No matter how many times you beat down Edi E., Andore, or Sodom, Final
Fight just never gets old. The faithful GBA adaptation retains not only the core
gameplay, graphics, and sounds of the coin-op classic, it adds numerous features,
unlockable through extended play. The simple fact that this is portable should be enough
justification to buy this; the extras make it a necessity.If you're frequenting this site, you know the story and it doesn't bear repeating here. The numerous new features provide plenty to talk about. Playing the game earns you points. Points equal unlockable stuff. Unlockable stuff includes secret characters, new modes, and other fun stuff. Got all that? Of course, the gameplay remains unchanged, and it even has a few upgrades from the other home versions. All of the stages are present from the arcade game, plus the flicker and slowdown is virtually non-existent.
There's not a whole lot new to look at in this version as everything looks just like it did 10 years ago. Every background detail, character animation, and cinema remains the same. A few changes would've been welcomed along the way, but there's not exactly much to complain about when it's a perfect port. The new characters (SPOILER: Guy and Cody from the Street Fighter Alpha series) are animated with superb detail and fit right into the game.
As with the graphics, the music is also
replicated with no changes to be had. The voices are all there including one of the all
time great, "Oh, my car!" in the bonus stage. Nothing in particular is worth
noting in this category since any way you look at it, the games sounds exactly like it
should.
While there are special features to earn, the points to get them add up quickly, making a $40 purchase a tough call for those weaned on hours of gameplay. Final Fight fanatics have of course snatched this one up already simply to play the most memorable side-scrolling fighter of all time in portable form (the only time it's ever been done). Non-fanatics will still get a great playing classic and trip down memory lane, just be on the lookout for a sale.
