Similar to the tried and true formula of past Ultraman games, players tackle enemy monsters in one-on-one bouts where regular physical blows are mixed with thundering special attacks that do double or triple damage. Along with the standard Ultraman hero, the other heroes featured in the game include Ultra Seven, Ultraman Taro, Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Gaia, and Ultraman Cosmos.

Jan Code: 4983164735901

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCS site.

» Press START on the title screen and the following game options appear:

1) Ultra Mode - The Story Mode of the game where Ultraman battles all the monsters in the game in succession
2) Battle Mode - Fight against a procession of monsters
3) Versus Mode - Battle the CPU or a 2nd player
4) Tutorial - Learn the ways of Ultraman Fighting
5) Practice Mode - Test your skills in a friendly environment
6) Option - Set difficulty, time limits, vibration toggle, key configs, save/load

» Select Ultra Mode and the first scene shows a helicopter flying in to report on a pock-marked monster called Bulltron which is rolling into the city. To counter the menace, Ultraman leaps into action.
Upon starting combat, the commands are as follows:

D-PAD / Movement. The L-Analog is not used in the game.
CROSS / Grab and grapple with both hands
CIRCLE / Punch
TRIANGLE / Kick
SQUARE / Karate chop or bitch slap
R2-TRIGGER / Fire laser beams

» Bulltron uses electromagnetic power to hurl metal objects at Ultraman and has enough power to lift Ultraman off the ground. To combat the magnetic menace, Ultraman resorts to conventional attacks such as slaps, kicks, and throws. To pick up Bulltron, simply get close to it and press the "X" button. Ultraman will reach out with both hands and then hurl it a fair distance away where it sustains some damage. After Bulltron loses it's first supply of health, it throws up an electromagnetic shield around itself. Bulltron attacks with firepower as well as rolling attacks. It can also send UMan into a sort of phantom zone where a humongous Bulltron steamrolls over UMan. Once Bulltron is sufficiently weakened, UMan can perform an "R1 + face-button" special attack to send a whirling energy buzz saw through the air to split it in half.

» At the end of each battle, the vitals and time remaining are graded and the overall battle is given a rank based on these two parameters. If you're unsatisfied with the score, you can replay the episode again to attempt to garner better points.

» Hint for Bulltron - when it starts its spin attack, the way to stop it is by kicking it with the SQUARE attack. When Bulltron is covered in the electromagnetic field, the best way to counter it is by grabbing it and throwing it or slamming it against a building. A head-on physical attack will not work since all of Ultraman's blows will bounce right back at him.

» In Ultra Mode, the only playable character is Ultraman. Before starting the Ultra Mode, the game will ask you if you wish to try a bit of practice on a relatively docile Gomoku. Move the cursor to the right and click if you wish to skip it.

» The second episode in Ultra Mode features a battle between Ultraman and a familiar face - Gomora. The two grapple in a deserted mountainous setting with bits of shrubbery in the background. Note that after Episode 1 is completed, the game forks to Ep2 or Ep3 and one may choose either path. There's a sequence in Episode 2 where Ultraman rips off Gomora's tail and as the monster cries and rushes off in pain, Red King enters the battlefield for some one-on-one. Red King swings, punches, and brawls like its life depended on it and it would be prudent to guard against some of its smacks before going in for the kill.

» There is a system in the game where two fighters grapple for supremacy by quickly pressing the "O" button. He who hits the most "O" taps wins and knocks the other for a loop and does damage. The loser is thrown down.

Game Modes / Characters
At the outset of the game Battle and Versus Modes, the following 12 fighters are selectable:

Ultraman, Ultra Seven, Ultraman Taro, Ultraman Tiga, Ultraman Gaia, Ultraman Cosmos, Gomora, Eleking, Kyrieloid, Waroga, Alien Baltan, and Tyrant.

16 additional slots are also on the Character Select Table but they must be unlocked by attaining certain goals and conditions before they are playable.

NCS Closing Thoughts
The game runs and plays well. Ultraman can perform a number of conventional attacks as well as special attacks. For example, to perform a powered up dash-dive onto a beast, press and hold the D-pad down and then press and hold the "O" button. Ultraman will literally charge into a beast head first with energized hands outstretched. Pressing R1 and then waiting for the energy meter to fill up and then pressing SQUARE, TRIANGLE or O will unleash a powerful special attack. For example, pressing Square will have Ultraman fire off six rings of encapsulation on a beast to hold it prisoner. Pummel it once it is immobilized.

View the back cover and screenshots on the main NCS site.

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