Genesis

WeaponLord

WeaponLord has an incredibly challenging computer opponent that will quickly cut novices to shreds before they realize what hit them. This will undoubtedly frustrate many players before they get a chance to appreciate the game's depth. Another problem is there are only seven characters to choose from, which is a disappointment compared to other fighting games on the system. Yet those who can look past these issues will find a very deep fighter that rewards both skill and technique. The bottom line? WeaponLord is must-have title for the fighting game enthusiast.

WeaponLord is arguably the best fighter on a 16-bit console, but that console isn't the Genesis. Though the gameplay holds up well even compared to modern fighters which is an impressive feat in itself, I suspect most will tire with the lack of characters and poor presentation when compared to Super Street Fighter II. That's not to say there can be only one when it comes to fighting games, but getting the most out of WeaponLord's dizzying array of commands and strikes will take some serious commitment, which unfortunately I don't see happening for most players willing to give the game a try.

While the advanced gameplay may scare away beginning barbarians, others will appreciate the deep controls. If you're a hardcore fighting fan, chances are you'll dig Weaponlord.

In the end, Weaponlord is a very nice addition to a heavily-worn genre with some thoughtful and well-executed touches, but it definitely still part of that genre. And for you Nintendo fans, there is a near-identical version available for the Super NES.

Weapon Lord is loaded with cool concepts and neat characters. The graphics are appealing and the voices are the best the Genesis can do. Now comes the bad part. The game play is really choppy, as is the animation. Even knowing the moves and the controls, the computer can tear you apart, because it isn't slowed down by the poor control. The animation is at most three-frame. I expected more from Namco. The concepts are there, but the game just isn't.