Armed and Dangerous! A Retro Fighting Game That Punches Above its Weight

In the labyrinthine world of fighting games, where pixelated punches meet digitized dragon kicks, there exists a hidden gem that often gets overlooked: Armed and Dangerous. Released in 1997 for PlayStation, this title throws down the gauntlet with a unique blend of humor, over-the-top action, and surprisingly deep gameplay. Forget your Ryu and Ken, because here we delve into a world where anthropomorphic robots grapple with sentient toilets – yes, you read that right.
A Story Told in Slapstick: The Premise of Armed and Dangerous
Armed and Dangerous doesn’t pretend to have a complex narrative; it embraces its absurdity with open arms (or should we say robotic claws?). The game pits various quirky characters against each other in a tournament to determine who will inherit the vast fortune left behind by a deceased eccentric inventor.
Imagine a scenario where a musclebound cyborg wrestler clashes with a flamboyant fashion designer who wields dresses as weapons. Picture an obese, flatulent sumo robot facing off against a sentient vacuum cleaner equipped with razor-sharp blades. This is the delightful chaos that unfolds in Armed and Dangerous, all underscored by cheesy one-liners and slapstick humor.
Beyond the Silliness: Unmasking the Game’s Depth
While the premise might seem initially goofy, Armed and Dangerous possesses a surprisingly solid fighting system. The developers, Left Field Productions, clearly understood that a good fighting game needs more than just flashy visuals; it needs nuanced mechanics to keep players engaged.
Here’s what makes Armed and Dangerous stand out:
- Weaponized Mayhem: Unlike traditional fighting games where punches and kicks reign supreme, each character in Armed and Dangerous wields a unique weapon. These range from the mundane (baseball bats, shotguns) to the utterly bizarre (toilet plungers, robotic arms).
- Environmental Hazards: The game’s stages are not mere backdrops; they actively participate in the fight. Players can use exploding barrels, moving platforms, and even giant fans to their advantage, turning each battle into a chaotic, unpredictable dance.
Character | Weapon | Unique Trait |
---|---|---|
Zork | Robotic Claw | Can grapple opponents |
Polly | Dress Whip | Uses fabric for ranged attacks |
Sumo-Bot | Fart Gun | Fumes stun opponents |
- Power-Ups and Chaos: Throughout the match, power-ups spawn randomly, granting temporary boosts like increased speed, super strength, or even invisibility. These additions add another layer of unpredictability to the fights.
- A Soundtrack That Slaps (Literally): The soundtrack perfectly complements the game’s zany tone. It features a mix of upbeat techno and rock music, punctuated by exaggerated sound effects that amplify the comedic violence.
The Legacy of Armed and Dangerous
While Armed and Dangerous may not have achieved the same mainstream success as its contemporaries like Tekken or Street Fighter, it remains a cult classic among fighting game enthusiasts who appreciate its offbeat humor and surprisingly deep gameplay. Its legacy lies in its willingness to break the mold, proving that fighting games can be both hilarious and fiercely competitive.
Final Verdict: A Must-Play for Retro Fighting Fans
If you’re looking for a fighting game experience that’s different from the norm, Armed and Dangerous is definitely worth checking out. It’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane with plenty of laughs along the way. Just be prepared to encounter sentient toilets – they pack a surprising punch!