Battle Fighters Garou Densetsu 2 review: The perfect blend of action and story

Battle Fighters Garou Densetsu 2 - Deep Darkness and the Battle Trail

■ Public Media

TV anime series

■ Original Media

game

■ Broadcast period

July 23, 1993 - January 1, 0000

■Broadcasting station

Fuji TV Network

■Frequencies

90 min

■ Number of Episodes

Episode 1

■Original Story

SNK/NEO・GEO

■ Director

・Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi

■ Production

・Animation Production: Studio Comet

■Works

©SNK PLAYMORE, Fuji Television, NAS

■ Story

The second animated TV special of the popular fighting game "Fatal Fury". Geese Howard, the man who rules Southtown. His ambition knows no bounds, and now it is aimed at the world. Geese's existence is known to people all over the world, and some are afraid of his power. However, Geese is hesitant to venture out into the world. There is a man who oppresses Geese, a man of great confidence who is a big wall that clouds his judgment. A threatening letter is delivered to Geese along with the pitiful appearance of his subordinate. ...A man stronger and more cruel than Jeff Bogard, who stood in his way when he tried to take over Southtown... The mysterious man who calls himself the Emperor of Darkness, with his fists that control the darkness, is secretly and strangely oppressive in blocking Geese's world strategy. However, Geese was defeated by Jeff's sons, and the heavens settled the matter as if they did not want Geese and the mysterious man to face each other. Time passed, and one day, Terry was working out at the gym as usual. He received an invitation. To the King of the Fighters... The situation unfolded rapidly. The warriors continued to fight, unaware of what was going on. Each of them reached their final chapter.

■Explanation

"Garou Densetsu 2" was released as the second installment of the 100 Mega Shock series, and has significantly improved graphics and operability. Various new systems have been added, such as the evolved 2-line system that allows you to move to a different line yourself or blow your opponent to a different line, and the "super special move" that can only be used when your health is below a certain value and has tremendous power. These new elements have made the gameplay more dynamic and strategic, providing players with new challenges and excitement. The anime version also skillfully incorporates these systems to enhance the visual impact and storytelling. In particular, the battle scenes that utilize the 2-line system are visually very attractive and made a strong impression on viewers. Furthermore, the scenes in which super special moves are used function as important elements that highlight the individuality and strength of the characters.

■ Main staff

Director: Kazuhiro Furuhashi; Character design and animation director: Masami Ohbari; Music: Toshihiko Sahashi; Sound: Masafumi Mima; Animation production: Studio Comet

■ Main Characters

Terry Bogard Fighting style: Martial arts + Jeff's fighting style Hobbies: Video games Birthday: March 15, 1971 Important possession: Jeff's keepsake glove Age: 22 Favorite food: Fast food Height: 182cm
Favorite music: Rock Weight: 77kg
Dislikes: Slugs Blood type: Type O Favorite sport: Basketball Birthplace: America, Andy Bogard Fighting style: Kobutsuji Hobbies: Training Birthday: August 16, 1972 Important things: Commemorative photo from training days (with my master, Hanzo Shiranui)
Age: 21 Favorite food: Natto spaghetti Height: 171cm
Favorite music: Silence Weight: 69kg
Dislikes: Dogs Blood type: Type A Favorite sport: Short track Birthplace: America, Joe Higashi Fighting style: Muay Thai Hobby: Fighting Birthday: March 29, 1972 Important thing: Headband Age: 21 Favorite food: Fried crocodile Height: 180cm
Favorite music: Enka Weight: 72kg
Dislikes: School Blood type: AB Favorite sport: All martial arts Birthplace: Japan, Kim Kaphwan Fighting style: Taekwondo Hobby: Karaoke Birthday: December 21, 1964 Important things: Two sons Age: 28 Favorite food: Icafe Height: 176cm
Favorite music: Mood songs Weight: 78kg
Dislikes: Evil Blood type: Type A Favorite sport: Gymnastics Birthplace: Korea, Shiranui Mai Fighting style: Ninjutsu Hobby: Cooking New Year's dishes Birthday: January 1, 1974 Important thing: Hairpin from my grandmother Age: 19 Favorite food: Ozoni Height: 164cm
Favorite music: Heavy metal Weight: 50kg
Dislikes: Spiders Blood type: Type B Favorite sport: Battledore (using shuttlecock)
Birthplace: Japan, Yamada Jubei Fighting style: Judo Hobbies: Shiatsu Birthday: July 7, 1922 Important things: Chanchanko Age: 70 Favorite food: Onsen tamago Height: 156cm
Favorite music: Eurobeat Weight: 50kg
Dislikes: Sweaty men Blood type: Type A Favorite sport: Gateball Hometown: Japan, Big Bear Fighting style: Wrestling Hobbies: Visiting amusement parks, riding thrill rides Birthday: March 3rd (year of birth unknown)
Valuable possessions: Masked collection Age: Around 35?
Favorite food: Australian beef steak Height: 202cm
Favorite music: Country rock Weight: 210kg
Dislikes: Koalas Blood type: O Favorite sport: American football Hometown: Chin Shinzan, Australia Fighting style: Tai Chi Hobby: Saving money Birthday: August 10, 1952 Important thing: Money Age: 40 Favorite food: Ramen Height: 160cm
Favorite music: Pops Weight: 100kg
Dislikes: Poor Blood type: Type O Favorite sport: Table tennis Birthplace: Taiwan

■Detailed evaluation and recommendation

"Battle Fighters: Garou Densetsu 2" is a TV special that aired in 1993, and is an anime based on SNK's popular fighting game "Garou Densetsu 2". This work faithfully reproduces the world view of the game, while developing its own story and delving into the characters. Below, we will explain in detail the appeal and recommended points of this work.

The appeal of the story

The story of "Battle Fighters: Fatal Fury 2" revolves around Geese Howard's ambition and the presence of a mysterious man who stands in the way of it. Geese's ambition to rule the world was also depicted in the game, but the anime version adds even deeper psychological portrayal and dramatic developments. In particular, Geese's hesitation to embark on the world and the overwhelming presence of the mysterious man leave a strong impression on viewers. In addition, the scene where Terry Bogard receives an invitation to the King of the Fighters foreshadows new developments in the story, catching the viewer's interest. This type of storytelling is enjoyable not only for fans of the game, but also for viewers experiencing this world for the first time.

Character Appeal

While the characters in this work are based on the settings of the game, they are portrayed in depth, which is unique to anime. In particular, Terry Bogard's growth and fighting spirit, Geese Howard's ambition and conflict, and the overwhelming presence of the mysterious man leave a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the personalities and backgrounds of each character are carefully drawn, allowing the viewer to empathize with their struggles and relationships. For example, the gloves that were a keepsake of Terry's father, Jeff Bogard, are the driving force behind his struggles and an important item that conveys those feelings to the viewer. Additionally, each character's symbolic items, such as Andy Bogard's commemorative photo from his training days and Joe Higashi's headband, also enrich the story.

Visuals and performance

The visuals and direction of "Battle Fighters: Garou Densetsu 2" are based on the graphics of the game, but with the dynamic expression unique to anime. In particular, the battle scenes that utilize the two-line system are visually very attractive and leave a strong impression on the viewer. In addition, the scenes in which super special moves are used function as an important element that highlights the individuality and strength of the characters. Furthermore, the direction of director Kazuhiro Furuhashi skillfully enhances the tension and dramatic development of the story, and has the power to draw the viewer into the world of the story. The work of character designer and animation director Masami Obari is also excellent, with the characters' movements and expressions being depicted realistically.

Music and Sound

Music and sound are also important elements that enhance the appeal of this work. Toshihiko Sahashi's music skillfully expresses the tension of the battle scenes and the feelings of the characters, enhancing the emotions of the viewer. Masafumi Mima's sound also emphasizes the power of the battles and the realism of the characters' voices, leaving a strong impression on the viewer. In particular, the music and sound effects in the scenes where super special moves are used have a strong impact on the viewer and liven up the climax of the story.

Recommended points

"Battle Fighters: Garou Densetsu 2" is a work that can be strongly recommended not only to fighting game fans, but also to viewers who like anime and action movies. The following points are the main reasons for the recommendation.

• Deep Storyline : The story revolves around Geese Howard's ambition and the presence of a mysterious man, and while it is based on the worldview of the game, it also includes the deep psychological depictions and dramatic developments that are unique to anime.
• Charming characters : The personalities and backgrounds of each character, including Terry Bogard, are carefully drawn, allowing viewers to empathize with their struggles and relationships.
• Dynamic visuals and direction : The combat scenes utilizing the two-line system and the scenes using super special moves are visually very appealing and leave a strong impression on the viewer.
• Music and Sound Effects : Toshihiko Sahashi's music and Masafumi Mima's sound effects skillfully convey the intensity of the battles and the emotions of the characters, enhancing the viewers' emotions.

Related works and viewing recommendations

For viewers who enjoyed Battle Fighters: Garou Densetsu 2, we also recommend the following related works, which will help you gain a deeper understanding of the world and characters of the Garou Densetsu series.

• Garou: The Motion Picture : This OVA was released in 1994 and tells the story of the characters from the Garou series. Characters such as Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi appear in the film, and you can enjoy their new adventures.
• Garou Densetsu: Wild Ambition : This OVA was released in 1997, and tells the story of the characters from the Garou series facing off against a new enemy. Not to be missed is the return of Geese Howard and his rematch with Terry Bogard.
• King of Fighters series : This work depicts a fighting tournament in which characters from the "Fatal Fury" series participate, including characters such as Terry Bogard, Andy Bogard, and Joe Higashi. In particular, "King of Fighters '94" and "King of Fighters '95" are recommended for fans of the "Fatal Fury" series.

"Battle Fighters Garou Densetsu 2" is a wonderful work that combines a deep storyline based on the worldview of fighting games, attractive characters, dynamic visuals and direction, and music and sound effects. This work leaves a strong impression on viewers, and is highly recommended not only for fans of fighting games, but also for viewers who like anime and action works. Please enjoy the related works as well.