"The Grandaddy of Import Fighting Games"

True fighting gamers, who relentlessly search out fighting games over great spans of time and space, know that without Magic Beast Warriors in their collection, they can never declare greatness. I hope this review will inspire you to seek it out and enjoy this rare 2-D classic.
After the Play station logo fades from the screen, you're treated to a full motion video of each of the 9 characters, all ranging from personalities from Asian mythology to a 6 armed, mechanized, she-devil of a boss nasty.
Modes! Let's talk modes. MBW has only two modes: Story and Versus. HA! Sink or swim, no sissy training mode and (get this) NO OPTIONS! Arcade pure baby! You get 99 seconds per round, only 3 round matches and no handicaps. This is the fighting game children of Pong can relate to, yet may not hold the attention of the next generation.

Versus: Intense, white knuckle combat. The survivor is awarded a short FMV of their character. Nuff said.

Story: You are the mystical monkey hero Songoku, on a quest to save Princess Rice Cake from the evil clutches of Natataishi, the 6 armed she devil(who is playable in versus). Along the way, challengers who fall to you in battle join your crusade and become selectable in the case you grow tired of just using Songoku. (Heaven forbid!)

Graphics: Mortal Kombat meets H.R. Puff N' Stuff !!! People dressed up in foam rubber costumes - you just have to see it to believe it. Compared to todays standards, the animation is a bit choppy, but the fun factor and the cool special moves takes the edge off. The backgrounds are all funky FMV of horrific monsters(sock puppet serpents playing in New York after it's destruction). They're a bit grainy, but it helps the characters stand out.

Control: Butter. Its simple execution of moves(taps and Capcom-ish motions) allows you to enjoy the full fighting experience. This is the game Play station controllers were made for.

Sound: Early 80's Japanese Rock! Nothing better to get the blood boiling I tell you. Each stage has its own ''flavor'' of music to set the mood. Sound effects (grunts, screams, clashing metal, fiery explosions) are all here and well done

Replay Value: Infinite! Honor for this game keeps it from ending up in your ''once a year play neglected games party'' with the likes of Primal Rage and Galaxy fight. Make MBW part of your daily routine.

Why did I give Magic Beast Warriors a 9 ? Because a wise gamer once said that no matter how perfect a game may seem, always leave room for improvement. Good luck finding this game. I suggest setting the auction sites to email you if it pops up.

Praise be to Wiggly, a mighty and worthy video game warlord.
Thanks GAME FAQs for being there when I need you.

Grid Mortis

Reviewer's Score: 9/10 | Originally Posted: 12/19/00, Updated 12/19/00

Liked this review? Click here to recommend this item to other users.