Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw

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Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw
System(s): Sega 32X
Publisher: GameTek
Developer: GameTek
Sound driver: GEMS
Genre: Action
Number of players: 1-2
Release Date RRP Code US 1995-03 $79.9979.99 T-8301B

Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw is a one-on-one fighting game developed by GameTek for the Sega 32X. It is an update to Brutal: Paws of Fury. It was released only in North America. Working titles for this game were Totally Brutal and Brutal: Paws Unleashed.

Story

Four years after the Paws of Fury tournament, the participants return to Brutal Island to once again compete for the match against Dali Llama for the Belt of Heaven. The tournament is Dali Llama's way of testing the warriors, judging who among them possesses the deepest "warrior's spirit."

Gameplay

The game is an enhanced version of Brutal: Paws of Fury, a fighting game with a roster of anthropomorphic animals as the fighters. The scenery and graphics have been significantly improved, making use of the capabilities of the 32X. The game introduces two new characters, Chung Poe and Psycho Kitty, and includes the two characters that were previously exclusive to the Mega-CD version of the first game, Pantha and Karate Croc. All characters are playable without the use of cheat codes. There are four more stages than the original game, totaling fourteen, although some of them are modified versions of other stages.

As before, each battle is played to the best of three rounds, and players can choose to watch a replay after every round. Special moves must be unlocked in the single-player mode (with a password given to track the player's progress in unlocking moves), while all moves are available in the two-player mode.

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 and all hard attacks are unblockable and knock the opponent over on impact. 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

Battle mode

Practice mode

In the single-player game, the player travels to Brutal Island and fights fourteen opponents, ending with a battle against the tournament host, Dali Llama. Opponents are always fought in the same order (regardless of the character played). Unlike most fighting games (but like its predecessor), characters only have regular punches and kicks at the start, with special moves (including the ability to taunt) and "katas" (sequences of moves) being unlocked after every two fights, following the game's "belt system." To acquire new moves, the player is given three chances to follow Dali Llama's instructions; if the player fails, it is not learned. 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 game ends if the player loses a match but can be continued an unlimited number of times. 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. The passwords are not necessary to unlock special moves as players always have access to all 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 32X version has two new modes, Battle and Practice. The Battle mode can be played by one player against the computer or by two players (by changing the number of players in the options). In this mode, players fight for control of Brutal Island. Players take turn choosing characters (three for each player, and no character can be chosen more than once by either player), then position them at different locations on the map. When both characters are on the same location, a battle takes place, with the losing character eliminated from the game. The game is won when one player eliminates all of the other player's characters. The Practice mode is similar to the two-player mode, where each player chooses a character and fight a single match on any stage, but it skips the password entry step for both players.

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, or 4 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.

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

Style: Relaxed Paw Height: 5'10" Weight: 100 lbs. Path: Right Understanding	Kung Fu Bunny
	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.
Style: Tan Ru (The Iron Rage) Height: 6'0" Weight: 250 lbs. Path: Right Effort	Prince Leon
	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.
Style: Tai Chi Chuan Height: 6'2" Weight: 140 lbs. Path: Right Mindfulness	Tai Cheetah
	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.
Style: Thai Boxing Height: 5'11" Weight: 150 lbs. Path: Right Speech	Rhei Rat
	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. Berzerk Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Rhei Rat performs the Frenzy Attack three times in a row, then becomes dizzy.
Style: Chin Na Height: 5'8" Weight: 190 lbs. Path: Right Meditation	Pantha
	A panther who is a member of a sinister cult. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Fireball Pantha shoots a fireball from his hands. Energy Drain Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Pantha holds his hands out, which sucks some of his opponent's life force away. Cloak Attack + (close) 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 Pantha shoots two fireballs, then becomes dizzy. Summon Chi Hold + for 2 seconds, then release and press 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 Pantha does two crouching punches and a sweep kick. Equivalent to + HP , + HP , + HK .
Style: Kenjutsu Height: 6'2" Weight: 200 lbs. Path: Right Resolve	Kendo Coyote
	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 .
Style: Penjat Silat Height: 6'0" Weight: 160 lbs. Path: Right Livelihood	Foxy Roxy (Indrah Prashmet)
	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).
Style: Soviet Military Height: 6'0" Weight: 250 lbs. Path: Right Action	Ivan the Bear
	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.
Style: Brawler Height: 6'0" Weight: 290 lbs. Path: Right Respect	Karate Croc
	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 .
Style: Divine Height: 6'6" Weight: 150 lbs. Path: Right Perfection	Dali Llama
	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.
Style: Sabbaal Height: 2'0" Weight: 50 lbs. Path: Right Power	Chung Poe
	A mole of very advanced age who can transform into a dragon. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Fists of Death Chung Poe punches furiously in front of him with flaming fists. Space Warp Chung Poe disappears, then punches the opponent from above through a tear in reality before reappearing in his original location. Makron Overpower Chung Poe transforms back into his mole form, then thrusts his open palm forward. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Hate of the Ancients Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Chung Poe advances with five hopping kicks, then becomes dizzy. Equivalent to + HK , + HK , + HK , + HK , + HK . The Dark Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Chung Poe slashes his claw, leaps forward, slashes again, leaps forward, slashes eight more times before becoming dizzy. Winter Storm Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Chung Poe performs Fists of Death three times, then does a Space Warp before becoming dizzy. The Faminewind HOLD + Chung Poe performs Space Warp repeatedly until the opponent is defeated or he is hit by his opponent (in which case he becomes dizzy).
Style: Cat Fight Height: 3'0" Weight: 100 lbs. Path: Right Love	Psycho Kitty
	A hyperactive kitten who ended up on Brutal Island after stowing away on a ship. Move list (Special moves) Name Command Description Catfight Psycho Kitty bounces forward while clawing chaotically. Fur Ball Psycho Kitty rolls forward in a ball. Toshidan + Psycho Kitty becomes frightened and runs away, running around the edge of the screen and ending up on the other side. Move list (Katas) Name Command Description Too Much Whiskers Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Psycho Kitty does a roundhouse kick, leaps forward, does another sweep kick, leaps forward, and becomes dizzy. Face Gouge Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Psycho Kitty punches and leaps forward three times, then punches repeatedly upon landing before becoming dizzy. Nine Lives Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press Psycho Kitty punches and leaps backward four times. Hacker Hold for 2 seconds, then release and press + Psycho Kitty performs a longer Catfight, then becomes dizzy.

Stages

The single-player game has fourteen opponents, with each match taking place in a different stage. Opponents appear in a different order and sometimes using different stages compared to the first game. Similar to the Mega Drive version, the game has more stages than characters, so Pantha and Chung Poe appear twice as challengers. In two-player games, players can choose any stage.

It is no longer possible to push an opponent off the Bridge stage, used by Prince Leon, and win with a ring-out.

Beach

The first opponent is Pantha. The background is shared with the Point stage.

Waterfall

The second opponent is Psycho Kitty. The background is shared with the Bridge stage.

Idol

The third opponent is Ivan the Bear.

Swamp

The fourth opponent is Karate Croc.

Point

The fifth opponent is Tai Cheetah. The background is shared with the Beach stage.

Bridge

The sixth opponent is Prince Leon. The background is shared with the Waterfall stage.

Courtyard

The seventh opponent is Kung Fu Bunny.

Screens

The eighth opponent is Kendo Coyote.

Dojo

The ninth opponent is Foxy Roxy.

Battlements

The tenth opponent is Rhei Rat. This stage also appears in the Battle mode under the name Tower.

Pass

The eleventh opponent is Pantha (for a second time).

Volcano

The twelfth opponent is Chung Poe.

Cavern

The thirteenth opponent is Chung Poe (for a second time).

Boat

The fourteenth opponent is Dali Llama.

Production credits

Team Brutal

• Design: Rod V. Humble
• Artwork and Animation: Andie Gilmour, Dave Hall, Juan Sanchez and Eurocom Entertainment
• 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, All at G.T.U.K
• Annoying: William B. McCormick

Source:

In-game credits

---

Team Brutal

• Programming: Dave Lincoln

Additional Support

• Creative Direction: John Tombley
• Testing: Travis Williams, Larry Pacey
• Music: Doug Brandon, Robin Heifitz

Packaging/Manual

• Art Director: Dwight Alnor
• Writer: Rod Humble
• Design: Dwight Alnor
• Technical: Sherry Kross, John Tombley
• Illustration: Mark Fredrikson
• Calligraphy: Glen Yoshiyama

Source:

US manual

Magazine articles

Main article: Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw/Magazine articles.

Physical scans

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Sega Retro Average
Publication Version Score Electronic Games (1992-1995) (US) NTSC-U 58 Electronic Gaming Monthly (US) 64 Game Players (US) NTSC-U 79 GamePro (US) NTSC-U 88 Game Informer (US) NTSC-U 58 Next Generation (US) NTSC-U 50 Ultimate Gamer (US) NTSC-U 80 VideoGames (US) NTSC-U 80

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Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw

32X, US
Cover
Cart Manual

Technical information

Main article: Brutal Unleashed: Above the Claw/Technical information.