Guilty Gear (1998)

by Christopher December 6, 2019

written by Christopher December 6, 2019 5 minutes read

Summary

Release Year: 1998
Genres: Adventure, Arcade, Fighting
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation, PlayStation 4
Developers: Arc System Works
Publishers: Arc System Works, Atlus, System 3 Software

Guilty Gear: The Anime Fighting Game That Changed the Genre

Released in 1998, Guilty Gear is a groundbreaking 2D fighting game that quickly gained a cult following. With its unique art style, innovative gameplay mechanics, and memorable cast of characters, Guilty Gear has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre.

A Dark and Gritty World

Guilty Gear is set in a dark and gritty world where humans and gears, artificial beings created by mixing human and animal DNA, coexist. However, tensions between the two groups are high, and a war is brewing.

The game’s story revolves around a tournament organized by the Sacred Order of Knights to find someone capable of defeating Justice, a rogue gear who has escaped from prison and is leading a rebellion against humanity.

Innovative Gameplay Mechanics

Guilty Gear introduced several innovative gameplay mechanics that set it apart from other fighting games at the time. These mechanics include:

Roman Cancels: Roman Cancels allow players to cancel moves into special moves or overdrives, giving them more combo options and making the game more fast-paced and exciting.
Instant Kills: Instant Kills are powerful moves that can instantly defeat an opponent if they connect. However, they can only be used once per round, so players must use them wisely.
Dust Attacks: Dust Attacks are unblockable attacks that can be used to punish opponents who are knocked down. However, they can be countered by other Dust Attacks, so players must be careful when using them.

Memorable Cast of Characters

Guilty Gear is known for its cast of memorable and unique characters. Each character has their own backstory, fighting style, and motivations. Some of the most popular characters include:

Sol Badguy: A bounty hunter with a mysterious past and a vendetta against gears.
Ky Kiske: One of the most skilled knights of the Sacred Order and a rival of Sol Badguy.
May: A young woman who fights with a giant anchor.
Axl Low: A time-traveling bounty hunter.
Potemkin: A giant Russian wrestler.

Critical and Commercial Success

Guilty Gear was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, stunning graphics, and memorable characters. It has since been ported to numerous platforms and has spawned several sequels and spin-offs.

Legacy

Guilty Gear has had a lasting impact on the fighting game genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics have been adopted by other fighting games, and its unique art style has inspired many other games and anime. The game is still popular today, and it is considered one of the greatest fighting games of all time.

Conclusion

Guilty Gear is a classic fighting game that changed the genre forever. With its innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning graphics, and memorable characters, Guilty Gear is a must-play for any fan of fighting games.

Review Score

8.5/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher

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.