Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Body Blows delivers a straightforward yet surprisingly deep one-on-one fighting experience. Drawing inspiration from contemporaries such as Street Fighter II, it pares down the control scheme to a single-button layout, forcing players to master directional inputs combined with button presses to execute special attacks. This design choice feels intuitive on the Amiga’s one-button joystick and encourages experimentation with move lists rather than button-mashing.

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The real skill in Body Blows emerges when chaining regular punches and kicks into special techniques. Each of the four playable characters—identical brothers Dan and Nik, the disciplined Buddhist monk Lo-Ray, and the scrappy former boxer Junior—has a unique repertoire of moves. Learning when to hold down the fire button for “super specials” and how to weave them into combos adds a rewarding layer of strategy, particularly when facing tougher CPU opponents.

While there isn’t an elaborate tutorial mode, the learning curve is gentle enough to pick up on the fly. The AI ramps up gradually, allowing newcomers to get comfortable with timing and spacing before facing the more challenging bosses: from a swift ninja warrior to a sardonic businessman whose post-fight quip “I’m sorry about that” has become legendary among Amiga fighting fans. This balance of accessibility and depth makes each match feel competitive, whether you’re testing your skills in single-player or going head-to-head with a friend.

Graphics

Visually, Body Blows stands out as one of the more colorful and polished fighting games on the Amiga. The sprites are large and well-defined, with each character boasting distinct animations that convey weight and personality. Dan and Nik deliver hard-hitting blows with satisfying recoil, while Lo-Ray’s fluid martial arts stances and Junior’s flailing hooks give the roster a nice variety of movement styles.

Backgrounds play a starring role in setting the stage for each battle. From the dusty sands of a beach arena to the skeletal framework of a half-built tower crane, the locales are vibrant and animated. Flags ripple in the wind, spectators pump their fists, and occasional environmental details—like a passing seagull or a blinking neon sign—add life without distracting from the main action.

Despite the limitations of the Amiga hardware, Team17’s designers have squeezed out smooth frame rates and responsive character sprites. Occasional flicker is kept to a minimum, and the game’s bold color palette makes each stage pop. While it may lack some of the polish seen in arcade originals, Body Blows stands proudly among homebrew fighters, making the most of what the platform can offer.

Story

Body Blows doesn’t lean heavily on narrative, opting instead for a simple tournament setup that gets you into the ring quickly. Behind each fighter is a snippet of backstory: Dan and Nik are feuding siblings seeking to prove who’s the stronger brother, Lo-Ray is on a spiritual journey to test his discipline, and Junior hopes victory will redeem his tarnished boxing career.

The roster of adversaries is equally colorful, ranging from a stealthy ninja on a mission to restore his clan’s honor, to a sharply dressed corporate type who turns his boardroom bravado into a brutal fighting style. Even a slender Spanish kickboxer joins the fray, bringing lightning-fast leg strikes and a hint of mystery to her motivations. These brief character descriptions inject personality into what might otherwise be a purely mechanical affair.

Between matches, you’re treated to minimal cutscenes or text pop-ups—just enough to remind you why you’re fighting without bogging down the pace. The focus remains firmly on the action, but the varied cast and tongue-in-cheek quips (especially the businessman’s “I’m sorry about that”) give the tournament a playful charm that keeps you invested fight after fight.

Overall Experience

Body Blows stands as a testament to what skilled developers can achieve on the Amiga’s hardware. Its tight controls, varied character roster, and eye-catching stages come together to create a fighting game that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether you’re a retro enthusiast or a newcomer curious about classic beat ’em ups, this title offers hours of engaging play.

The one-button control scheme may raise eyebrows for those accustomed to multi-button modern fighters, but it becomes second nature after a few bouts. Mastery of directional inputs and move timing is rewarded with satisfying combos and dramatic special attacks. The learning curve strikes a solid balance, making the game approachable without sacrificing depth.

In an era crowded with arcade ports and crowded control pads, Body Blows carves out its own niche. Its simplicity is its strength, delivering instant pick-up-and-play fun while still offering room for advanced tactics. If you own an Amiga and crave a polished, vibrant one-on-one brawler, Body Blows is an essential addition to your library.

Retro Replay Score

7.1/10