SUPER GEM FIGHTER
Original Release: Capcom, 1997, Arcade
Other Releases: PlayStation/Saturn (1998), Wonderswan (2000), PlayStation 2 (in Street Fighter Alpha Anthology, 2006), PS4/Switch/Xbox One (in Capcom Fighting Collection, 2022)
What if the cutesy style of Super Puzzle Fighters, but actual fighting game? That's what you get with Super Gem Fighters
Super Gem Fighters (Arcade, Capcom, 1997)
Where to Buy: eBay
How to Emulate: Arcade Emulation Guide
Review by: C. M0use
Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix (also released as Pocket Fighter) is yet another Street Fighter variant from Capcom, this one starring chibi-munchkin version of fighters from various games.
The fighting action is a bit more simplistic here than in other games, with only one button each for punches and kicks. The twist in this one is that you pick up colored gems throughout the fight, which "level up" the three different special moves that each character has.
The game has great graphics and backgrounds, and is worth the price of admission for the cuteness factor alone. Each level is packed with goofy character cameos as M. Bison happily sleds by, Dmitiri has a blast sliding across the wax floors of Dracula's castle, and Rolento stealthily sneaks up on a bowl of noodles.
Unfortunately, the "kawaii" factor is going to have to stretch a really long way with you, because the actual fighting leaves something to be desired. It's not a bad game by any means, but it does feel stiff and limited as compared to the "real" games that these characters come from.
Pocket Fighter (Wonderswan, Capcom, 2000)
Where to Buy: Play-Asia
How to Emulate: coming soon!
Review by: C. M0use
Aside from giving up color graphics, this very competent port surprisingly doesn't lack for much ... the main subtractions are being restricted to two buttons, and the loss of the cute animated details in level backgrounds. It has the full roster of characters, most of the little touches and gameplay modes added to the console ports, the humble sound hardware is even made to kick out some pretty decent chiptunes at times.
There's no particular reason to seek out this port at this point, but if you had been saddled with a black & white Wonderswan back in the day this definitely would have been one of the system's saving graces.
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