The Great Battle III (1993)
The Great Battle III is an action-platformer game developed and published by Banpresto for the Super Famicom, released on March 19, 1993. It is part of the Compati Hero series, which features super-deformed versions of iconic characters from the Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Gundam franchises. The game is a side-scrolling action game with platforming elements, where players can control a team of heroes, each with unique abilities, through a series of levels. Banpresto, known for their Super Robot Wars series, brought their signature crossover and action expertise to this title.
Gameplay and Action Mechanics
The Great Battle III is a side-scrolling action game where players can choose from a roster of heroes, including Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Gundam, each with unique attack styles. Ultraman uses his Specium Ray, Kamen Rider performs his Rider Kick, and Gundam uses its beam saber and vulcan guns. The game features a "transform" system, where characters can power up into stronger forms for a limited time. The game's levels are diverse, ranging from city streets and forests to alien fortresses and space stations, each with unique enemies and hazards.
The game includes a two-player cooperative mode, where friends can team up and battle through the stages together. The game's difficulty is moderate, with a balance of platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving. The game's visual style is colorful and detailed, with large, expressive SD sprites and animated backgrounds. The soundtrack features upbeat and heroic themes that match the crossover action.
The Great Battle III received positive reviews for its fun gameplay and crossover appeal, becoming a popular title among fans of the Compati Hero series. It remains a nostalgic classic for fans of tokusatsu and anime crossovers.