Final Fight: Double Impact Download for X-box 360 and Playstation 3 Review

It's been twenty years since the original release of Final Fight in 1990 as an arcade game. Soon afterward it was made into an SNES title that was very popular. Throughout the years new releases in the Final Fight series have been unsuccessful compared to their title game. Now in 2010, it is being released again along with another 1990 arcade game, Magic Sword. With brand new features to this classic brawler including an online co-op mode, this Final Fight will send up merrily skipping down memory lane. Additionally, Magic Sword will give us a little something different to play when we're itching for a break.

Final Flight Storyline

The story of Final Flight is set in the fictional American city of Metro City (a name that would only pass in such an old school game). A former professional wrestler named Mike Haggard is elected mayor on the platform of destroying the crime in the city. Unfortunately the gangs are unhappy about this and one, who call themselves the Mad Gears, kidnap Haggard's daughter Jessica in order to bring Haggard to his knees. Along with Cody, Jessica's martial artist boyfriend, and his friend Guy (later of Street Fighter fame), Mike Haggard goes to the source of the problem punching and kicking his way to his trapped daughter. The plot is silly and lighthearted, where even the most villainous of villains is really just a zany fellow.

Gameplay

Those unfamiliar with the original Final Fight will find the graphics of the game dated, colorful, and cartoonish. But herein lies much of the charm of a retro game and Capcom chose to use this to their advantage. The game is set up with a border to look like the corners of an arcade machine to simulate the feel of being back in the day of quarter inserting goodness. On top of this, there are visual features that will make the screen appear like the machine screens of old or alternately sharper for newer gamers who aren't interested. The side scrolling action packed gameplay itself is just like the old classic game and gamers from any generation will be able to appreciate it. The game developers for this version also included some unlockable goodies such as original art for the game. These are unlocked by finishing certain challenges.

Magic Sword

Without too much of a storyline, so to speak, this less known game is a side scrolling game just like Final Fight. You are a nameless warrior who battles up 50 levels of increasingly difficult gameplay in order to defeat a wizard on top. Along the way you'll find allies who will fight with you, better weapons, and new magical abilities which will mix up the monster destroying. The gameplay is really very impressive for such an old title and retro gamers will find themselves climbing a tower to heaven. Like Final Fight, it also has those screen features and a ton of secret.

Both games feature local and online multiplayer options which can make for a fun night with your friend or some unknown online companion. Both games are relatively short, which is a good thing for introducing new gamers, but may disappoint some. They are available on X-box Live Arcade for 800 Microsoft points and on Playstation Network for $9.99.

Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Final_Fight ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Sword