Last Battle (video game)

Last Battle is a side-scrolling beat 'em up with a martial arts theme, released by Sega for the Mega Drive/Genesis in 1989. It arrived later in 1989, not as part of the Genesis launch lineup in the U.S., which debuted with five titles in August. In Japan, the game was released as *Hokuto no Ken: Shinseikimatsu Kyūseishu Densetsu*, based on the *Fist of the North Star* manga and anime. Because the international version did not keep the *Fist of the North Star* license, the character names and graphics were changed. This was Sega's second *Hokuto no Ken* game, following the Mark III title that came out internationally as *Black Belt*. In 1991, Elite developed and released versions for the Commodore 64 and Amiga in Europe.

**Gameplay** The game is a side-scrolling action title similar to its predecessor *Black Belt*. Players control Aarzak (Kenshiro in the Japanese original), who fights enemies with punches and kicks. He has six basic attacks, which can be performed while standing, jumping, or crouching. Alongside a life gauge, Aarzak has a power-up meter that fills as he defeats enemies. When the meter reaches a certain point (which varies by stage), he transforms into a super-powered state, allowing rapid punches and kicks for the rest of that stage. Most levels (excluding boss fights and maze stages) have a time limit displayed in the lower-right corner. Unlike typical time limits, it doesn't kill the character immediately when it hits zero; instead, it gradually drains the player's life gauge until the level is completed.

The game is split into four chapters, each containing several levels. After finishing a level, a map shows the player's current location and available paths. Most levels are linear side-scrolling segments where the player walks from one side to the other, fighting every enemy in the way. Other levels are dungeon mazes, requiring the player to find the correct path while avoiding traps. Throughout the game, allies appear who can boost Aarzak's offense, defense, or health. There are also one-on-one boss encounters. Sometimes, levels must be completed in a specific order to finish a chapter.

**Ports** Since the English localization didn't keep the *Fist of the North Star* license, all character names and fighting styles were changed, though the plot remained largely the same.