Bayani: Fighting Game

Lore & Background

Bayani: Fighting Game was developed by Philippine game developer Ranida Games. The game was first announced to the public during the 2016 Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit at the SMX Convention Center in Pasig, where a prototype featuring only two characters, Joe Rizal and Datu, was showcased and made playable for attendees. The game was shown again at the 2017 iteration of the same summit. The game was officially released on June 12, 2019 on Steam for early access, with the full version in development and plans for other consoles, though it was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reader's Guide

Bayani: Fighting Game is significant as a Philippine indie fighting game that draws its characters from historical figures often considered national heroes, while also incorporating historical events and landmarks into its design. The game is set in a far-future where the Philippines is known as the Neorepublic of the Philippines and Europe as Neuropa. Its fighting mechanics include three types of attack commands (light, medium, heavy), combo attacks, and an air juggle mechanic. The roster as of August 2018 includes eight playable warriors: Joe Rizal, Dre, Rio, Tonio, Leon, Lolang Tsora, Fernando, and Oria. The game uses cel shading for character rendering. Its legacy lies in representing Philippine history and culture through a modern video game medium, and its development was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, delaying the full version and console releases.

Did You Know?

• A prototype version featured only two characters: Joe Rizal and Datu.
• The game was officially released on Steam for early access on June 12, 2019.
• The full version and other console releases were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.