THE DEFINITIVE VERSION OF
FINAL FIGHT
This was one of the first arcade games I ever played. There was a salon down the street from me that had it in the waiting area. Which seems a little strange looking back. How incredibly loud and annoying that must have been, but I bet it made the place a few extra dollary doos.
Anyway, Final Fight is probably one of the most important beat 'em ups of all time. It was such a strong entry that it remained relevant for decades, and has continued to be included in modern compilations. It probably wouldn't resonate with young gamers these days, but its impact no doubt lives on. An 80s nostalgia trip filled with every trope in the book.
RELEASES
ARCADE - 1989
| PROS: | - Lag free
|
| CONS: | - No additional modes
- Arcade style difficulty can often feel unfair |
| NOTES: | - There are some small regional difference to character names and character art:
- In Japan some female characters clothes are more revealing |
SNES - 1990
| PROS: | - Colors and graphics are very similar to the arcade
|
| CONS: | - Single player only
- Only two selectable characters depending on version
- Only three enemies can be on screen
- Factory level including CLICK HERE FOR SPOILER popular boss Rolento is missing
- Poison and Roxy were removed and replaced by male punks named Sid and Billy |
| NOTES: | - A Blockbuster exclusive re-release swapped Cody for Guy as a playable character
- Bosses “Damnd” and “Sodom” had their names changed to “Thrasher” and “Katana” |
SEGA CD - 1993
| PROS: | - Reimagined soundtrack is superior to other releases
- All characters selectable
- 2-Player mode |
| CONS: | - Limited to 64 colors
- Minor censoring to female enemy outfits
- Only 4 enemies on screen at once
- All action feels slightly slower
- Some visual errors during grabs and while holding items |
| NOTES: | - Voice acting has been added, but performances might not be up to par
- Boss names are still changed |
GAME BOY ADVANCE - 2001
| PROS: | - All three characters are playable
- 2-Player mode via link cable
- Street Fighter Alpha costumes for Cody and Guy
- Rapid fire unlckable
- New boss encounter cutscenes |
| CONS: | - Missing music
- American version is missing female enemies like previous releases |
MULTI [DOUBLE IMPACT] - 2010
| PROS: | - Region Selection
- Multiple scaling and filter options
- Arcade accurate visuals
- Art gallery |
| CONS: | - Slight input lag
- No way to disable on screen achievement pop-ups |
MULTI [BEAT EM UP] - 2018
| PROS: | - Arcade accurate
- Art Gallery
- Single save slot
- Difficulty settings
- Turbo controls
- Multiple display options
- Region choice |
| CONS: | - Slight input lag
- Missing a few features found in the Arcade Stadium version |
MULTI [ARCADE STADIUM] - 2021
| PROS: | - Arcade accurate
- Multiple save slots
- Rewind and fast-forward
- Multiple difficulty settings
- Turbo controls
- Multiple display options
- Region choice
- Invincibility DLC |
| CONS: | - Lowest emulated input lag
- No art gallery
|
NOTABLE DIFFERENCES
SOUNDTRACKS
Although the original soundtrack and its remaster/remix are great the Sega CD version matches the visual tone of the game.
CHARACTER CENSORSHIP
Example of Poison and Roxy sprite differences (longer skirt and top), as well as, their replacements Sid and Billy in some of the home versions.
DEFINITIVE VERSION
CLICK HERE REVEAL THE DEFINITIVE VERSION
Proclaiming the definitive version of Final Fight is a gargantuan task. Something I wouldn't wish on my greatest enemy, yet … I must endure. A game so classic and loved by people born before 1990 that it must be handled with extreme care.
Honestly though this was more difficult than you'd think. Final Fight has been released so many times that I assumed there would be a version that checked every box. I honestly think the SNES version sort of plays the best, and that the Sega CD version is the most complete package. However, they both fail to truly capture the feel of the original arcade. Well then logically the arcade version is the way to go. Not so fast Poison lover. The arcade in all it's lag free pixel perfect glory was made for you to crunch quarters. It's difficulty is often unfair and lacks many quality of life features found in modern retro releases.
Although it's not perfect, the arcade emulation from the Capcom Arcade Archives is the Definitive Version of Final Fight. It has almost no lag, fast forward, rewind, a difficulty selection and more. Believe me you won't regret paying $2 for this version on steam.
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