Last Battle is a side-scrolling martial arts adventure beat 'em up released for the Mega Drive/Genesis by Sega of Japan in 1989. It was one of the six Genesis launch lineup games in the U.S. It is based on the Japanese manga series Fist of the North Star (Hokuto no Ken) but the graphics and characters' names were altered because Sega did not have the rights to that franchise in the USA.
I got to play this but never attempted to go through it in the past. Maybe its because better games have gone by and my better time was spent on them.
The Story
In the mood to beat the shit out of a bunch of bad guys? If "Yes", then be prepared to receive your own fair share of ass-kicking, because these thugs are difficult. And you'll need your brains as well since it is a labyrinth that leads you closer and closer to victory. Passages that which you must find.
You are Aarzak, a renegade that dreams to free the people from oppression. A master of Jet-Kwon-Do, the most elite form of martial arts; you are about to experience fighting that never lets up. You're a badass. But are you good enough to go through the labyrinths; the beasts; and obstacles? Are you great enough to survive the Last Battle?
The Graphics and Sound
The graphics in the game still look a bit decent. There isn't much detail but there is nothing that was very choppy. It was a product of its time. Your character has got good speed in his punches and kicks.
The music was of the simple keyboard synth type music. Sound effects are mediocre and the punching effects sound a little weird to me. Overall, the game developers got lazy on the sound production.
The Gameplay
You move your character and fight enemies in side-scrolling fashion. One button is for punching, one is for kicking, and the third is for jumping. The controls are a bit stiff and clunky.
There is a map where you want to go, ranging from regular levels to bosses
A meter at the bottom of your screen fills up as you destroy enemies, and when filled makes you level up. Giving you faster and stronger attacks.
You only get a damn one life without continues or passwords! You die and you begin the game again! Your health fills up a small bit with each enemy killed, but it is not helpful enough. Playing this on an emulator can help you save anywhere you want. Anticipating your enemies' attack patterns and countering with skill can help you greatly.
The replay value is low. The repetitive gameplay hurts it to make you want to play it again.
My Verdict
Last Battle can be a bit fun, but it lacked a two-player mode, which it sorely needs. There are other better 2D games of this type out there, but overall, it is a decent, playable game.
Try to play this one on the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive or on your favorite emulators.