Summary

• Release Year: 1997
• Genres: Fighting, Sport
• Platforms: Arcade, Nintendo 64
• Developers: Atari Games, Midway Games
• Publishers: Gradiente, Midway Games

Mace: The Dark Age: A Bloody and Brutal Arcade Classic

Released in 1997, Mace: The Dark Age is a fighting game that stands out for its unique blend of over-the-top violence and dark fantasy setting. Developed by Midway Games and Atari Games, Mace: The Dark Age quickly gained a cult following among arcade enthusiasts and N64 owners alike.

Gameplay

Mace: The Dark Age is a 3D fighting game played from a third-person perspective. Players choose from a roster of 12 characters, each with their own unique fighting style and special moves. The game’s combat system is relatively simple, with players using a combination of punches, kicks, and throws to defeat their opponents. However, Mace: The Dark Age also features a unique “rage” system, which allows players to power up their attacks by taking damage.

One of the most distinctive features of Mace: The Dark Age is its over-the-top violence. The game’s execution moves are particularly brutal, with characters able to decapitate, dismember, and even shrink their opponents. This level of violence was unprecedented at the time, and it helped to set Mace: The Dark Age apart from other fighting games.

Setting

Mace: The Dark Age is set in a dark and futuristic world where technology and magic coexist. The game’s story revolves around a group of warriors who are fighting to prevent the rise of an evil sorcerer named Mace. The game’s world is richly detailed, with each character having their own unique backstory and motivations.

Characters

The roster of characters in Mace: The Dark Age is diverse and memorable. Each character has their own unique fighting style and personality, and they all play a role in the game’s story. Some of the most popular characters include:

• Al Rashid: A powerful warrior who uses a variety of weapons, including swords, axes, and maces.
• The Executioner: A masked killer who uses a variety of bladed weapons to dispatch his opponents.
• Koyasha: A female ninja who uses a variety of martial arts techniques.
• Lord Deimos: A demonic warrior who uses a variety of dark magic spells.
• Ragnar: A Viking warrior who uses a variety of axes and hammers.
• Xiao Long: A Chinese martial artist who uses a variety of hand-to-hand combat techniques.

Reception

Mace: The Dark Age was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, unique characters, and over-the-top violence. Mace: The Dark Age was also a financial success, selling over 1 million copies worldwide.

However, the game was also controversial due to its graphic violence. Some critics argued that the game was too violent for children, and it was even banned in some countries. Despite the controversy, Mace: The Dark Age remains a popular cult classic among fighting game fans.

Legacy

Mace: The Dark Age had a significant impact on the fighting game genre. The game’s unique blend of over-the-top violence and dark fantasy setting helped to set it apart from other fighting games. Mace: The Dark Age also influenced the development of other fighting games, such as Mortal Kombat and Soulcalibur.

Today, Mace: The Dark Age is still remembered as one of the most unique and brutal fighting games ever made. The game’s legacy continues to inspire new generations of fighting game developers.

Review Score

8/10

Art

Cover Art

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