BloodStorm (v2.22)

BloodStorm is a two-player fighting game released in 1994 by Strata and Incredible Technologies. Players select from a roster of characters engaged in brutal combat where limbs can be severed during battle; losing an arm or leg disables the corresponding button on the control panel, altering gameplay strategies. A unique mechanic allows players to inflict a "Sunder" attack that destroys an opponent's legs, restricting their movement but not necessarily ending the fight – they can still attack and defend until their life bar is depleted or other limbs are lost. Defeating opponents grants the victorious player access to a temporary power derived from their foe’s abilities, adding another layer of strategic depth. The game features a password save system allowing players to resume games later, though data would be erased upon powering down the arcade machine. Several secret characters and humorous "big head" codes are unlockable through specific button combinations, including references that poke fun at contemporary figures in the video game industry. BloodStorm builds on the foundation of its predecessor, Time Killers, while introducing new elements such as weaponized gauntlets and a system for gaining abilities from defeated opponents. The game represented Strata’s final release before the company ceased operations, and remains notable for its unusual gameplay features and hidden content.