The end of every console’s life is always bittersweet. In most cases some of the best games in a system’s library are released in its twilight years. On the other hand shovelware and low budget crap also come in droves. One need only look at the PS One when Sony stopped giving a damn about what was released after 2000 as an example. Some true gems also spring up and Mighty Final Fight definitely qualifies. Mighty Final Fight defies all odds and manages to deliver many of the same thrills as its arcade big brother in a smaller package tailored to the NES. This is a great game.
The game follows the same general plot as the arcade with a tinge of humor. The Mad Gear kidnap Jessica but for different reasons this time. It seems their leader Belger has fallen in love with her and plans to force her to marry him. Haggar immediately blames Cody for some reason but still plans on mounting a rescue with him and Guy.
Mighty Final Fight should not have worked. In the arcade Final Fight was a showcase for Capcom’s CPS1 hardware. Both 16-bit systems received competent ports but still did not match the coin op. And they wanted to bring that game to the NES? Against all odds it works and in some ways is more enjoyable than the arcade game. This is one of the best beat em ups for the system and a great game overall.
The story is a dead giveaway that this is not a serious retelling of the original’s story. The super deformed art style fits the NES limitations pretty well while keeping Metro City familiar. It also allows for better than normal animation. Hits are exaggerated and special moves have a flourish you don’t typically see on the system. As great as the game looks you can’t help but notice that it looks eerily similar to American Technos’ works like River City Ransom and Double Dragon. It also has its limits; there is still some sprite flickering and you will never see more than two enemies at once.
This is strictly a single player affair but in all other respects it is still the Final Fight you remember. All three characters are present and still fit the standard brawler tropes. Guy is fast but weak, Cody is the most balanced and Haggar is the strongest but also slowest. The difference this time around is that more has been done to differentiate each character.
The one unexpected addition to the game is an experience system. Killing enemies gives varying amounts of experience depending on the finishing blow. With each level your attack power and life bar increase, incentivizing min/maxing. You can reach a maximum level of five with one new move gained at level four. It’s a bit lopsided depending on character; Haggar starts at level three and gains experience quickly while Guy has to work for it. The new special attack is worth maximizing your experience gains as it is not only powerful but also livens up the game’s basic combat.
The only flaws that bring it down are its length and lack of challenge. There are only five short levels which is way too few. The arcade game had six but they were very long, especially the Bay Area. Right when you’ve gained all of your moves it is over. The game’s brevity does somewhat cover up its repetition. The roster of enemies has been cut in half and by stage 2 you’ve seen them all. Once you’ve learned the fastest way to take out each enemy you are simply going through the motions outside of the bosses.
Because the game is so easy you’ll also breeze through it. You only fight two enemies at once which isn’t much of a threat. Levels are gained quickly and once you’ve reached level four your new special attack is game breaking and can be spammed endlessly. You also won’t find weapons or meat often but they are almost unnecessary. Extra lives come so frequently you’ll more than likely finish the game without using any credits. The bosses are still incredibly cheap but nowhere near as bad as the arcade. I can appreciate a lighter challenge but the game could have used a little more teeth.
In Closing
Mighty Final Fight is a smartly designed game that somehow provides the same excitement as its arcade big brother. It has its flaws but they are minor in the grand scheme. This could easily have been a cheap cash in to exploit the few remaining NES owners. But instead it serves as a nice swan song alongside Kirby’s Adventure.
