Brutal: Paws of Fury

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Brutal: Paws of Fury
System(s): Sega Mega Drive, Sega Mega-CD
Publisher: GameTek
Developer: GameTek
Distributor: Ecofilmes (PT) Tec Toy (BR)
Sound driver: GEMS
Peripherals supported: Six Button Control Pad
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1-2
Official in-game languages: English Français Deutsch
Release Date RRP Code US 1994-11 T-83136 US ▼ (Sega Channel) 199x SUBsub EU 1994 T-83136-50 DE 1994 T-83136-18 NL 199x PT 199x UK 1994 T-83136-50 AU 199x US 1994-11 $59.9559.95 T-83015 EU 1994-09 T-83015-50 DE 1994 T-83015-50 UK 1994-09-19 £39.9939.99 T-83015-50 BR 199x 063510
Non-Sega versions Amiga Amiga CD32 IBM PC Super NES

Brutal: Paws of Fury is a fighting game released for the Sega Mega Drive and Sega Mega-CD. In Germany, it is simply known as Paws of Fury.

Story

Every four years on the uncharted Brutal Island, the world's toughest martial artists are invited to compete in the grueling Brutal Island Tournament. Only the winner of this tournament gains the privilege to challenge Dali Llama, the greatest fighter in the world, for the coveted Belt of Heaven.

Gameplay

Gameplay

The game is a fighting game featuring a cast of anthropomorphic animals as selectable fighters. Fights are played to the best of three rounds. Players are given the opportunity to watch a replay after every round.

Characters move with and . They jump with , , or and crouch with . They punch with (light), (medium), and (hard). They kick with (light), (medium), and (hard). Light and medium attacks are quicker, but hard attacks do more damage and knock opponents over. When using a standard three-button control pad,  START  switches between punches and kicks. Characters can do a crouching punch by holding when punching or a sweep kick that knocks the opponent down by holding when kicking. Most characters can also do a roundhouse attack by holding the D-Pad away from the opponent and pressing any attack button or a rear attack by holding the D-Pad toward the opponent and pressing any attack button.

The first special move taught to every character in the single-player game is a taunt that is performed with +. Taunts restore part of the character's lost health, but the character is vulnerable during the taunt.

Characters block by holding when facing right or when facing left, which can be done while standing or crouching. However, unlike most fighting games, there is no difference between high and low attacks, so any attack can be blocked while standing or crouching. Many special moves are unblockable and knock the opponent over on impact. In the Mega Drive version, all hard attacks are unblockable as well. Being hit repeatedly stuns a fighter for a duration, leaving the character unable to move or attack. Some special moves also stun the character performing them.

Combos are not possible since fighters are invulnerable for a short time after getting hit, until they are able to block again. Instead, each character learns "katas," which are combination moves performed the same way as special moves.

Modes

Brutal Band

In the single-player game, the player travels to a fictional island to face ten opponents, ending with the mysterious Dali Llama. Opponents are always fought in the same order (regardless of the character played). Unlike most fighting games, the player does not start the game with any special moves; instead, the character learns one new special move with every two opponents defeated. The player is shown the move and must successfully perform it in order to learn it. The player is also given a colored belt promotion and a password saving their rank and learned moves (but not their progress; the game always starts on the first opponent). The player can change their character when continuing the game or by pressing before a match starts, but doing this loses any learned moves.

Computer opponents always have all of their special moves. There are 14 difficulty levels available (White Belt, Red Belt, Yellow Belt, Orange Belt, Green Belt, Blue Belt, Brown Belt, Black Belt, 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, 3rd Dan, 4th Dan, 5th Dan, and 6th Dan). The player only has three continues with which to complete the game.

There is also a two-player versus mode (called the "No Frills Head to Head" mode) where players choose a character and fight a single match on any stage. Players are asked to input a password before starting this mode, which stores their rank (from the single-player mode) and their wins and losses. In the Mega-CD version, the password also provides access to special moves, which must be unlocked first in the single-player mode. In the Mega Drive version, both players always have access to every character's special moves in two-player matches. When selecting a stage, pressing  START  starts the match while pressing any other button switches between choosing the stage or changing the character.

The Mega-CD version has an exclusive "Fun Room" menu option that contains the "Brutal Band" (a sound test featuring fourteen CD audio tracks) and an "Out-Takes" video containing animation tests and cut characters.

In the options, players can choose between three game speeds (Normal, Turbo, and Turbo Nutter, with Turbo being the default) and between several options for match length (a single round; best of 3, 5, or 7 rounds; or first to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 rounds). There is some overlap in the meaning of the different match length options (best of 3 is the same as first to 2, for example).

Characters

Note: Move lists assume that the character is facing right. When facing left, and should be reversed.

P	Any punch button
LP	Light punch
MP	Medium punch
HP	Hard punch

K	Any kick button
LK	Light kick
MK	Medium kick
HK	Hard kick

, , and are interchangeable with , , and (respectively) when performing special moves.

Playable

Each character represents a different "Path of Wisdom" (inspired by the Noble Eightfold Path in Buddhism).

The Pantha is only in the Mega-CD version of the game.

	Kung Fu Bunny
	Style: Relaxed Paw Height: 5'10" Weight: 100 lbs. Path: Right Understanding
	A rabbit monk. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Flash Kick HOLD Kung Fu Bunny rolls backward with a backflip kick. This move is unblockable. Double Flash Kick Kung Fu Bunny advances with three successive backflip kicks. This move is unblockable. High Flash Kick HOLD Kung Fu Bunny kicks high into the air. This move is unblockable. Scissors Kick Kung Fu Bunny leans back and stands on his hands while kicking forwards. This move is unblockable. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Dance of Death Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Kung Fu Bunny kicks in a circle, then does two front kicks and a handstand kick. Equivalent to + LK , + LK , + LK , + LK , + HK . Iron Fist Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Kung Fu Bunny punches multiple times in front of him. Equivalent to  LP ,  LP ,  LP ,  MP ,  MP ,  HP . Devil's Kiss Kung Fu Bunny advances with a series of attacks and Flash Kicks, then becomes dizzy. Equivalent to + LK , Flash Kick, + HP , + LK , Double Flash Kick.
	Prince Leon
	Style: Tan Ru (The Iron Rage) Height: 6'0" Weight: 250 lbs. Path: Right Effort
	A lion rock star who has an undisclosed vendetta with Tai Cheetah and Kendo Coyote. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Bite + Prince Leon bites in front of him with a large chomp. This move is unblockable. Swim Attack Prince Leon runs forward with a flurry of claw swipes. This move is unblockable. Roar Prince Leon roars in front of him. This move can knock down or stun opponents. Power Chord Prince Leon catches a guitar, then plays a power chord that blows the opponent away with the force of its sound waves. He is invincible while doing this. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Wild Side Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Prince Leon performs three successive Swim Attacks, then becomes dizzy. Rage Within HOLD + Prince Leon performs a Roar and a Swim Attack, then becomes dizzy. The Leon Experience Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Prince Leon performs a Power Chord and a Roar, then becomes dizzy.
	Tai Cheetah
	Style: Tai Chi Chuan Height: 6'2" Weight: 140 lbs. Path: Right Mindfulness
	A cheetah who was mentoring Kendo Coyote. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Fire Punch Tai Cheetah slides forward with a flaming punch. This move is unblockable. Fire Kick Tai Cheetah performs three quick flaming kicks. This move is unblockable. Fire Run Tai Cheetah charges forward while infused with fire. There is a short pause before he starts the dash. This move is unblockable. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description The Way of the Crane ++ Tai Cheetah leaps forward, then performs a series of kicks. Equivalent to + HK , + HK , + HK , + HK , + HK , + HK . Fist of the North Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Tai Cheetah performs three successive Fire Punches. Divine Wind Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Tai Cheetah performs two Fire Kicks followed by two successive Fire Runs, then becomes dizzy.
	Rhei Rat
	Style: Thai Boxing Height: 5'11" Weight: 150 lbs. Path: Right Speech
	A rat who is an accomplished but arrogant Thai boxer. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Knockout Punch ++ Rhei Rat swings with a heavy punch. This move is unblockable. Frenzy Attack Rhei Rat runs ahead with a flurry of punches. The last punch is unblockable. Neck Choke + (close) Rhei Rat grabs his opponent by the throat and and punches multiple times. Face Pull (close) Rhei Rat grabs and pulls his opponent's face down. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Tsumai Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Rhei Rat advances with a series of punches, then becomes dizzy. Equivalent to + HP , + HP , + HP , + HP , + LP , + LP , + LP . Lightning Fury Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Rhei Rat holds his fist out for a moment, which damages his opponent on contact. Muay Thai Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Rhei Rat performs the Frenzy Attack three times in a row, then becomes dizzy.
	The Pantha
	Style: Chin Na Height: 5'8" Weight: 190 lbs. Path: Right Meditation
	A panther who is a member of a sinister cult. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Fireball The Pantha shoots a fireball from his hands. Energy Drain Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press The Pantha holds his hands out, which sucks some of his opponent's life force away. Cloak Attack + (close) The Pantha hops on his opponent with his cloak, then beats up the opponent inside the cloak. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Serpent's Kiss Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press The Pantha shoots two fireballs, then becomes dizzy. Summon Chi Hold + for 2 seconds, then release and press The Pantha charges his inner energies and glows, which stuns both him and his opponent. The Gentle Path Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press The Pantha does two crouching punches and a sweep kick. Equivalent to + HP , + HP , + HK .
	Kendo Coyote
	Style: Kenjutsu Height: 6'2" Weight: 200 lbs. Path: Right Resolve
	A coyote who is motivated by greed and an estranged pupil of Tai Cheetah. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Slam Punch ++ Kendo Coyote swings in front of him with both fists. This move is unblockable. Headbutt + (close) Kendo Coyote grabs and headbutts his opponent repeatedly. This move is unblockable. Cannonball Kendo Coyote rolls into a ball and spins around the screen in a triangle. Spinball Kendo Coyote rolls into a ball and spins forward at high speed. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description The Five Rings Kendo Coyote performs a Cannonball and two Spinballs, then becomes dizzy. Ki Force Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Kendo Coyote does a Slam Punch, then leaps ahead and does another Slam Punch. Hapkido Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Kendo Coyote leaps ahead and does a sweep kick and a standing kick after landing. Equivalent to a forward leap, then + HK , + HK .
	Foxy Roxy (Indrah Prashmet)
	Style: Penjat Silat Height: 6'0" Weight: 160 lbs. Path: Right Livelihood
	A vixen who is a politician and social activist. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Whiplash Kick + Foxy Roxy does a cartwheel kick forward. Spin Attack Foxy Roxy cartwheels forward, then rolls into a ball, landing with a punch. Rolling Sweep Foxy Roxy slides across the screen quickly with a low kick. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Kuntao Kata ++ Foxy Roxy performs a series of kicks. Equivalent to + HK , Whiplash Kick,  HK . Call of the Lotus Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Foxy Roxy does a Rolling Attack, Spin Attack, and another Rolling Attack, then becomes dizzy. Penjat Silat Mind Throw Foxy Roxy performs an improved version of her taunt that restores her health and stuns her opponent (but only if the opponent is not blocking or in midair).
	Ivan Bear
	Style: Soviet Military Height: 6'0" Weight: 250 lbs. Path: Right Action
	A bear who is an ex-Soviet commando and claims to be the strongest animal in the world. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Big Belly Attack Ivan runs forward with a belly bump. Earthquake Ivan jumps up, then pounds the ground, knocking over any opponents on the ground. He is invincible while performing this move. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Strength of the North Ivan performs two heavy punches and a Big Belly Attack. Equivalent to  HP ,  HP , Big Belly Attack. Jab Al Nar Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Ivan does a series of crouching punches, then finishes with a standing punch. Equivalent to + MP , + MP , + MP , + MP , + MP ,  HP . Rage of the World Hold + for 2 seconds, then release and press + Ivan does three Earthquakes in a row, then becomes dizzy.

Bosses

Main article: Brutal: Paws of Fury/Hidden content.

The boss characters are only playable with the use of cheat codes.

Karate Croc is only in the Mega-CD version of the game.

	Karate Croc
	Style: Brawler Height: 6'0" Weight: 290 lbs. Path: Right Respect
	A crocodile bar brawler. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Tail Whip HOLD + Karate Croc flips around in a circle, whipping his tail around. Torpedo Attack HOLD Karate Croc jumps in the air, then dives diagonally downward head-first. Flying Tail Whip Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press ++ Karate Croc flips forward through the air, whipping his tail around. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description The Swallow ++ Karate Croc performs two successive Torpedo Attacks, then becomes dizzy. The Path of the Empty Hand Hold + for 2 seconds, then release and press Karate Croc performs four successive Tail Whips. Escrima Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Karate Croc sweeps the opponent with his tail, does two standing punches, then does another tail sweep. Equivalent to + HK ,  HP ,  HP , + HK .
	Dali Llama
	Style: Divine Height: 6'6" Weight: 150 lbs. Path: Right Perfection
	A llama who is currently the holder of the Belt of Heaven. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Headbutt + Dali Llama performs a headbutt that can knock opponents over. This move is unblockable. Smoke Attack Dali Llama transforms into a cloud of smoke and charges forward. This move is unblockable, and he is invincible while performing it. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Mind of the Gods Dali Llama concentrates, knocking the opponent over with his mind (unless the opponent is blocking, attacking, or in midair). Apocalypse Dali Llama concentrates, knocking the opponent over with his mind (unless the opponent is blocking, attacking, or in midair). This move has a longer startup time than Mind of the Gods but does more damage.

Stages

The single-player game has ten opponents, with each match taking place in a different stage. In two-player games, players can choose any stage.

The fourth stage takes place on a bridge. A fighter can be knocked off the edge and lose in a ring-out.

The Landing

The first opponent is Tai Cheetah.

The Waterfall

The second opponent is Rhei Rat.

The Idol

The third opponent is Ivan the Bear.

The Mountain

The fourth opponent is Prince Leon.

In the Courtyard

The fifth opponent is Kendo Coyote.

The Screen Room

The sixth opponent is Foxy Roxy.

The Dojo

The seventh opponent is Kung Fu Bunny.

On the Battlements

The eighth opponent is The Pantha (Mega-CD version) or Tai Cheetah again (Mega Drive version).

The Cavern

The ninth opponent is Karate Croc (Mega-CD version) or Rhei Rat again (Mega Drive version).

Aboard the Boat

The tenth opponent is Dali Llama.

History

Legacy

An update to this game, Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw, was released for the Sega 32X. It adds enhanced color depth, new characters, redesigned stages, a new soundtrack, and more modes.

Versions

The Mega-CD version has animated cutscenes, a CD-audio soundtrack, two additional characters (The Pantha and Karate Croc), and a "Fun Room" menu option containing a sound test (the "Brutal Band") and outtakes with animation tests and unfinished character designs. Hard attacks are unblockable in the Mega Drive version. All special moves are unlocked for use in the two-player versus mode in the Mega Drive version, but they must be unlocked via a password (after unlocking them in the single-player mode) in the Mega-CD version. The Mega Drive version can be paused by pressing  START  when using a Six Button Control Pad; the Mega-CD version cannot be paused during gameplay. Computer opponents in the Mega-CD version have their names above their health bars, while they always read "Juanimator" in the Mega Drive version.

The Super NES version has a different soundtrack from both the Mega Drive and Mega-CD versions. It has the same roster as the Mega Drive version. Some of the stages are entirely different. Characters can no longer "ring-out" on the bridge stage. Characters have all of their special moves immediately available in both the single-player and two-player modes (though there are still tutorials every two matches in the single-player game to show the player how to perform each move).

Production credits

Team Brutal

• Design: Rod V. Humble
• Artwork and Animation: Andie Gilmour, Dave Hall, Juan Sanchez
• Program: Dave Exile
• Music: ppdix
• Creative Director: Steve Curran
• VP of Product Development: Liz Curran
• Project Coordination: Charlene Carty
• Sound Editing: Larry Pacie
• Special Thanks to the Following: Sherry Kross, John Tombley, Wendy Weber, Executive King, Travis Williams, Stacey Ruderman, GameTek U.K.
• Annoying: William B. McCormick

Source:

In-game credits

Magazine articles

Main article: Brutal: Paws of Fury/Magazine articles.

Promotional material

Main article: Brutal: Paws of Fury/Promotional material.

Artwork

• 

Physical scans

Mega Drive version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score 1700 igr dlya Sega (RU) 60 Consoles + (FR) 80 Digitiser (UK) 80 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U 60 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 73 MAN!AC (DE) PAL 65 Tricks 16 bit (RU) 78

	71
Based on 7 reviews

Brutal: Paws of Fury

Mega Drive, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Mega Drive, EU
Cover
Cart Manual PCB

Mega Drive, DE
Cover
Cart Manual

Mega Drive, NL
Cover
Manual

Mega Drive, PT
Cover

Mega Drive, AU
Cover

Mega-CD version

Sega Retro Average
Publication Score Source

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Based on 0 review

Sega Retro Average

Publication Version Score Consoles + (FR) 87 Computer & Video Games (UK) 88 Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U 91 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) NTSC-U 63 Game Players (US) NTSC-U 77 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 70 GamesMaster (UK) PAL 40 Games World: The Magazine (UK) PAL 81 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 67 Joypad (FR) PAL 70 Mega (UK) PAL 84 Mega Force (FR) NTSC-U 69 Mega Fun (DE) PAL 70 Mega Play (US) NTSC-U 74 MegaTech (UK) PAL 88 Magazina Igrushek (RU) 80 Mean Machines Sega (UK) PAL 36 Play Time (DE) 65 Sega Magazine (UK) PAL 72 Sega Power (UK) PAL 41 Sega Pro (UK) PAL 72 Video Games (DE) PAL 62 VideoGames (US) NTSC-U 80

	71
Based on 23 reviews

Brutal: Paws of Fury

Mega-CD, US
Cover
Disc Manual Reg Card

Mega-CD, EU
Cover
Spinecard Disc Manual

Mega-CD, DE
Cover
Disc Manual

Mega-CD, BR
Cover
Disc

Technical information

Main article: Brutal: Paws of Fury/Technical information.