Definition

is a pioneering 3D fighting game developed and published by Sega. Debuting in arcades in 1993, it revolutionized the genre with its groundbreaking polygonal graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics.

Table of Contents

Gameplay

introduces an intuitive three-button control scheme that simplifies special moves and allows for more nuanced combat. It features a diverse cast of ten fighters, each with unique fighting styles and abilities.

The game’s innovative "Ring Out" system adds an element of strategy and risk to battles, as fighters can be knocked out of the ring for an instant defeat.

Legacy

‘s innovative gameplay and stunning graphics set a new standard for fighting games. It was the first 3D fighting game to use polygon graphics and motion capture technology. The game’s success spawned a long-running franchise, with several sequels and spin-offs released over the years.

‘s gameplay has also had a profound influence on subsequent fighting games. Its three-button control scheme became the industry standard, and its focus on realism and gameplay depth has shaped the genre to this day.

Characters

features a diverse cast of ten fighters, each with their own unique fighting style and backstory:

Name	Country	Fighting Style
Akira Yuki	Japan	Bajiquan
Pai Chan	China	Xingyiquan
Sarah Bryant	United States	Jeet Kune Do
Lau Chan	Hong Kong	Hung Gar
Kage-Maru	Japan	Ninjutsu
Wolf Hawkfield	Canada	Professional Wrestler
Jeffry McWild	England	Street Fighting
Jacky Bryant	United States	Jeet Kune Do
Shun Di	China	Xingyiquan
Lion Rafale	France	Savate

Development

was developed by AM2, a legendary Sega development team known for their groundbreaking arcade games. Yu Suzuki, the visionary behind Out Run and After Burner, led the project.

The team utilized Sega’s advanced Model 1 arcade hardware to create ‘s stunning polygon graphics. Motion capture technology was used to animate the characters, resulting in fluid and realistic movements.

Versions

has been released on various platforms over the years:

Arcade (1993)
Sega Saturn (1994)
PC (1996)
PlayStation 2 (2002)
Xbox Live Arcade (2006)
PlayStation Network (2010)

Critical Reception

received critical acclaim upon release, with reviewers praising its innovative gameplay and stunning graphics. It won numerous awards, including "Game of the Year" from several publications.

The game has been ranked among the greatest video games of all time, with IGN placing it in the top 50 and GameSpot naming it the best fighting game of all time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Is the first 3D fighting game?
A: Yes, is widely considered the first true 3D fighting game.

Q: What is the Ring Out system in ?
A: The Ring Out system is a unique gameplay mechanic that allows fighters to be knocked out of the ring for an instant defeat.

Q: How many characters are in ?
A: There are ten playable characters in the original .

Q: Who developed ?
A: was developed by AM2, a legendary Sega development team.

References

on Wikipedia

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, formerly Sega AM2, is a Japanese video game developer and a subsidiary of Sega. Founded in 2009, the studio is best known for developing the Yakuza series, a critically acclaimed and commercially successful franchise. The studio has also created other games, such as Judgment and Lost Judgment.

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is known for its distinctive blend of action, drama, and comedy in its games. The studio’s games often feature open-world environments, detailed storylines, and a diverse cast of characters. The games are praised for their engaging combat, immersive gameplay, and memorable narratives.

The studio has a strong track record of creating high-quality games that resonate with players. Yakuza 0, released in 2015, was the first game in the series to be made specifically for Western audiences. The game was met with critical acclaim and helped to introduce the franchise to a new generation of fans. Judgment, released in 2018, was another successful game for the studio, receiving praise for its engaging detective gameplay and gripping storyline.

Sega: A History of Gaming Innovation

Sega, a Japanese multinational corporation, has been a prominent force in the gaming industry for over six decades. Founded in 1940, the company initially manufactured amusement machines for arcades, but later expanded into home video game consoles, software development, and other related businesses.

Early Era:

Began as Service Games in 1940, producing coin-operated slot machines.
In the 1960s, transitioned to producing arcade games, including classics like "Space Invaders" and "Pac-Man."

Golden Age:

Released its first home video game console, the Sega SG-1000, in 1981.
Competed fiercely with Nintendo, releasing successful consoles such as the Sega Master System and the iconic Sega Genesis (Mega Drive).

Sonic the Hedgehog Era:

Created the legendary character Sonic the Hedgehog, who became the company’s mascot.
Developed the Sega Mega Drive (Genesis) with Sonic the Hedgehog, a game that revolutionized platforming and became a global phenomenon.

Decline and Rebirth:

Struggles in the early 2000s led to Sega’s decision to discontinue hardware manufacturing and focus on software development.
Announced its withdrawal from the console market in 2001.
Restructured and re-emerged as a major player in the arcade, mobile, and online gaming markets.

Current Era:

Focuses on mobile and arcade game development, with hit titles such as "Sega Bass Fishing" and various Sonic spin-offs.
Collaborates with other companies, such as Microsoft, to produce games for their platforms.
Continues to innovate in the gaming space, exploring areas like cloud gaming and virtual reality.

The Game Awards

The Game Awards is an annual award show that recognizes excellence in the video game industry. It was founded in 2014 by Geoff Keighley, a former IGN journalist. The show is held in December and is streamed live on multiple platforms.

The awards are voted on by a jury of over 100 video game journalists from around the world. The awards are divided into several categories, including Game of the Year, Best Action Game, and Best RPG. The Game Awards also features a number of special awards, such as the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Industry Icon Award.

The Game Awards has become one of the most prestigious events in the video game industry. The show has been praised for its high production values and its ability to showcase the best that the industry has to offer.

Release Date

Original arcade release: December 23, 1993
Sega Saturn release: December 1, 1994 (Japan), September 15, 1995 (North America), October 13, 1995 (Europe)
PlayStation 2 release: September 18, 2003 (Japan), April 20, 2004 (North America), April 23, 2004 (Europe)
PlayStation 3 release: February 12, 2007 (Japan), March 6, 2007 (North America), March 9, 2007 (Europe)
Xbox 360 release: February 12, 2007 (Japan), March 6, 2007 (North America), March 9, 2007 (Europe)

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio History

Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, known for the "Yakuza" series, has a rich history spanning over two decades:

2001: Toshihiro Nagoshi founds the studio within Sega.
2005: The first "Yakuza" game is released for PlayStation 2, establishing the franchise’s core gameplay and storytelling elements.
2008: "Yakuza 3" is a critical and commercial success, introducing a larger open world and refined gameplay mechanics.
2010: "Yakuza 4" expands the cast and introduces multiple playable characters with intertwining storylines.
2017: "Yakuza 0" becomes a prequel to the series, showcasing the origins of the main protagonists.
2018: "Yakuza 6: The Song of Life" concludes the story of Kazuma Kiryu, the series’ main character.
2020: The studio releases "Yakuza: Like a Dragon," a turn-based RPG spin-off that introduces a new protagonist.
Present: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio continues to develop new "Yakuza" games and other titles, expanding the franchise’s legacy and exploring new genres.

Sega’s Upcoming Games

Sega has announced several upcoming games, including:

Sonic Frontiers: An open-world Sonic the Hedgehog game set to release by Holiday 2022.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise: A post-apocalyptic action-adventure game releasing in October 2022.
Two Point Campus: A university simulation game releasing in August 2022.
Humankind: A historical strategy game from Amplitude Studios releasing in August 2022.
Endless Dungeon: A tactical roguelike dungeon crawler releasing in 2023.

Yakuza Spin-offs

The Yakuza series has spawned numerous spin-offs that expand on the world and characters of the mainline games. These spin-offs often feature unique gameplay mechanics and storylines, while still maintaining the core elements of the series, such as action-packed combat and intricate crime narratives.

Some notable Yakuza spin-offs include:

Judgment: A detective game featuring lawyer-turned-detective Takayuki Yagami investigating a series of murders.
Lost Judgment: A sequel to Judgment that continues Yagami’s story and introduces new characters and cases.
RGG Online: A free-to-play MMO that brings together characters from the Yakuza, Judgment, and Like a Dragon series.
Fist of the North Star: Lost Paradise: An action game set in the post-apocalyptic world of the classic manga and anime series, featuring Yakuza-style combat.
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz HD: A remaster of the original game, featuring a variety of mini-games and characters from the Yakuza series.

The Game Awards 2023 Nominees

The nominees for The Game Awards 2023 have been announced, featuring a wide range of highly anticipated titles and beloved franchises. Leading the pack is "Elden Ring" with 10 nominations, including Game of the Year. Other notable nominees include "God of War Ragnarök," "Horizon Forbidden West," and "Xenoblade Chronicles 3."

Game of the Year

A Plague Tale: Requiem
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Stray
Xenoblade Chronicles 3

Best Direction

Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Immortality
Stray

Best Narrative

As Dusk Falls
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Immortality
Pentiment

Best Art Direction

Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Horizon Forbidden West
Stray
Tunic

Best Soundtrack / Music Score

Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Elden Ring
God of War Ragnarök
Metal: Hellsinger
Xenoblade Chronicles 3

The awards ceremony will be held on December 8, 2023, and will be hosted by Geoff Keighley. The full list of nominees can be found on The Game Awards website.