Play Fighting Masters (Japan) Online

Fighting Masters came out for the Sega Genesis in 1991, developed by Tose and published by Treco. It was one of those early fighting games that tried to stand out with a cast of fantasy characters instead of martial artists, arriving before the genre exploded with more polished titles.

You choose from a lineup of bulky fighters, like a minotaur or a knight, and battle through a series of one-on-one matches. The goal is to defeat each opponent and become the champion. The combat relies on simple special moves and exaggerated throws that send characters flying; matches are fast and often decided by who lands a big hit first. The difficulty can spike unexpectedly, especially against later opponents who block and counter more effectively. It feels chaotic and a little clumsy, but there's a straightforward joy in landing a ridiculous super move that clears the screen.