Fighter's History (Arcade) Playthrough - NintendoComplete

A playthrough of Data East's 1993 arcade versus-fighting game, Fighter's History.
Played through as Mizoguchi on the game's default difficulty level.
I've already spoken a fair amount about Fighter's History with my video from the excellent SNES port. You can find it here if you're interested: • Fighter's History (SNE...
You can also find my playthrough of the Sega Saturn port of the direct sequel, Fighter's History Dynamite (Karnov's Revenge), here: • Fighter's History Dyna...
All of the obvious influences from Capcom's Street Fighter II aside (because really, how many successful fighting 2D games in the 90s didn't work with the genre-defining "rules" set by Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat?), Fighter's History is an extremely well made game. Data East always played second-fiddle to names like Capcom or Konami in both the home and the arcade markets, but more often than not, the quality of their output was on par with the bigger names.
Personally, I do feel that Fighter's History is just as good a game as Street Fighter II, particularly in its SNES incarnation. It's different enough to stand on its own merits: the gameplay is reasonably tight and well balanced, it features good production values, it has a somewhat charming and goofy sense of self, and most importantly, it's a great deal of fun to play. It was also really neat to see an old Data East "mascot" like Karnov repurposed for such an unexpected role.
Fighter's History just had the misfortune of being viewed as valid, threatening competition by Capcom when Data East appropriated the basics of Street Fighter II. Everything you would expect of a good fighting game is here, and Capcom really looked really awkward and defensive when they sued Data East for copyright infringement. I mean, seriously. Nintendo defined the template for the modern platformer with Super Mario Bros., yet they didn't sue Capcom for incorporating some of those innovations with games like Mega Man. And it really sucks that though the news of the lawsuit gave Fighter's History a lot of publicity, it also framed the game as a mere ripoff, and as a result, many people dismissed it without a second thought.
Thankfully all of this didn't stop Data East from forging ahead and creating a (short-lived) franchise. The sequels, Fighter's History Dynamite and the Super Famicom exclusive Fighter's History: Mizoguchi Kiki Ippatsu!!, were also excellent games that offered sound improvements over the original.
Overall, I'll say this: haters are always going to hate, but I really don't care. Fighter's History is one of my favorite fighters to come out in the wake of Street Fighter II. No matter what anyone says about its originality (or lack thereof), it is difficult to argue against how, at the very least, Fighter's History is thoroughly competent in its execution and thoroughly professional in its presentation. It's the product of a team that fully well knew how to build a game, and it shows. For anyone that likes 2D fighters, I'd think that'd be more than reason enough to give it a try. If the game's absurd personality wasn't enough already, that is!
_
No cheats were used during the recording of this video.
NintendoComplete (www.nintendocom...) punches you in the face with in-depth reviews, screenshot archives, and music from classic 8-bit NES games!
Visit for the latest updates!
/ 540091756006560
/ nes_complete

[@MHArcadia]

Ah yes. Just as Ryu had his Hadoken and Scorpion yelled "Get Over Here," who could ever forget our hero Mizoguchi shouting "TIGABAZAGABAH!"

[@edu_moonwalker]

And also the multiple Raiden shouts like "Ainbabababaleeeh!" or "Hainbulabulagaaaah!

[@jessragan6714]

It sounds like "TAKE A GOOD LOOK AT 'YA!" to me!

[@Write-Stuff]

Man, I was about to post something eerily similar. Weird.

[@thekita6774]

It sounds like he's saying "TIGA BAZOOKA DA!!". Or at least to me it sounds that way.

[@BEAST-gv1ou]

I laughed out loud! Piss off! Your shit! So funny I totally remember this!

[@b_e_p_i_s_m_a_n6212]

5:24 this is the gameplay of all time

[@DavidAtenas]

There was a significant and spectacular change to the sequel, "Fighter's History Dynamite", especially in sound, voice acting and gameplay.

[@bimapradiga8853]

Fun fact: In this Game, Mizoguchi, Ray, Marstorius, Matlok and Samchay share same KO sounds

[@meganinten0078]

Facts! I personally prefer the original Fighter's History over Dynamite. Not only it has better stages, music and voices but also it is not insufferable 😅

[@kibegamimultimedia]

To those who don't know, Mizoguchi's fireball attack is "TAIGA-BAZUUKA-JYA!" Shoryuken move is "KOU-RYUU-SEI!!" and Hurricane "SCISSOR! x number of times"

[@vladt7150]

I think the arcade cabinet my friends and I played this on way back when must have had dodgy speakers - we thought he was saying "Take a good look at dat", "Or you'll pay", and "PISSOFF-PISSOFF-PISSOFF!" 😅😅😅

[@Boogie1328]

Do you know what Lee is saying?

[@meganinten0078]

Mizoguchi: "TAKE A LOOK AT THAT!!" THESPIO!! THESPIO!! THESPIO!!" Ray: "BIG POTATO!!" "DEDEDE!!" "DYNAMITE!!" Feilin: "DONALD DUCK!!!" "WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?!" Jean: "BANANA ROSE!!" CLOWN: "PICK A CAR!!" 😂😆 This game has the funniest lines and voices in fighting games.

[@boynextdoorman]

My favorite thing is that nearly every male character shares the same scream when defeated, except Lee, who goes "Aiiieeeeyaaaaa..." Why's that?

[@lunairepierrot5420]

He is a Hong Konger

[@ricky-sanchez]

Street fight did the same thing all the way up until super streetfighter 2.

[@meganinten0078]

Jean, Clown and Karnov also have different KO screams

[@uacrazy4481]

Always love the reads, so informative! Thanks for acknowledging other games of similar backgrounds but with a clear & valid understanding of their, sometime subtle, differences.Thanks as always!!!

[@VanceVelez]

I too, want to devote my life to parties and occasionally studying. Just like Mizoguchi.

[@basi-vega35]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ricky-sanchez]

Mizo-guchi mayne

[@fightingfistdojosfv8349]

The Super Nintendo version is so true to the arcade its amazing it has all the speech and sound affects from the arcade

[@susanfit47]

This game is famous for Capcom suing Data East, claiming the game is too similar to its hit title, Street Fighter II, and as such is copyright infringement on its property. The case was found in Data East's favor, however, as the court found that the copied elements were scenes a faire, elements necessary for depicting the scenario.

[@blackflame4506]

Baked POTATO!!!!!

[@bl3783]

When I was a kid, I played arcade fighter's history Karnov's revenge. I selected Mizoguchi and kept moving full circle with the joystick and pressing kick button. It turned out really well and was last for many rounds even I didn't know how to play fighting game at that time.

[@RyukFerry]

imagine playing this in your sorny tv, connected to your audio system brand panaphonics...

[@SoulStreak64]

"Every fighting game is just a crappy street fighter knock off."

[@DrEvil-sd9nu]

SoulStreak 64 this arcade is actually good

[@Voljetay25]

Yea but capcom sued them...this game was the shit..

[@B06F1A24]

@@Voljetay25 and lost

[@Proxytality]

Imagine what would have come out of the whole lawsuit if Capcom and Data East worked together on a collab of this and SFII. Who wouldn't wanna see Ray vs Ken or even Mizoguchi vs Ryu?

[@h00pladeeznuts81]

*Looks at android Games*

[@waynehardy2]

It sounds like mizoguchi shouts 'youre shit' after knocking the opponent out!

[@meganinten0078]

Fighter's History had its 30th Anniversary in 2023! 🎂🎉 Too bad nobody remembered it, not even the actual owners of the IP 😢 Fans of fighting games should respect this game. If Capcom won in court they would have taken over the entire fighting game genre. Rest in Peace, Data East 🥲

[@damiancox2594]

I do remember fighter's history very well when it was released in 1993

[@restlessblack7055]

I remember playing with Ray and laughing every time I threw a tornado and swore I heard him say ... and I quote ( baked potato)

[@notyetskeletal4809]

This was great. I think I finished it with everyone. A lot easier than Karnov's Revenge. Must have gotten lucky this machine was so close to where I lived. Never played a SNES. "Matlooock" - Abe Simpson.

[@santoyo85]

Mizoguchi WIIIIIIIINS!

[@holdthetruthhostage]

This Game needs to come back, Mizoguchi is basicaly Yuska

[@meganinten0078]

Mizoguchi for KOF XVI!! One of the best Ryu clones!! I know the sequel (Fighter's History Dynamite) has better gameplay but the original Fighter's History has better stages, voices (these are so funny xD) and music. The soundtrack of the original Fighter's History is AMAZING! 🎵 Better than Street Fighter 2 music and even KOF games! I love all the tracks in this game!

[@DavidAtenas]

The scenarios are better animated and well constructed than the scenarios in "Fighter's History Dynamite".

[@NoAverageMitch]

I'm amused by the way that even the music speeds up in the same manner that Street Fighter II does!

[@hectorthomas3205]

I dunno if it's just me or not but is Mizoguchi constantly calling his foes Shit ?

[@Ryowhosakazaki]

Mizugochi: Piss off! Piss off! Piss off! Ray: Big patoto 🥔!!! Feilin: Donald Duck! Lee: Aaiiyaaaaa! Clown: Pick a card!

[@Growingingodliness7]

That sound that clown makes when he loses 🤣

[@LOLmusics]

BIG TORNADO!

[@GO-gh2cp]

knock knock... who is it ? Mizoguchi deliveyi ! I got your pizza pizza pizza !!

[@burnikshrapnel]

🤣🤣🤣

[@viktorhugo4423]

Power Innocent - Fighting Games

[@luciebureau6815]

Like i said in a previous comment : the only arcade games i ever played were Terminator 2 and Time Crisis(nothing to do with fighting games but still...). This one looks cool and didn’t aged at all. And it’s not a rip-off ! I think i recognize the Capitole in the first stage(if not, i’m sorry because i’m a french girl). I have ideas for arcade games : Chiller, Waku Waku Sonic Patrol Car and.....TERMINATOR 2 ! PS : if Mario teach you typing, you better listen...or he’ll give you the Gaze of Death !

[@FormerlyNYVulgarian]

I enjoyed playing this game back then. I took it for a SF rip off that was still fun to play. Love how they ripped off Chun-Li’s stage theme lol

[@topshotta2000]

Yup

[@Technosphile]

Man. I always assumed the lawsuit was just more Capcom USA stupidity, but this is..very similar, yes. Very.

[@KenMasters.]

Both Fighters History games should’ve been Bad Dudes II & III. Instead of Ray McDougal, Blade & Striker should’ve been the Ryu and Ken of both games, it would give Capcom less to talk about.

[@taylorharbin3948]

Le Phantom Rose!

[@KidRich718]

This game is very nostalgic to me, I beat this game .At a drug spot , in South Jamaica Queens. Years ago with ,a crowrd cheering me on. I swear I had this game every day of my life , broronto rose , or whatever he says. 🙃🤣

[@kr1dfy453]

Great value version of Street Fighter.

[@heitorsantos7046]

Very similiar because Capcom and Data East are from Japan

[@theblueoctopus4494]

I would have killed for a new Karnov game.

[@basi-vega35]

Karnov is so short..

[@moescredriver5486]

He got taller in the sequel

[@basi-vega35]

@@moescredriver5486 😂😂

[@NintendoComplete]

@@moescredriver5486 He also gains a nice C-section scar in the sequel

[@moescredriver5486]

@@NintendoComplete he became abdullah the butcher in the sequel hahahahha

[@MichaelPuterbaugh]

Instead of "tatsumakisenpuukyaku", he says "piss off". Instead of "shouryuken", he says "career site"

[@thedeuisluiemonsanto7525]

Hope they release in android

[@urbanentertainmentgodz]

I like the music..

[@thechatpion9040]

Good fighting game from my childhood 33 years ago. World heros Jet was better with more fighters

[@Coyote006]

Does ray say baked potatoe for his fireball?

[@GamerGee]

15:08 kangabagachaii what!!! I know it’s roger bazooka but this sounds nothing near it.

[@seishinbyo-seipiero8798]

Wow

[@arturoaguilar101]

Jean vega y guile

[@HumbertoMoura]

I have played as a kid. It was funny. SFII for poor gamers. It's $ 2.00 on Nintendo Switch today. It is worth for the nostalgic feelings.

[@HumbertoMoura]

​@nemo pouncey Just kidding the SFII comment! Today I play it on Nintendo Switch and admire the great job done. I used to play in a bar in the suburbs of my city!

[@PedroJaimeCostaPereira]

This game is the perfect copy of street fighter...

[@moescredriver5486]

I didn't know Ryu could lose his headband....

[@HsienKoMeiLingFormerYANG]

Improved step up & brilliantly design made game than Street Fighter...

[@HsienKoMeiLingFormerYANG]

Improved step up & brilliantly design made game than Street Fighter...

[@neoconnor4395]

Capcom tried to sue these guys. I can see why.

[@XX2Media]

But they lost the case because Street Fighter similarly knocked off Karate Champ in the same way Mortal Kombat ripped off PitFighter. The courts ruled that all fighting games required certain characteristics in order to properly function, and thus could not be protected under copyright. Without those characteristics, Fighter’s History had just enough of a difference (difficulty balancing, character weak-points) for Data East to win the case. Hence, why this very well-constructed Street Fighter tribute game was allowed to be released. Hell, it’s currently on Switch Online and I’m playing as Ray at the moment.

[@MotorMelon7397]

why does this look like street fighters

[@CaptainKeelhaul]

Sound seems a bit out of sync...

[@KareemHillJr]

"Tigahbazookajah!"

[@DerivativeWorker]

5:50 was that some sort of anticheese mechanic?

[@NintendoComplete]

It's just the standard throw done with the strong kick button

[@jessragan6714]

I like how the announcer sounds like Dark Helmet trying to seduce Princess Vespa. "At last, I have you. The way I WANT to..." Er, never mind me. I'm playing this on Switch and need to know how to beat the damned Clown guy.

[@MisterRON]

This is a rip off of SF2, but a damn good one. I like FHD a lot (It's hilarious to watch due to how broken it is) but this can be considered a solid alternative to SF2.

[@Theshark15z]

Hence for Capcom suing Data East.

[@devschannel3697]

pizza pizza pizzaaa,,,

[@fernandovera6618]

AYGEGEGEGEGA!!

[@DrEvil-sd9nu]

Street Fighter 2 copy this game

[@Renzo-cn4zw]

the difficulty level settings is horrible i played on the easiest difficulty and is still not easy is god damn hard than street fighter

[@Ziggystars5150]

Que jogo chato

[@mrhernandez5658]

Lets play free fire

[@adrianoramos5517]

Mizoguchi WINS 😀, the best street fighter clone ver mande 😎

[@retroanimearchives3802]

Not ray? :(

[@ColonyWarrior]

TIGAMOZUKUKIDIGAHBLAhH!!

[@inkmage4084]

ROFL!!

[@GamerGee]

Does anyone know what’s said

[@sinman2483]

@GamerGee, I think it's Tiger Bazooka Shot

[@GamerGee]

Stephen Inman it doesn’t even sound anywhere near this. I hear kanabagaei!!

[@edu_moonwalker]

I hear *"Kagegabugu-gyeaaahhh!!"*

[@rcblazer]

Kinda funny that Karnov appears as the final boss, considering he's Data East's mascot. That would be like if the final boss of Virtua Fighter was Sonic the Hedgehog.

[@NintendoComplete]

Even better than that, they use Chelnov in the SNES sequel :D

[@MrSuperspeedsonic]

@@NintendoComplete That makes me sad we never had Super Karnov for SNES. Also it seems that Data East liked the idea of the player beating their protagonists eh...

[@DavideGendo]

And both Karnov and Chelnov appear in Trio The Punch.

[@FIXTREME]

I see Joe Musashi being the boss of Virtua Fighter instead

[@redandblue323]

Karnov is not what you would call an appealing mascot character

[@AyazHB]

The OST for this game is amazing.

[@lemonacidrounds7293]

The best soundtrack is Mizoguchi's stage in Karnov Revenge.

[@MatthewTheWolf2029]

I agree. My two favorite songs are Mizoguchi's and Ray's themes. Those really stuck with me.

[@meganinten0078]

FACTS! Gamadelic, the band who made the music of this game, did an amazing job! Fighter's History OST is better than any version of Street Fighter 2 OST I recommend listen to *FIGHTER'S HISTORY MEDLEY* An official track made by the same composers (Gamadelic) It is really good!

[@patrickt9864]

He saying "Good shit" when he wins

[@tinidor08]

14:27 you are not a clown, you are the entire circus

[@TecmoBowlPlayer]

5:20 Has to be the funniest round ever lol.

[@notsuoh16Bit]

Wow, that AI is amazing. LOL

[@MerkTheVillain]

I’m tryna figure out why after all those hits that one hit made him dizzy… tf?! I woulda tossed that controller lmao

[@darkkyosukecrono]

​@@MerkTheVillainBecause of the weak point system. In Mizoguchi's case, his head is the weak point, so after some hits, he lost his headband and went dizzy.

[@Bloodreign1]

I must say, I enjoyed this one back in the day, at that time we had one Wal-Mart, and they tended to have arcade machines up front, and this and Pit Fighter, as well as TMNT the Arcade Game dominated that area. I put a lot of quarters into this game, to me I loved this way more than Street Fighter II. To this day, the feeling is still the same. I have the SNES version, it too is quite enjoyable.

[@AlexKidd]

I just played it on SNES I was expecting it to be absolutely terrible but it's really not that bad

[@tomaszmatuszewski1849]

Psa

[@darshanpatil2809]

Mizoguchi is also exist as a secret boss in 2007 game kenka bancho

[@BobbyHo2022]

I've played it a few times at my local arcade. Its alright.

[@neoconnor4395]

I don't know why anyone would play this unless they were kids at Walmart, so it makes sense. Some kids grow up with orange juice, some get purple drink.. This game is the purple drink of fighters.

[@sinman2483]

Mans really saying piss off for his flying jump kick lmaooooo

[@jaywest3734]

That's what it sounds like lol.

[@NintendoComplete]

It might not be as warmly remembered as Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, but Data East totally nailed it when they made Fighter's History. Its over-the-top presentation, well-honed mechanics, and sheer personality make it a real winner despite any superficial similarities between it and Capcom's classic.

[@Bloodreign1]

I remember Capcom tried to sue Data East, and promptly got their asses handed to them, the courts laughed Capcom right out.

[@jcasetnl]

No. Just no. I played FH and beat it back in the day. It was a downtime game for us between hours and hours of SF. FH isn't a bad game but Street Fighter was better in every single way: graphics, sound/music, characters, depth, strategy, balance. There is not one single thing that FH does better than SF.

[@Super-c00n]

@@jcasetnl- Exactly. Street Fighter II is a classic, and way better than Fighter's History in every single way. All of their characters are unique, well developed, have unique moves, and a back story. From Guile the military man, to Dhalsim from India, and the mysterious Blanka out of Brazil, all of the characters are fun to play with and powerful in their own unique way. With the exception of Clown and Karnov, Fighter's History characters just seem like a cheap rip off of the Street Fighter characters.

[@yellowblanka6058]

@@jcasetnl This - in a world where SFII doesn't exist this game would have been more impressive, but like many also-ran fighters, this "off-brand SFII" fails to capture the magic of the original.

[@darshanpatil2809]

Mizoguchi is also exist as a secret boss in 2007 game kenka bancho

[@ChibiFighter]

I always found it funny that the majority of the characters shouted their special moves in their native languages

[@Growingingodliness7]

Gotta love the announcers enthusiasm

[@carlosguzman7930]

Esté juego tiene mejor estiló que stree faider

[@MrSuperspeedsonic]

I have not problems with games are based in other property, Fighting Story is a good example that a game can has a pretty obviously inspiration from other one and still be a good game.

[@brunokbelo3248]

It reminds me World Heroes.

[@GardevoirBoy]

Capcom's money hungry attitude was led to Data East being victim of plagiarism due to Fighter's History having the same gameplay and game engine as Street Fighter II. The similarities between this game and the original Street Fighter II was the near K.O. music, same number of stages as World Warrior minus bonus stages, unplayable bosses, and gameplay. What this game differentiated from Street Fighter II is that each character had a weak spot, some characters were different from Capcom fighters, and it didn't have bonus stages. The only reason why Data East won against Capcom was because it was Karate Champ that started the craze of fighting video games, not Street Fighter. It's a shame that Data East went downhill after this game. Even worse, it went bankrupt in 2003.

[@noside.foxhound]

5:22 Goddammit Samchay! you never learn. 🙄

[@Mai_Shiranui123]

One Classic

[@redandblue323]

character design advice: don't give your musclebound tank "Marstorius" tiny little child hands

[@_Majoras]

8:42 "you are nothing but an ox." 🤣 well maybe his parents were cows you got something against hillbilly's?

[@NintendoComplete]

Maybe he's related to Abby from The Last of Us 2.

[@technicalmachine1671]

This actually looks decent. I might even say… good.

[@MrDavid-gg2kk]

Did they just redesign SFII's sprites? Literally every other aspect is the same.

[@rkmugen]

Mizoguchi (to everyone else, after he's beaten them): "YOU'RE SHIT!!!"

[@luck9192]

TIGER LOOK AT THAT!!

[@mathiastube4716]

It uses Roland SC-55's instruments

[@bronysimpson3250]

Jean=Vega Ryoko=Ryu Marstorius=Zangief Samchay=Sagat Feilin=Chun Li Matlok=Guile

[@ricky-sanchez]

Ray = Terry bogard Mizo-guchi = Andy bogard Samchay = Joe higashi Ryoko = yuri sakazaki Matlok = duck king Jean = king Snk should have sued.

[@o_o_o_o_o-o_o_o_o_o]

Karnov = God

[@JeroenHoningh]

Here's what i hear: Take another look at that! Mashed Potato! Piss off!! You're shit! Your ear's tight! Hurrah!

[@juanzapatanintendojimmyneu502]

FIGHTER S HISTORY ARCADE NINTENDOCOMPLETE

[@VectortheCrocodile0]

Can’t wait mizoguchi for smash

[@darkerfalcon3747]

Pain in USA: *OUCH!* Pain in Italy: 6:31/7:03

[@edwardgaines6561]

Not every final stage ends in the middle East. I almost thought Mizoguchi was fighting Saudi Royalty or something!

[@ricky-sanchez]

Karnov is the data east mascot that has his own game! I'm not talking about karnov's revenge...

[@h-forcegaming4751]

Me so Gucci, WINS!!!

[@wavelflackprime3941]

Indeed. My cousin and I loved 'quoting' this. "PISS OFF!" "BUUTANE!" (Mizoguchi). "BAKED POTATO" (Ray) "PIZZA GO!"(Samchay) "Ding dong die!"(Lee) "GARBAGE" / "DROP GARBAGE!" (Martorius), Matlock's idiotic victory pose w/ "OW! COME ON!" and "THPBBINNING BLADE", "PICK A CAHHHD!" (Clown). I'm forgetting some, I'm sure...

[@meganinten0078]

"BANANA ROSE!" (Jean) "OVERRATED KICK!" (Matlok) "DONALD DUCK!" (Feilin)

[@GamerGee]

Karnovs heavy damage song is soo cool

[@kevinwilliam964]

Ayo what's Momo doing there

[@markkanaar1751]

I was sent here after watching a street fighter II video.

[@viktorhugo4423]

Power Innocent Release: 1992 Platforms: Arcade (Acclaim), Genesis, SNES Developer: Acclaim

[@viktorhugo4423]

Characters: Ray Feilin Ryoko Clown Matlok Samchay Lee Karnov Mizoguchi Jean Marstorius Yungmie

[@viktorhugo4423]

Boss: Sailchay

[@haasman100]

I think if Capcom just sued for the after-fight ost and the fake Chun Li ost,they would have won. I bet Music was the last thing on Capcom's angry mind lol.

[@br3akoutmedia198]

The stages/background looked better than the SF ones. But the stages music on SF blows these guys away.