The Nintendo SNES is one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history, with a library of games that still holds up today. One of the lesser-known titles in this lineup is "Great Battle III" (, Kyōsuke no Ganryū), a sports game released exclusively for Japan in 1992.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of "Great Battle III," exploring its gameplay, features, and what made it a unique entry in the SNES library. We'll also discuss the age rating and availability of the game.

Introduction

Released in 1992, "Great Battle III" was developed by Meldac, a Japanese company that worked on numerous SNES titles. The game is often overshadowed by more popular sports games like "Wrestle Fantasia" or "Baseball Stars," but it has its own charm and dedicated fan base.

Gameplay

At its core, "Great Battle III" is a 1-on-1 fighting game that pits players against each other in one-on-one battles. The gameplay revolves around simple yet addictive mechanics: punching, kicking, and dodging opponents' attacks. Players can choose from a variety of characters, each with their unique abilities and fighting styles.

The game features a range of modes, including exhibition matches, tournaments, and a training mode. Exhibition matches allow players to test their skills against AI opponents or friends in local multiplayer, while tournaments provide a structured competition format. The training mode is useful for honing your skills and mastering specific moves.

Graphical and Audio Features

"Great Battle III" boasts vibrant, colorful graphics that were typical of SNES games during the 1990s. The game's character designs are detailed and expressive, with animations that add to the overall arcade feel. The sound design is equally impressive, with catchy music and sound effects that enhance the gaming experience.

Unique Features

One of the standout features of "Great Battle III" is its use of special moves and combinations. Players can enter a range of special moves by inputting specific button combinations, which can be used to devastating effect in battle. The game also features a unique "charge meter" system, where players can build up a charge meter that fills when successful attacks are landed.

Availability and Age Rating

"Great Battle III" is an older title, originally released in Japan for the SNES in 1992. As such, it may be difficult to find in physical form or online stores due to age-related restrictions.

In terms of age rating, "Great Battle III" was initially rated T (Teen) by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Rating Board), indicating that it's suitable for players aged 13 and above. However, this rating is no longer applicable today, as the game's content has been deemed more suitable for younger audiences.

In Japan, the game was released with a similar age rating to other sports games of the time, without any explicit content or violence. The SNES version of "Great Battle III" remains available on some online stores and retro gaming platforms, albeit at varying levels of quality due to its age.

Conclusion

"Great Battle III" is an often-overlooked title in the Nintendo SNES library, but it has a dedicated fan base that appreciates its unique charm and addictive gameplay. The game's use of special moves and combinations adds a layer of strategy and depth to the standard 1-on-1 fighting formula.

While "Great Battle III" may not be as well-known as some other SNES titles, it remains an interesting entry in the gaming world that is worth exploring for fans of sports games or retro gaming enthusiasts. With its age rating no longer applicable today, the game can now be enjoyed by players of all ages without any concerns.

Appendix

Box Art

A shot of the game's box art, featuring a character in a fighting stance, with a background that blends into the SNES logo.

Gameplay Screenshots

Examples of gameplay screenshots showcasing the game's characters, modes, and features, including exhibition matches and special moves.

A screenshot of the Training Mode

A close-up of the training mode, showing a player practicing their special move inputs and combos.

The original release date in Japan.

Release Date: October 1992