Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring builds a robust fighting system that feels deceptively simple at first glance. The core of combat revolves around three attack heights—high, mid, and low—mapped to the triangle, square, and X buttons respectively. This height-based approach creates a rock-paper-scissors dynamic: a well-timed high guard will beat mid attacks, while low guard counters low strikes. Layered on top are special moves triggered by the circle button, which consume portions of a replenishing “special” meter and can turn the tide in a tight match.

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Lock-on targeting and free-run movement give fighters room to breathe in each arena. Choosing free-run allows for 360-degree positioning and more strategic spacing, while lock-on focuses your movement directly around the opponent for combo setups. Jump, guard, and directional inputs round out the control scheme, ensuring veteran arcade players and newcomers alike can find a comfortable playstyle. The universal health bar across every character keeps the balance tight, making speed versus damage considerations crucial regardless of your pick.

Beyond the core tournament mode, Ehrgeiz packs in a quartet of arcade mini-games for bursts of button-mashing fun. Battle Beach turns you into a sprinting powerhouse, challenging you to mash your way through a triathlon. Battle Square transforms the ring into an Othello-style disco board, where stepping on tiles flips territory in your favor. Infinity Battle tests your stamina with endless foes, while the quirky foot–race game uses standard fighting inputs for an absurd, frantic dash to the finish line. Each mini-game serves as a palate cleanser between serious bouts and offers unlockable rewards to keep you coming back.

Perhaps the crown jewel is Brand New Quest, an RPG-style dungeon crawler grafted onto the fighting engine. Two characters (or just one, if you prefer) delve through 25 levels of randomly generated corridors, battling monsters with punches, kicks, and weapon strikes. You’ll find and equip swords, staves, armor, and classic Final Fantasy materia, all while managing hunger and character stats. The hunger mechanic ties directly into level-up bonuses—eat meat for strength, minerals for dexterity, carbs for speed, lipids for defense, and vitamins for magic prowess—making each dive into the dungeon a strategic affair beyond pure button inputs.

Graphics

On the PlayStation hardware, Ehrgeiz delivers surprisingly detailed character models that hold up even today. Each fighter boasts distinct silhouettes and animations: Cloud’s broadsword swings feel hefty, Red XIII bounds with animal agility, and the smaller ninja characters dart around with lightning speed. Facial expressions during victory poses or special move executions add personality, ensuring every punch and projectile carries character flair.

The arenas themselves are varied and immersive, from sun-soaked European squares to moonlit Japanese temples. Textured floors and dynamic lighting effects lend atmosphere to each battle. While load times and frame rates occasionally hiccup during transitions, once the fight begins the game consistently holds a smooth 30 frames per second, crucial for timing-based clashes.

Cutscenes, especially those in Brand New Quest, mix pre-rendered backgrounds with in-engine models to convey narrative moments. The cooking and shopping interludes are illustrated with charming static art and UI flourishes that feel lifted from early Final Fantasy titles. Even the simple HUD elements—health bar, special meter, and mini-map—stay out of the way, cleanly conveying vital information without obtrusion.

Particle effects for spells and special attacks pop off the screen with vibrant colors. From Sephiroth’s blade-devouring Masamune slash to Yuffie’s kunai storm, each action feels impactful. The combination of bright magic hues against darker dungeon corridors or neon-lit rooftops makes special attacks visually rewarding and easy to follow amid the mayhem.

Story

At the heart of Ehrgeiz’s arcade tournament lies a simple—but effective—premise: fighters from around the globe compete for a legendary sword of unknown origin. This MacGuffin serves as a loose thread tying together an eclectic roster, ranging from traditional martial artists to animalistic brawlers, and even crossover stars like Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth. Each character’s ending sequence gives a brief glimpse into their motivations, adding flavor without bogging down the action.

For fans of Final Fantasy VII, seeing Cloud and friends duke it out in an arcade arena is pure fan service. Their trademark spells and Limit Break-style specials translate seamlessly into Ehrgeiz’s engine—watching Vincent summon Galian Beast or Yuffie whirl through opponents with shuriken on screen feels nostalgic and fresh all at once. While the arcade mode’s plot remains light, the individual character arcs in their victory movies provide rationale for why Tifa might end up embroiled in a tournament rather than fighting Shinra.

Brand New Quest expands the narrative significantly, turning Ehrgeiz into a hybrid experience. You create or choose one of two protagonists to explore the Abyssal Dungeon, uncover hidden chambers, and confront bosses who guard keys to deeper levels. Along the way, you’ll interact with NPCs in a home base, manage inventory, and piece together lore about the mysterious tower you’re delving into. It’s a surprising twist that rewards players seeking more than one-off fights.

The hunger system and equipment progression in Brand New Quest are more than gimmicks—they tie into the game’s worldbuilding. Gathering materia to cast spells or hunting food ingredients feels like an homage to the early days of console RPGs. The convergence of fighting and dungeon-delving narratives gives Ehrgeiz a layer of depth rare in the genre, making you care about leveling up and equipping the right gear before the next boss fight.

Overall Experience

Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring stands out as a unique blend of arcade fighting and RPG exploration. The core combat is deep enough for tournament veterans, with balanced matchups and varied playstyles that reward mastery of height-based attacks and guard timing. Casual players will also appreciate the accessible controls and the joy of pulling off flashy special moves that feel distinctly “Final Fantasy” in flair.

The supplemental modes add significant replay value. Whether you’re chasing high scores in Battle Beach, strategizing tile flips in Battle Square, or dissecting dungeon layouts in Brand New Quest, there’s always a fresh challenge waiting. Unlockable costumes, secret characters, and ending movies provide the carrot on the stick that keeps you invested long after you’ve mastered the basics.

Graphically and aurally, the title remains charming decades after its release. Character animations retain weight and detail, while music cues—ranging from driving percussion in the fighter arenas to ambient tunes in the dungeon—heighten immersion. Minor technical hiccups exist, but never to the point of derailing the experience.

For prospective buyers, Ehrgeiz offers an unusually rich package. It’s both a competitive fighter worthy of arcade glory and a light RPG that scratches the exploration itch. Final Fantasy VII enthusiasts will relish the cameo fighters, but even those new to the franchise can appreciate the tight mechanics and content variety. In a genre often focused on one-note experiences, Ehrgeiz dares to do more—and does it well.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10