Dan-Ku-Ga (Ver 0.0J 1994/12/13, prototype)

Dan-Ku-Ga is a two-player versus fighting game created by Taito in December 1994 as an updated prototype of Kaiser Knuckle. Players select from a roster of characters, each with redesigned appearances and unique move sets, to battle through a series of opponents culminating in encounters with Gonzales, Azteca, and a mysterious Doppelganger. The game features selectable difficulty levels—Normal, Professional, and Training—and introduces new mechanics like the ability for all characters to backdash. Combat revolves around six attack buttons: weak punch, medium punch, strong punch, weak kick, medium kick, and strong kick – allowing for varied combinations and strategic gameplay. Following a match, a medic appears to tend to the defeated opponent, adding a distinct visual flourish to the conclusion of each round. The game utilizes Taito’s F3 system hardware and benefits from music composed by Yasuhisa Watanabe (Zuntata) and sound effects designed by Katsuhisa Ishikawa (Zuntata).