Ranma 1/2: Hard Battle
Alternative title: Ranma 1/2
Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Region: USA, Europe
Media: Cartridge
Controller: Gamepad
Genre: VS Fighter
Gametype: Licensed
Release Year: 1993
Developer: Atelier Double
Publisher: DTMC
Players: 1 or 2 VS
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Hard Battle has three modes of play: the standard 1 player tournament mode, a 2 player competitive mode, and a 2 player five-character team challenge mode. There are ten characters in the game (twelve if Ranma and Pantyhose Taro's cursed forms are counted). All twelve characters are available for the 2 player modes. After completing tournament mode Pantyhose becomes a playable tournament character. Happosai is unlockable by entering a code.

Play control is simpler than most fighting games. Each of the SNES controller's buttons (plus the up arrow) could be assigned to activate one of four moves: jump, block, normal attack, and power attack. Different normal and power attacks could be triggered depending of a variety of factors, such as how far the attacker is from the opponent, if he is ducking, or if a directional arrow is pressed along with the attack button.

Instead of entering a series of directional movements and pressing an attack button to activate a special attack, most moves were done by holding the left, right, or down arrow in conjunction with an attack button for a few seconds and then releasing the attack button. The longer the attack button was held the stronger the attack would be. For instance, one of Ryoga's special attacks is the bandana throw. If held for several seconds he throws three bandanas instead of one. Many moves could also be executed while holding the block button.

Another feature of Hard Battle was the ability to recover from throws. By pressing an attack button after being thrown the character could attempt to land on his or her feet and take less damage. Unlike many fighting games, opponents never get stunned after being hit with powerful attacks or a combo.

Each character had his or her own story. In any case, the character was manipulated into fighting the other characters by Principal Kuno.

Tips:

Codes
After you select your character, press and hold buttons R, X, and A, until a special screen appears
Effect: Play As Any Character

Unlockable Characters
Pantyhose Finish the game in any difficulty with any character.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranma_%C2%BD:_Hard_Battle
