Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Art of Fighting stands out in the crowded field of 1990s fighting games thanks to its innovative Spirit meter mechanic. Unlike most fighters where special moves rely solely on button inputs, Art of Fighting forces you to manage a finite resource. Every time Ryo Sakazaki or Robert Garcia unleashes a fireball or a powerful uppercut, the Spirit meter ticks down. This layer of resource management adds strategic depth, compelling players to weigh offensive bursts against conserving Spirit for critical moments.

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The recharging system adds another tactical wrinkle. If you choose to refill your Spirit meter mid-match, your character becomes vulnerable to enemy attacks. That risk-reward balance turns each moment into a potential turning point: do you press forward with risky offense, or retreat momentarily to rebuild and risk an incoming combo? This dynamic keeps matches tense from the opening bell to the final round.

When your health bar is on its last sliver and the Spirit meter is full, you can execute a hidden super move—a cinematic, high-damage attack that can instantly sway momentum. Discovering and mastering these secret combinations is immensely satisfying. Although the arcade version locks out fan-favorite bosses Mr. Big and the elusive Mr. Karate as playable characters, the core roster still offers enough variety to keep button-mashers and combo enthusiasts equally invested.

Graphics

Art of Fighting was a graphical powerhouse upon release, pushing the Neo Geo hardware to its limits. Character sprites are larger than in many contemporaries, allowing for more detailed animations and expressive punch and kick impacts. Watching Ryo’s gi flare or Robert’s hair sway mid-attack adds visual flair that few fighters of the era could match.

The stages themselves are richly painted, capturing the gritty underbelly of South Town with neon signs, flickering streetlamps, and seedy back-alley storefronts. Background characters mill about, reacting to the fight unfolding before them. This attention to environmental detail enhances immersion, making you feel like your duel really matters in a living, breathing world.

Sprite clipping and slowdown occur only in the most hectic rounds, a testament to the developers’ optimization. Even when both fighters unleash super moves back-to-back, the game rarely stutters. While modern eyes may see pixel edges, at the time this visual fidelity was cutting edge—and it still retains a timeless, retro charm that appeals to arcade purists and nostalgia seekers alike.

Story

On the narrative front, Art of Fighting offers more than just arcade brawling. The opening premise—Yuri Sakazaki’s kidnapping—immediately hooks players with personal stakes. Ryo Sakazaki, her determined big brother, teams up with Robert Garcia, his best friend and fellow martial artist, to scour South Town’s darkest corners in a quest for truth and justice.

As you progress through successive fights, fragments of dialogue and cutscenes reveal clues about who orchestrated the abduction, the Sakazaki family’s unexpected ties to organized crime, and a shadowy figure from Ryo and Robert’s past. These story beats aren’t shoehorned in; they unfold organically between rounds, rewarding completionists who play through arcade mode to the bitter end.

While the plot leans on classic martial-arts tropes—honor, family loyalty, and redemption—it’s elevated by memorable characters and surprising twists. You’ll find yourself invested in uncovering the mastermind behind Yuri’s disappearance, which adds weight to each match. The storyline’s pacing ensures that every victory or defeat feels like a step closer to the truth.

Overall Experience

Art of Fighting remains an essential experience for fans of arcade-style fighters and retro gamers alike. The unique Spirit meter system and secret super moves differentiate it from its peers, offering a depth that rewards both tactical play and flashy execution. For newcomers, the learning curve is inviting but challenging, promising a rewarding payoff once you master meter management.

Despite its age, the game’s graphics and sound design hold up remarkably well. The detailed sprite work, atmospheric stages, and energetic soundtrack work in harmony to create an immersive fighting experience. Each match feels like an event, with visual and audio cues underscoring the impact of every blow.

Whether you’re seeking a nostalgic trip back to the golden age of Neo Geo or a solid competitive fighter with strategic flair, Art of Fighting delivers. Its blend of resource management, engaging storyline, and polished presentation make it a standout title that still resonates with players. For anyone building a collection of classic beat ’em ups, this is a must-have.

Retro Replay Score

6.8/10