Description

"Battle Monsters" is a fighting video game developed by Scarab and released for the Sega Saturn in 1996. The game stands out for its distinctive gothic and horror-inspired setting, featuring an eclectic roster of characters drawn from various mythologies and horror archetypes. Players can choose one of these monstrous characters to battle against others in arena-style combat across various dark and eerie backdrops. Each character possesses unique moves and magic spells, adding depth and strategy to the combat system. The visuals employ a combination of digitized actors (similar to "Mortal Kombat") and pre-rendered 2D backgrounds, creating a visually unique experience that varies from the graphic norms of more mainstream fighting games of its time.

Despite its unique visual style, "Battle Monsters" received mixed reviews upon release, with criticism often pointed towards its clunky control mechanics and the perceived shallow gameplay depth. However, it has since gained a cult following, appreciated for its quirky character design and atmospheric settings. The game features a simple yet engaging gameplay structure, including a basic tournament ladder as well as a two-player mode that allows for head-to-head combat. "Battle Monsters" represented a niche segment of the 90s fighting games on the Sega Saturn, embodying a blend of horror elements with traditional fighting game mechanics, and remains a distinctive example of the era's experimental game design.

Gameplay

Battle Monsters - Gameplay

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