Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

From the moment you pick up the controller, Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side feels like a substantial upgrade over its Genesis predecessor. The roster swells to thirteen immediately selectable fighters, each boasting new special moves and combo strings that weren’t possible in the original. This expanded lineup gives players more freedom to craft unique offense and defense styles, keeping bouts fresh even after dozens of matches.

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Beyond the initial selection, there are twelve hidden characters waiting to be unlocked through dedicated play. Discovering each secret combatant becomes a rewarding side quest in itself—certain unlocks require pulling off specific move combinations, while others hinge on finishing matches under stringent conditions. This treasure hunt element adds layers of longevity, challenging both casual button-mashers and hardcore fighting enthusiasts alike.

Balance remains a priority throughout. Though some characters naturally gravitate toward rushdown or zoning tactics, the developers have tweaked frame data and hitboxes so that no single fighter dominates the roster. Whether you prefer the agile footwork of Jetta or the brute force of Xavier, each matchup feels meaningful and strategic. The refined AI also adapts to repeated patterns, prompting players to continually mix up their approaches.

For those seeking multiplayer showdowns, local versus remains as hectic and satisfying as ever. The learning curve is approachable, thanks to a training mode that clearly outlines new moves and fatalities. Between expertly timed reversals, well-placed projectiles, and cinematic “Overkill” finishers, every encounter becomes a memorable contest of skill and timing.

Graphics

Challenge from the Dark Side leans heavily on its CD-based enhancements to deliver a visual feast. Sprites have been redrawn with sharper outlines, richer color gradients, and smoother animations that heighten the sense of impact in hand-to-hand clashes. Each attack feels weighty, with satisfying wind-up frames and flourish effects that punctuate successful hits.

Where this edition truly shines is in its CGI cutscenes. The opening cinematic sets a dark, ominous tone as time itself unravels, introducing the premise of immortal warriors vying to avert a catastrophic future. Between rounds, brief story vignettes and “fatality” sequences blend hand-drawn art with early 3D models, creating a distinctive aesthetic that still holds up despite its retro charm.

Background stages are equally ambitious. From a neon-lit urban skyline to a crumbling temple, each arena is painstakingly detailed, complete with animated elements like flickering lights, falling debris, or onlooking crowds. These moving backdrops imbue each fight with personality, ensuring the scenery never feels like mere wallpaper.

While CD-quality FMV clips occasionally exhibit pixelation common to the era, they remain an impressive showcase of the format’s potential. The contrast between in-game sprites and pre-rendered sequences might feel jarring at times, but it underlines the game’s purpose: to push the hardware to its limits and deliver an immersive cinematic experience.

Story

At its core, Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side revolves around a time-tossed contest organized by an omnipotent being known only as “The Eternal Champion.” Thirteen fighters, plucked from different epochs, are tasked with preventing an impending apocalypse. Each character’s backstory is woven into the narrative through brief but evocative CGI introductions, setting up personal motivations that range from vengeance to redemption.

The additional secret characters add intriguing subplots that were absent in the original Genesis release. Unlocking them not only expands gameplay options but also unravels side chapters—stories of lost siblings, corrupted champions, and alternate timelines that deepen the overarching mythos. While the core plot remains straightforward, these behind-the-scenes revelations reward thorough exploration.

Cinematic kills and outros further flesh out each combatant’s fate. Victory sequences vary dramatically, from heroic triumphs to chillingly ironic demises, offering a morbid sense of closure at the end of each arcade run. Although the narrative framework takes a backseat to the fighting action, the story interludes are well-paced and visually engaging enough to keep lore-hungry players invested.

Ultimately, the story serves as a compelling backdrop rather than the main attraction. It encourages multiple playthroughs to witness every character arc and hidden twist, adding narrative-driven replayability that complements the game’s technical enhancements.

Overall Experience

Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side strikes a satisfying balance between nostalgia and innovation. Fans of the original Genesis title will appreciate the expanded movelists, secret roster, and polished visuals, while newcomers get a robust fighting game that still feels fresh despite its 1990s origins. The CD enhancements—CGI cutscenes, redrawn sprites, and high-fidelity music—elevate the package into something that stands on its own merits.

The sound design, featuring CD-quality remixes of the iconic soundtrack, is a standout. Thumping bass lines and crisp percussion accompany each bout, amplifying the tension and energy of every encounter. Voice samples during special moves and finishers add extra flair, reminding players that this isn’t just another cartridge port.

Replayability is high thanks to the host of unlockable fighters and hidden secrets. Whether you’re challenging the CPU on escalating difficulty levels or duking it out with friends in endless local skirmishes, there’s always a new variation to test. The training mode provides an ideal sandbox for mastering combos and fatalities, ensuring that seasoned players always have room to refine their technique.

All told, Eternal Champions: Challenge from the Dark Side is an engaging, content-rich fighting game that delivers both depth and spectacle. Its blend of classic mechanics with CD-era enhancements makes it a must-consider purchase for anyone interested in retro fighters or looking to experience one of the Genesis era’s most ambitious ports.

Retro Replay Score

7.6/10