Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Fighting Masters delivers a stripped-down, old-school one-on-one fighting experience that emphasizes timing and strategy over flashy combos. With only three action buttons—attack, block, and jump—the learning curve is deceptively shallow yet surprisingly deep in its tactical implications. Players must master the nuance of positioning, since jumping requires walking in a direction before pressing the jump key, making aerial assaults feel weighty and intentional rather than instantaneous.

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Despite the absence of elaborate combo chains, the attack button yields a variety of strikes depending on your character’s stance and proximity to the opponent. Special moves are limited but impactful, encouraging you to reserve them for opportune moments. The real star of the show lies in the wrestling-inspired holds, where fighters can grapple, slam, or toss opponents against the arena wall—each resulting in massive damage. Executing and escaping holds becomes a thrilling mind game of prediction and counterplay.

Fighting Masters features twelve unique fighters—each representing one of the twelve star systems vying for survival. Some characters excel in speed, darting in for quick jabs, while others focus on raw power, delivering bone-crushing hits at a slower pace. This roster diversity ensures that you’ll find a warrior whose strengths align with your preferred style. Beyond standard one- and two-player matches, the watch mode allows you to sit back and observe AI-versus-AI battles, offering both entertainment and a chance to study tactics.

Graphics

Graphically, Fighting Masters embraces the pixel-art aesthetics of its era, presenting chunky, colorful sprites that stand out crisply against the backdrop of each stage. While the character animations are relatively simple—lacking the fluidity of later fighting games—they possess a charm that evokes the early days of console brawlers. Each fighter’s distinct palette and silhouette make it easy to identify opponents even in the heat of battle.

The arenas themselves are varied and atmospheric, depicting planetary landscapes, ancient temples, and high-tech alien coliseums. Subtle background animations—like flickering torches or distant starfields—add depth without distracting from the combat. Though the resolution and detail won’t compete with modern titles, the game’s stylistic consistency and vibrant color choices hold up well for a retro release.

Sound design complements the visuals with punchy hit effects and an energetic soundtrack that ramps up the intensity. Though the tunes loop frequently, they capture the competitive spirit driving the interstellar tournament. Occasional voice clips and battle cries further enhance the immersion, ensuring that each blow feels as impactful as it looks on-screen.

Story

At its narrative core, Fighting Masters presents a high-stakes premise: a colossal red sun is on the brink of supernova, threatening countless civilizations across the galaxy. In a bid to ensure the survival of at least one system, the omnipotent Primaries organize a grand tournament, inviting one champion from each of the twelve imperiled star systems. Victory means salvation; defeat spells extinction.

While the story unfolds primarily through an introductory scroll and brief character bios, it provides enough context to invest players in the outcome of each match. Every warrior enters the arena with a personal motive—revenge for lost kin, hope for a dying world, or the quest to prove themselves worthy before the Primaries. These backstories, though concise, lend emotional weight to each fight and foster attachment to your chosen fighter.

The minimalist storytelling approach keeps the focus on gameplay while still delivering a sense of urgency. Between bouts, small victory screens offer glimpses of how triumph or defeat impacts each star system. This narrative device effectively ties every skirmish to the overarching goal of cosmic salvation, making each win feel both personal and universal.

Overall Experience

Fighting Masters stands as a testament to the lean, strategic design of early fighting games. Its simple control scheme may initially feel restrictive, but this constraint breeds creativity in timing, spacing, and mind games. Matches are brisk and tense, with a satisfying balance between risk and reward in every exchange.

Though its graphics and sound reflect the technical limitations of its time, the game’s colorful art direction and punchy audio cues remain engaging. The roster of twelve distinct fighters, coupled with varied arenas and a succinct yet compelling story framework, keeps the experience fresh across multiple play sessions. The watch mode is a thoughtful inclusion, offering both entertainment and a means to study the AI’s tactics.

Ultimately, Fighting Masters offers a charming retro brawl for players seeking a straightforward, skill-driven fighter with a galactic twist. While it may not boast the depth or polish of modern titles, its unique premise and tactical emphasis make it a worthwhile addition to any enthusiast’s collection—especially those with a fondness for vintage arcade-style combat.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10