Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Chō Aniki: Bakuretsu Rantōden takes the bizarre, over-the-top bodybuilding aesthetics of the series and channels them into a surprisingly deep one-on-one fighter. Departing from its shoot-’em-up roots, the game pits iconic Chō Aniki characters—complete with bulging muscles and speedos—against each other in mid-air brawls reminiscent of Street Fighter. Rather than limit players to ground combat with simple jump animations, each fighter can freely fly around the screen, weaving through the air to launch attacks from any angle.

The flight mechanic adds a fresh layer of strategy: mastering vertical movement is just as crucial as timing punches and kicks. Dash attacks let you close distance instantly, while aerial blocks create opportunities to counter. Special moves draw inspiration from classic shoot-’em-up barrages, firing projectile bursts in all directions or summoning comical power-ups that temporarily boost your attributes. These homages to the series’ heritage make each match feel unpredictable and full of spectacle.

Controls are surprisingly tight given the SNES controller’s limitations. Combos rely on precise button inputs, but generous input windows keep the game accessible for newcomers. With both single-player arcade ladders and head-to-head two-player modes, you can practice against the CPU’s varied fighting styles before facing off against friends. The CPU difficulty ramps up in unexpected ways, challenging you to fully exploit each character’s aerial prowess.

Graphics

Bakuretsu Rantōden embraces the SNES’s colorful palette to showcase unbelievably muscular sprites drenched in sweat. Each character animation highlights defined biceps and pecs with painstaking detail, creating a cartoonish yet impressive display of raw physique. Despite the limited resolution, the artists convey a sense of weight and momentum whenever a character delivers a bone-rattling punch or launch move.

Backgrounds range from austere cliffside arenas to chiseled marble coliseums, all rendered with vibrant hues and subtle parallax scrolling. These dynamic stages lend depth to the mid-air combat, ensuring that the fighters never feel like they’re simply floating against a static backdrop. Minor flourishes—such as dust clouds trailing footfalls or muscle-rippling shockwaves—further enhance the visceral impact of each encounter.

Special move animations are where the game truly shines. Whether it’s a cascading rainbow laser or a thunderous burst of fire, every effect splashes across the screen with satisfying flourish. Even the UI elements, from health bars to character portraits, reinforce the theme with exaggerated typography and cheeky chibi renditions when a fighter is on the brink of defeat.

Story

Don’t expect a sweeping narrative in Bakuretsu Rantōden—this is a game that prioritizes ridiculous showmanship over deep plotlines. The premise is simple: the galaxy’s mightiest speedo-clad bodybuilders and their bizarre allies have gathered for an all-out martial arts tournament. Each fighter enters for their own hilarious motivations, whether it’s flexing for interstellar fame or proving who has the most chiseled abs.

Interspersed between bouts are brief, tongue-in-cheek cutscenes that play up the series’ homo-erotic humor. One character might dramatically pose on a pedestal, while another flexes uncontrollably after landing a crushing blow. These vignettes won’t win any literary awards, but they capture the series’ peculiar charm and keep the tone lighthearted.

While the narrative serves primarily as an excuse for extravagant combat, it does provide context for each fighter’s special moves and personality quirks. Fans of the original shoot-’em-ups will appreciate subtle callbacks in character bios and stage designs, but even newcomers can enjoy the absurd spectacle without prior knowledge of the Chō Aniki mythos.

Overall Experience

Chō Aniki: Bakuretsu Rantōden may not be the most balanced or polished fighting game of its era, but its unconventional approach and unwavering commitment to absurdity make it a memorable addition to any SNES library. The airborne combat system injects fresh dynamics into the one-on-one formula, and the homages to the series’ shooter heritage ensure every match feels uniquely Chō Aniki.

Whether you’re battling the CPU’s unpredictable AI or trash-talking a friend in two-player mode, the game’s stretchy spritework and flamboyant special moves keep the action lively. Its challenge curve encourages you to master aerial combos and special attacks, while the ecstatic reactions—both visual and sonic—reward your hard-earned victories in the most muscle-bound fashion possible.

For collectors and retro fighters seeking something truly out of left field, Bakuretsu Rantōden offers an experience you won’t find elsewhere. It’s not a refinement of fighting game fundamentals, but rather a spirited, muscle-packed romp that celebrates its own insanity. If you’re ready to dive into sweaty speedos, mid-air suplexes, and pulsing pixelated pecs, this is one SNES brawler you won’t soon forget.