and have 2-4 layers of parallax scrolling, and the floor line-scrolls are nicely done.
-Character Designs-
6 of FH characters are mostly original in design, while the other 5, are not. Some people consider Ray a Ken (from SF2) clone. The main similarities between Ray & Ken is they both have blond hair. If you play Ray, you'll see he plays differently than Ken, the same can be said with Mizoguchi & Ryu, Fei Lin & Chun Li, Jean & Vega...... Now Matlock, Marstorious & Samchay are Knock-Off's of Guile, Zangief & Sagat. 2 original designs in FH are Lee & Clown. Lee is 100% original in design and his special moves, while Clown original in design, with his ''Pick-a-Card'' being his only original special move out of 4.
-Sound/Music-
The music and sound fx are almost identical to the ones in the arcade. FH is full of BIG sounding smacks, cracks and thuds. The music is bland, dry and not the most impressive. The voices are very well done, understandable and fit the characters flawlessly.
-Final Word-
So, is FH a SF2 RIP OFF? That depends......... The play mechanics are similar, and certain characters are Blunt knock-Off's. Aside from being the 1st 2D fighter to incorporate a character from one of their other games, and also being the first 2D fighter to have a Team Battle System (5 vs 5 in survival mode), FH is a great solid 2D fighter. Most will disagree, but FH is a great SNES translation of the arcade game. SHOULD I buy FH? Again that depends on you and what you like and dislike. If you like 2D fighters and still have your SNES, FH is a great alternative to SF2.

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/21/04