Sufami Turbo Special: SD Ultra Battle - Ultraman Densetsu (1996)
Sufami Turbo Special: SD Ultra Battle - Ultraman Densetsu (literally "Sufami Turbo Special: SD Ultra Battle - Ultraman Legend") is a fighting game developed and published by Bandai for the Sufami Turbo peripheral on the Super Famicom, released on June 14, 1996. The game features super-deformed (SD) versions of Ultraman characters in a fighting game format, where players choose from a roster of Ultraman heroes and monsters, each with unique fighting styles and special moves. Bandai, the master of tokusatsu licensed games, brought their expertise to this title, creating a game that was both faithful to the franchise and fun to play.
Gameplay and Fighting Mechanics
SD Ultra Battle is a 2D fighting game where players choose from a roster of SD Ultraman characters, each with a unique set of attacks and special moves, including the iconic Specium Ray. The game features a "power meter" that fills up as players land hits, allowing them to perform devastating special moves. The game's controls are responsive and well-suited for the fighting game genre. The game's levels are inspired by locations from the Ultraman series.
The game includes a story mode, a versus mode for two-player competitive matches, a training mode, and a "survival" mode. The game's visual style is faithful to the tokusatsu aesthetic, with large, expressive SD sprites and vibrant, detailed backgrounds. The soundtrack features energetic rock and electronic themes that match the action-packed tone.
Sufami Turbo Special: SD Ultra Battle - Ultraman Densetsu received positive reviews for its faithful adaptation and fun fighting mechanics, becoming a popular title among fans of the series. It remains a nostalgic classic for its Ultraman theme and Bandai's licensed game expertise.