The Ultimate Arena

Wax on, wax off...

The Ultimate Arena was released in 1995 by STeam and must rank as one of the last real commercial releases. Of course, it's a beat'em up, and the first thing to do is choose our character: Sandy or Terry. After that big decision, we can then proceed to the first match against a series of dodgy villains, each of whom has their own skillset and special abilities. Some might say it is Atari Mortal Kombat, and why not, because we fight in various arenas against several lunatics whilst watched by a bloodthirsty crowd. Sounds good to me!

Each arena offers a different environment, but they're not just for looks, as they can have unique features: I chuckled when I noticed the electrified fence - just one touch, and you're crispy burnt toast!! Each warrior has their own personality with a degree of speed, talent and special abilities. Watch out for a T800, which is really well done, and there is also an Indiana Jones wannabe who is an incredibly tough opponent.

No beat 'em up would be worth its salt without fast and responsive controls to kick seven bells outta your opponent. The Ultimate Arena has what it takes, and I found it easy to learn the various moves along with their special abilities. Interestingly, your energy bar isn't fully replenished at the start of a round, thus increasing longevity for determined gamers to figure out all the moves. This is a fun beat'em up!

Got a friend? Yes, this type of game demands two-player support, and it's got it!! This is great and allows us to play as the other characters (all except the final guy). This is superb, tons of fun, the joystick controls and display never lag, and it's the best reason to play the game. A turbo mode is optional, but I found it pointless; I simply wasn't impressed. Oh, and the blood & gore can also be turned on/off (what... why?).

Now let's check out a couple of screenshots of a Terminator and some silly fighting...

Whether you're Samantha Fox or a Terminator - this game is kick ass!! Love it!!

Showing off some cool moves there? Or is he just defying gravity? You decide.

Don’t forget to breathe, very important!

Like Domark's Pit Fighter, each character is digitised, and they try their best to look macho whilst kicking seven bells outta you. It's quite remarkable the amount of detail squeezed into each pixel with smooth animations. The backgrounds are always interesting, like the Terminator watching you on a screen, and the crowd with their silly movements. However, I'm not so sure about the colour palette, which is too brownish.

The audio doesn't disappoint and makes use of the DMA hardware with good music and a range of silly sampled sound effects for every kick, punch, and grunt. For once, I'm glad the YM wasn't used. Love it!

Let's fight our way through some more screenshots without getting electrocuted...

Kick people to death while they're already being electrocuted. It's all allowed!!

Or just pounce from a great height until they are splattered. All good fun!

The CryptO'pinion?

I'm no expert when it comes to beat 'em up games, but I am genuinely shocked at how much fun I've had with this Mortal Kombat wannabe. I half expected it to suck, especially being released so late in the ST's life. Surprisingly, even though the STe has no hardware to move the sprites, it's shockingly brisk and lively. A delightful game and a possible replacement for Double Dragon 3 as my favourite game?

Also, I love how it doesn't take itself too seriously, and the fact that I can try my luck against a Terminator is kinda cool. It's obvious that a lot of hard work and love went into its production - and all during the twilight years. Beating the hell out of digitised guys is a great way to spend a couple of hours!! Play this.

The floppies are on Atarimania. (stay away from any betas as they are rubbish!)