Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Final Fight delivers a classic 2D side-scrolling beat ’em up experience that still holds up decades later. Players choose from three distinct heroes—former wrestler and Metro City mayor Mike Haggar, street-fighter Guy, or Cody, Jessica’s determined boyfriend—and battle through six crime-ridden districts to rescue Haggar’s kidnapped daughter. Each character offers a unique combat style: Haggar’s powerful grapples, Guy’s swift ninja techniques, and Cody’s balanced punches and kicks give the game strong replay value.

(HEY YOU!! We hope you enjoy! We try not to run ads. So basically, this is a very expensive hobby running this site. Please consider joining us for updates, forums, and more. Network w/ us to make some cash or friends while retro gaming, and you can win some free retro games for posting. Okay, carry on 👍)

Combat is straightforward but deep. You’ll jab, hook, throw and unleash jump kicks on a rogues’ gallery ranging from knife-wielding thugs to firebomb-throwing maniacs and hulking wrestlers. Environmental weapons such as pipes or trash can lids can be picked up and used against enemies, adding an extra layer of strategy. Boss encounters at the end of each stage test your mastery of timing, spacing and crowd control.

Different home ports introduce small gameplay tweaks that change the challenge. The Sega CD version’s Time Attack mode encourages you to dispatch foes as efficiently as possible under a ticking clock, while the limited on-screen enemy count (four at once) slightly alters crowd-control strategies. On the Commodore 64 port, only two enemies appear simultaneously, which can make some sections feel surprisingly easy—or let you focus on individual combat. Whatever the platform, Final Fight’s tight controls and varied enemy types ensure every street feels like a gauntlet worth running.

Graphics

Final Fight’s arcade roots shine through in its colorful sprite work and detailed urban backdrops. The stages—from grimy alleys strewn with debris to neon-lit club fronts—are rife with visual touches that bring Metro City’s criminal underbelly to life. Character animations are fluid, with each punch, kick and throw feeling weighty and impactful, reinforcing the visceral thrill of brawling through waves of enemies.

On the Sega CD, the core visuals remain faithful to the arcade, but the console’s additional palette depth adds subtle shading and richer backgrounds. However, with only four enemies rendered per screen, some large-scale melees lose a bit of the original’s crowded chaos. The Commodore 64 port scales down backgrounds and sprites more drastically, yet still captures the game’s gritty atmosphere—even if you’ll notice simplified color schemes and blockier animations.

Though the SNES version diverges enough to warrant its own entry, the original Final Fight’s graphics retain a distinct charm. Each character and enemy is instantly recognizable, and the bosses’ exaggerated proportions and unique designs ensure that every fight feels visually distinct. Flicker is minimal in the arcade and well-managed in most home versions, so you can keep your focus on pulling off that devastating combo rather than worrying about performance hiccups.

Story

At its core, Final Fight’s narrative is simple but effective: the Mad Gear Gang has taken over Metro City’s streets and kidnapped Jessica Haggar, and only three brave fighters stand between the criminal horde and a hopeful rescue. This straightforward setup provides enough motivation to power through wave after wave of enemies without bogging down the action with overly complex plot twists.

The arcade intro lays out the stakes in just a few seconds, letting you jump right into the fray. In the Sega CD port, voice-acted cutscenes at the beginning and end add personality to each hero and heighten the sense of urgency surrounding Jessica’s plight. Though the voice work is a bit campy by modern standards, it amplifies the B-movie charm and gives players a clearer emotional connection to Haggar’s mission.

While Final Fight doesn’t dwell on lengthy dialogue or branching story paths, its lean approach to narrative ensures that every beat—kidnapping, assault through gang territory, final showdown—feels purposeful. This tight storytelling loop drives the gameplay forward and rewards players with a satisfying conclusion once the last Mad Gear boss falls.

Overall Experience

Final Fight remains a benchmark for side-scrolling beat ’em ups, blending tight controls, memorable characters and varied level design into an addictive package. Its pick-up-and-play appeal makes it perfect for both quick sessions and extended playthroughs, while the escalating difficulty curve keeps veteran players engaged. The simple rescue plot gives context to the violence without slowing down the pace, making each new area feel like a fresh challenge to overcome.

Home ports add value and variation: the Sega CD’s Time Attack and voice-acted intros/credit scenes, the C64’s scaled-down but faithful rendition, and the SNES reinterpretation each offer something unique. Retro collectors will appreciate tracking down different versions, while newcomers may find the Sega CD edition the most feature-rich. Regardless of platform, you’re in for a brawling good time.

For anyone seeking a slice of arcade history or a definitive beat-’em-up experience, Final Fight stands the test of time. Its combination of engaging gameplay, evocative urban visuals, lean but motivating story, and multiple platform releases make it a must-have for fans of action-packed retro gaming. Lace up your gloves and prepare to punch, kick and throw your way to victory!

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10