A History of Gaming - Data East - Fighter's History (Part 3)

The subject of Yesterday's little History lesson was Karnov, Data East's silly mascot. As a Mascot, you'd think he would appear in more games that his self-titled adventure, he is the face of a company after all? Well, you thought correct, Karnov has appeared in several other Data East titles. Most famously in Fighter's History.

Look familiar?

Fighter's History isn't a bad game by any means, it's actually a pretty solid fighter. But it's infamously known for it's subtle similarities to another, better known fighting game.

By subtle, I mean glaringly obvious. This game is Street Fighter II with a new coat of paint and some new, strange characters. Not only is the presentation similar, but the gameplay is the exact same. This is part of the reason why the game is solid, but your time is better spent with Street Fighter. Think of it this way: You ask for Street Fighter II: Turbo on your Super Nintendo for Christmas. When you joyfully open up the game-sized present on Christmas day, you get Fighter's History instead because your parents don't love you. This game is the unloved, poor man's Street Fighter.

I also forgot to mention. Capcom noticed the similarities too and even took Data East to court. The verdict was in Data East's favor however, as the Judged ruled that the content was "too generic." I guess that's fair, but Fighter's History is as clone as a clone can get.

There's only one thing that separates the two titles. The boss characters. Fighter's History has two of them and their the only unique thing the game has to offer.

The first one is a rather scary-looking clown who has no place in a fighting game. Why Data East put him in here is beyond me. The second is Karnov. Who is trying to prove to the world that he's the strongest man ever. Brilliant. If there ever was a shameless plug to promote your mascot, that's it right there.

Ryu? Is that you?

But Fighter's History isn't the last game to feature Karnov. Oh no. Fighter's History had a sequel: Fighter's History Dynamite, which was even less memorable than the first. Karnov also appeared in another game requiring you to beat the shit out someone, and we'll talk about that tomorrow.

- Kyle K.