Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Groove on Fight: Gōketsuji Ichizoku 3 reinvents the classic Power Instinct formula by shifting to a team-based 2-on-2 format, letting you freely tag between two chosen fighters a la X-Men vs. Street Fighter. Each combatant brings unique strengths—one may excel at rushedown combos, while the other handles zoning—so switching at the right moment becomes central to your strategy. This dynamic encourages experimentation with pairings, as certain characters’ special moves can be chained across both fighters for extended, high-damage combos.

(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 👍)

Beyond simple tagging, the game adds a dedicated dodge button for quick evasive maneuvers and a knockout attack that can turn the tide when timed correctly. These new mechanics layer additional mind games into every exchange: will you bait your opponent into a full-screen knockout attempt or slip in a surprise tag to punish their recovery? Versus mode even supports up to four players simultaneously, making for chaotic couch sessions where teams coordinate tag-in mix-ups and creative cross-screen traps.

Compared to previous entries in the series, Groove on Fight feels faster and more aggressive. The emphasis on tagging and specialized attacks keeps matches fresh, but it can also be daunting for newcomers unused to juggling two health bars and dual special meters. Veteran fighting-game fans will appreciate the depth and risk-reward balance of the new dodge and knockout systems, though mastering them requires dedicated practice in the arcade or training modes.

Graphics

Visually, Groove on Fight embraces a dark retro-futuristic aesthetic that sets it apart from the brighter, more cartoonish look of earlier Power Instinct titles. Character sprites are rendered with crisp pixel art, showcasing fluid animations for each punch, kick, and special move. Background stages range from neon-lit cityscapes to industrial complexes dripping with dystopian flair, reinforcing the game’s gritty atmosphere.

The hardware handles the on-screen action smoothly, even when two fighters unleash simultaneous super moves. Parallax scrolling in several stages adds a sense of depth, while subtle effects—like sparks flying off a blocked blow or the distortion of an energy projectile—give each clash extra impact. Though it may lack the high resolution of modern titles, the game’s spritework remains charmingly detailed and full of personality.

Against its contemporaries on the same arcade boards, Groove on Fight holds its own thanks to its distinct color palette and inventive stage designs. While it might not boast the largest roster of special effects or the most elaborate background animations, the cohesive visual theme and consistent frame rate make battles feel smooth and immersive—an essential quality for any satisfying 2D fighter.

Story

Set decades after the last Power Instinct tournament, Groove on Fight throws players into a world where the Gouketsuji clan’s bloodlines have thinned, forcing the ancient fighting contest open to foreign families. This narrative shift introduces a completely new cast, each seeking to claim the title of clan head in a contest where tradition collides with a high-tech, almost cyberpunk environment.

Story mode unfolds through brief but engaging cutscenes that frame each challenger’s motivations—whether it’s a street-wise martial artist looking to restore honor or a techno-samurai fighting to prove that tradition can survive in a modern age. Dialogue is sparse but effective, conveying enough personality to care about each bout without slowing down the action. Although fully voiced dialogue is minimal, character portraits and expressive animations help bring the quirky roster to life.

Progression in story mode feels rewarding: you face off against rival teams, climb the bracket, and ultimately turn on your own partner in a dramatic finale to determine who commands the Gouketsuji legacy. Hidden endings and character-specific epilogues add replay value, encouraging players to explore different team combinations and uncover every facet of this futuristic clan drama.

Overall Experience

Groove on Fight: Gōketsuji Ichizoku 3 offers a refreshing spin on the Power Instinct series by combining tag-team mechanics with a moody, retro-futuristic world and a fresh roster. Its fast-paced, strategic gameplay rewards both flashy combos and tactical decision-making, making every match feel like a high-stakes duel. The added dodge and knockout systems deepen the competitive layer, appealing to seasoned fighting-game enthusiasts.

That said, the learning curve can be steep for newcomers. Juggling two characters’ health and super meters while mastering new defensive options demands patience and practice. Graphically, while the pixel art is solid and the stages atmospheric, players used to sleeker modern fighters may find the presentation dated. Additionally, the sprawling cast means some characters feel more balanced than others, which can lead to occasional match-up frustrations.

Overall, Groove on Fight is a hidden gem for fans of 2D tag-team fighters and retro arcade action. Its unique aesthetic, inventive mechanics, and inventive story mode deliver an experience that stands out among mid-’90s fighting games. If you’re searching for an underappreciated classic to test your skills—preferably with friends in four-player Versus mode—this entry in the Gōketsuji Ichizoku saga is well worth your time.

Retro Replay Score

null/10