Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fightin’ Spirit delivers a straightforward one-on-one beat ’em up experience that’s immediately accessible yet offers layers for dedicated players. Each fighter boasts unique strengths, from Burke’s disciplined, soldier-like attacks to Eric’s raw, brawler-style combos. The inclusion of ten diverse characters—such as Tong Lee, who morphs into a fierce tiger, and Lorente, who pounces as a puma—adds both variety and strategic depth to the roster.

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Executing special moves feels rewarding thanks to the classic joystick or pad motion inputs followed by a quick tap of the fire button. Whether you’re pulling off lightning-fast tiger claw swipes or unleashing a brutal puma leap, the command inputs are responsive, even when toggling turbo mode for breakneck pacing. The ability to switch blood on or off lets you dial up the intensity or keep things more family-friendly.

Where Fightin’ Spirit truly shines is in its multiplayer options. Besides the standard versus mode, you can organize tag-team matches and even small tournaments—either local or via linked CD32 setups. Support for CD32 controllers and one-button joysticks means you can use whatever pad you have on hand without compromising control fidelity. Overall, the gameplay loop is tight, competitive, and infinitely replayable.

Graphics

Visually, Fightin’ Spirit leans into a gritty, street-fight aesthetic that perfectly complements its underground tournament premise. Character sprites are well-detailed, with each fighter’s attire and facial expressions conveying distinct personalities—Burke’s camo fatigues contrast sharply with Eric’s leather jacket and chains. Animal transformations are particularly eye-catching, as Tong Lee’s tiger form sports realistic stripes and fluid animations.

The backgrounds capture the seedy, late-night feel of illicit fight arenas, from neon-lit back alleys to dimly lit warehouse interiors. Subtle animations—like flickering lights or stray cats in the shadows—help build atmosphere without distracting from the action. Frame rates remain smooth, even when the screen is filled with punch effects and blood splatters in turbo mode.

Special move effects pop off the screen with vivid color and dynamic motion blur, reinforcing the power behind each super attack. Whether it’s a fire-tinged whirlwind or the blur of a charging puma, these visual flourishes underscore the high stakes of the competition. While the graphics won’t rival modern 3D fighters, they represent a high point for their era and hardware.

Story

Fightin’ Spirit’s narrative is refreshingly concise, focusing squarely on an underground brawler competition orchestrated by a mysterious gang overlord. You’re not saving the world—you’re auditioning for the next rung in the criminal underworld’s hierarchy. This premise gives every match a tangible sense of urgency and stakes, even if the overarching plot never strays far from the ring.

Character backstories emerge through brief pre-fight intros rather than lengthy cutscenes, which means you get just enough context to care about each fighter’s motivations. Burke enters to prove his military discipline is still top-tier, while Eric fights to defend his biker clan’s honor. These simple setups work well in a beat ’em up context, letting you jump right into the action.

Although the story isn’t the focal point, the tournament and tag-team modes add layers of narrative possibility. Winning in tournament mode feels like you’re climbing the ranks, and tag-team battles foster camaraderie—whether you’re dueling alongside Tong Lee’s beastly alter ego or teaming up with Lorente’s puma prowess. It’s a lean narrative, but it keeps the momentum high.

Overall Experience

Fightin’ Spirit stands out as a solid choice for fans of classic beat ’em ups who crave straightforward, skill-based combat. Its roster diversity, coupled with animal transformations, keeps each match fresh. The responsive controls and turbo speed option ensure that both casual players and seasoned veterans can find enjoyment at their own pace.

While the graphics may feel dated to some, they exude charm and personality, and the fluid animations make every punch and claw swipe feel impactful. The ability to toggle blood means you can customize the level of violence to suit your preference, and the CD32 controller support opens up more ways to play. Local head-to-head battles and tag-team tournaments are where this game truly shines, offering hours of competitive fun.

In an era crowded with complex fighters, Fightin’ Spirit’s straightforward, gritty approach is a welcome breath of fresh air. It neither overcomplicates its mechanics nor overstays its welcome, delivering a punch-packed package that remains engaging from the first bout to the final knockout. If you’re hunting for a solid, no-frills beat ’em up with enough depth to keep you coming back, this underground brawler deserves a spot in your collection.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10