Sakigake!! Otoko Juku - Shippuu Ichi Gou Sei (Japan)

Sakigake!! Otoko Juku - Shippuu Ichi Gou Sei is a side-scrolling action-fighting (beat 'em up) game for the NES, based on the popular manga and anime of the same name. Players take on the roles of familiar characters from the Otoko Juku academy, a unique school where students are trained through harsh challenges and life-or-death battles.

The core gameplay revolves around moving through various screens, confronting numerous enemies who are typically other students or teachers. Each character possesses basic attacks such as punches, kicks, and jumps. A distinctive feature is the inclusion of "secret techniques" (Ougi), powerful special attacks that can inflict significant damage or eliminate multiple enemies simultaneously. To execute these techniques, players often need to collect support items or accumulate energy.

The stages are diverse, ranging from school corridors to outdoor arenas, with each area featuring its own types of enemies and obstacles. After defeating a certain number of enemies or reaching the end of a stage, players will face a boss battle. These boss encounters are typically one-on-one fights, requiring players to master dodging skills and strategically use special moves to defeat powerful opponents. Both the player's and the enemy's health bars are clearly displayed, and the objective is to deplete the opponent's health bar before your own runs out.

The game is quite challenging, featuring a limited number of lives and increasing difficulty with each stage. The graphics and sound effectively recreate the atmosphere of the original series, providing a dramatic and intense combat experience for players.