World Heroes: A Blast from the Past
World Heroes, a fighting game initially resembling Street Fighter, carved its own niche in the crowded arcade scene of the early 1990s. Developed by ADK and published by SNK, the game featured a diverse cast of characters based on historical figures and legends, engaging players in a time-traveling tournament. While its initial control scheme had quirks, the series evolved, culminating in World Heroes Perfect, a refined and feature-rich entry.
The Initial Impression: Familiar Faces, Different Feel
A Newcomer Arrives
In 1992, the arrival of World Heroes in arcades drew crowds eager to see the latest fighting game. The initial impression was that it looked very similar to Street Fighter, with characters reminiscent of Ryu and Ken.
Not Just a Reskin
However, it quickly became clear that this was a new game, with its own distinct feel and mechanics. The fighting style, while drawing inspiration from Street Fighter, ultimately offered a unique experience.
Control Scheme Differences
One of the key differences was the control scheme. Unlike Street Fighter's light, medium, and heavy attacks, World Heroes only had light and heavy attacks, each assigned to a single button. This initially clunky system would be improved in later installments.
A Roster of Historical Heroes and Legends
Familiar Archetypes
The game featured a cast of characters clearly inspired by existing fighting game archetypes. There was a wrestler similar to Zangief, a robotic character reminiscent of Dhalsim, and a Bruce Lee-inspired fighter. Even a character resembling Xiahou Dun from the arcade game Warriors of Fate.
Historical Inspirations
World Heroes took it to another level by basing characters on real historical figures. The characters were pulled from different time periods and cultures, and were summoned to participate in a martial arts tournament organized by a mad scientist.
Key Characters
- Hanzo and Kotaro: These two ninjas, blue and red respectively, are considered the main characters.
- Muscle Power: Inspired by Hulk Hogan.
- Brocken: A German military cyborg.
- Genghis Khan: The Mongol emperor.
- Jeanne D'Arc: The French heroine.
- Kim Dragon: A Bruce Lee stand-in.
- Rasputin: The infamous Russian mystic.
The Mad Scientists and the Plot
The game's plot involved a mad scientist creating a time machine to gather the world's greatest warriors for a tournament. Another mad scientist emerged, seeking to eliminate these heroes. This premise provided a backdrop for the eclectic cast to clash.
The Characters
Rasputin, the Mad Monk
Rasputin was a controversial figure in Russian history, known for his hypnotic gaze and influence over the aristocracy. While not a traditional hero, he was included in the game's roster.
- His in-game representation was quite different from his historical persona, featuring comical attacks and a "secret garden" super move that affected all opponents regardless of gender.
Final Boss: Neo Dio
The final boss, Neo Dio, could transform into any of the playable characters, requiring players to adapt their strategies.
Initial Reception and Gameplay
Control Issues
The game's initial control scheme was a point of contention, with the single button system for light and heavy attacks proving difficult to master.
A Passing Fad
While popular initially, World Heroes was eventually overshadowed by other fighting games like Street Fighter.
World Heroes 2: Refinements and New Faces
Improved Gameplay
World Heroes 2 addressed some of the control issues of the original, while retaining the light and heavy attack system.
Expanded Roster
The sequel expanded the roster to 14 characters, adding new fighters like:
- Captain Kidd: A pirate with powerful attacks.
- Ryoko Izumo: Based on Japanese judoka Ryoko Tani (Tamura).
- Mudhman: A tribal warrior.
- Erick the Viking: Based on Erik the Red.
- Shura Nikee: A Muay Thai fighter.
- J. Maximum: Based on football player Joe Montana.
New Mechanics
World Heroes 2 introduced a counter-throw system, adding a new layer of strategy to the grappling game.
New Boss
The final boss of World Heroes 2 was Dio, who resembled a creature from the sea.
World Heroes 2 Jet and Perfect: The Final Evolutions
World Heroes 2 Jet
This enhanced version of the second game added two additional characters:
- Jack the Ripper: The notorious serial killer.
- Lu Bu: The fearsome Chinese warrior.
World Heroes Perfect: The Definitive Edition
- System Overhaul: World Heroes Perfect refined the gameplay mechanics, introducing light, medium, and heavy attacks.
- Expanded Movesets: Each character gained access to special moves and super moves.
- Hidden Characters: Two hidden characters, Sun Wukong and Dio, could be unlocked.
The Story
World Heroes Perfect involved a villain named Zeus attempting to gather the heroes to conquer the world.
Control Scheme Changes
The introduction of medium attacks necessitated a workaround due to the Neo Geo's four-button layout. Heavy attacks were executed by pressing light and medium attack buttons simultaneously.
Local Arcade Issues
Problems emerged in arcades due to the increased force needed to press two buttons at once, leading to button damage and restrictions being put into place.
Legacy
Despite its innovations and unique roster, World Heroes struggled to compete with other fighting game giants of the mid-1990s. The series ultimately faded into obscurity, but retains a cult following among fans of classic arcade fighters.
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