Play Masters of Combat Online

Masters of Combat came out for the Sega Master System in 1993, a time when the console was still getting new releases in some regions. It was developed and published by Sega, and it fits right in with the era's straightforward, often quirky fighting games. You don't get the flash or depth of an arcade port here; it's a simpler, home-grown effort.

You choose from four distinct fighters, each with their own basic moveset, and battle through a series of one-on-one matches. The main goal is to win the tournament and uncover the mystery behind it, which involves facing a strange final opponent. Combat relies on punches, kicks, and special moves executed with simple directional inputs, though the controls can feel stiff and unresponsive at times. Matches are short and the difficulty is manageable, but the lack of fluidity makes every match a bit of a grind. It feels like a budget title that never quite finds its rhythm.