The great-granddaddy of Brawl

[guyjin]

Me and mike watched a video about SSBB last night. the guy was pointing out how much SSBB is like pinball, which he said the NES version of which was developed by HAL. (gamefaqs sez it was developed by Nintendo, tho.) unlike nearly all fighting games, the goal in SSBB is not to deplete the enemy's life meter, but knock him out of the playfield.

So this morning I was thinking about it, and I realized something. There is another fighting game that has basically the same mechanic. for the NES. and it might even have been developed by HAL (though I don't know, since gamefaqs claims both pinball and this game were developed by Nintendo.)

Urban Champion. While you certainly don't bounce people around like you do in SSBB, the idea is basically the same: force your opponent to the edge of the playfield, and eventually knock him into the sewer hole. there's no real life meter at all, just push or be pushed.

edit: also forgot, there are random events that can affect the outcome of the battle in UC as well. people throw flowerpots at you periodically, and cop cars drive by occasionally to break up the fight.

[Keranu]

I never thought about that before, that's really interesting. Is there a link for the video you mentioned?

[guyjin]

it's on the Wii's "Nintendo channel".

[Keranu]

I'll have to watch that soon. Is it an interview with that Sakurai guy who directed the game? I have a ton of respect for that dude, he's one of those developers that's really confident and intelligent when it comes to careful game design.

[guyjin]

actually, no, it was a 'how to play' tutorial. should be near the top of the list.

[Lord Thag]

Ah yes, Urban Champion. Haven't thought of that game in years. I remember it being on dem when the NES first came out. It does have some similarities to brawl, but it was reallllllly slooooooow.

[CrackTiger]

Sounds like Battle Royale for the TG-16.

[Keranu]

Sounds like Battle Royale for the TG-16.

Knocking people out of the ring in BR is so awesome!