Fighting Force (1997)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 7 minutes read

Summary

Fighting Force (1997)

Fighting Force is a 3D beat ’em up game developed by Core Design and published by Eidos Interactive. It was released for the PlayStation in 1997 and for Microsoft Windows in 1998. The game follows four characters as they fight their way through waves of enemies to defeat Dr. Zeng, a criminal mastermind with an army at his command.

The four characters are:

  • Hawk Manson: A former police officer who was framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
  • Mace Brody: A professional wrestler who is looking for revenge against Zeng for killing his manager.
  • Sam Coleman: A CIA agent who is investigating Zeng’s activities.
  • Alana McKendricks: A computer hacker who is trying to stop Zeng from using her technology for evil.

The game is set in a variety of locations, including a police station, a shopping mall, a subway, and a Coast Guard base. The player can choose which character to play as and which path to take through the game.

The gameplay is similar to other beat ’em up games, with the player fighting waves of enemies using a variety of punches, kicks, and weapons. The player can also pick up objects in the environment to use as weapons, such as chairs, bottles, and guns.

Fighting Force was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. It was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and variety of characters and environments. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and PlayStation 2.

Characters

The four playable characters in Fighting Force each have their own unique fighting styles and abilities.

  • Hawk Manson is a well-rounded character with good strength, speed, and agility. He is also proficient in a variety of martial arts.
  • Mace Brody is a powerful character with slow but powerful attacks. He is also able to grapple with enemies and throw them around.
  • Sam Coleman is a fast and agile character who is proficient in using firearms. He is also able to use his CIA training to perform special moves.
  • Alana McKendricks is a intelligent character who is able to use her computer hacking skills to disable enemy weapons and machinery. She is also able to use her knowledge of Zeng’s technology to her advantage.

Gameplay

Fighting Force is a 3D beat ’em up game in which the player controls one of the four characters as they fight their way through waves of enemies. The game is set in a variety of locations, including a police station, a shopping mall, a subway, and a Coast Guard base. The player can choose which character to play as and which path to take through the game.

The gameplay is similar to other beat ’em up games, with the player fighting waves of enemies using a variety of punches, kicks, and weapons. The player can also pick up objects in the environment to use as weapons, such as chairs, bottles, and guns.

Fighting Force features a variety of enemies, including regular thugs, armed guards, and even giant monsters. The player must use their skills and abilities to defeat the enemies and progress through the game.

Development

Fighting Force was developed by Core Design, a British video game development company. The game was directed by Simon Phipps and produced by Jeremy Heath-Smith. The game’s development team was relatively small, with only around 12 people working on the project.

The game was developed using the RenderWare engine, which was also used in other Core Design games such as Tomb Raider and Gex. The game’s graphics were praised for their detail and realism, and the game’s gameplay was praised for its variety and challenge.

Release

Fighting Force was released for the PlayStation in 1997 and for Microsoft Windows in 1998. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, including the Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and PlayStation 2.

Reception

Fighting Force was praised for its graphics, gameplay, and variety of characters and environments. The game was also praised for its innovative use of the RenderWare engine.

The game was nominated for a number of awards, including the BAFTA Award for Best Action/Adventure Game. The game won the Golden Joystick Award for Best Beat ‘Em Up.

Legacy

Fighting Force is considered to be one of the best beat ’em up games ever made. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and variety of characters and environments have been praised by critics and gamers alike. The game has been ported to a number of other platforms, and it is still enjoyed by gamers today.

Fighting Force has inspired a number of other games, including the Streets of Rage series and the Double Dragon series. The game has also been featured in a number of television shows and movies.

Fighting Force is a classic beat ’em up game that still holds up today. The game’s graphics, gameplay, and variety of characters and environments make it a blast to play through. If you’re a fan of beat ’em up games, then you owe it to yourself to check out Fighting Force.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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