World Heroes (ALM-005)

World Heroes is a 2D fighting game released by SNK in 1992 for the Neo Geo arcade and home platforms. The core gameplay revolves around one-on-one combat between a roster of diverse characters, each inspired by historical figures or famous archetypes. Players choose from eight initial characters (e.g., Hanzo, Fuuma, Janne, Rasputin, Muscle Power) and battle their way through a series of opponents.

The game features a four-button control scheme: two buttons for punches (light and heavy) and two for kicks (light and heavy). Unique to World Heroes is the "Death Match" mode, where stages have environmental hazards like spikes, bombs, or electrified fences that can damage players, adding an extra layer of strategy and chaos to the fights. This mode distinguishes it from other fighting games of its era. Another distinctive feature is the ability to choose between "Normal" mode and "Death Match" mode before each fight.

Players can also perform special moves and super moves, typical of the genre, by combining directional inputs with button presses. The objective is to deplete the opponent's health bar before they deplete yours within the time limit. The game culminates in a fight against the final boss, Geegus, an alien shapeshifter. The graphics are colorful and detailed for its time, and the character designs are memorable. The gameplay emphasizes timing, spacing, and mastering each character's unique move set.