Growl (World, Rev 1)

Growl is a 1990 fighting game created by Taito Corporation in Japan, released in the United States in February 1991. This four-player arcade title presents gameplay that blends side-scrolling action with elements of a traditional fighting game. Players select from a roster of characters and battle each other across detailed stages, utilizing punches, kicks, and special moves to defeat opponents. The game runs on Taito’s F2 System hardware. Though distributed under the name Growl in North America and Australia, it is related to the earlier Japanese title Runark, and shares elements with that original release. Versions of Growl have appeared on various platforms including Sega Genesis, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and PC as part of the Taito Legends compilation series. As a 2.5D fighter, Growl offers a sense of depth and perspective uncommon in some earlier fighting games while maintaining straightforward arcade action for up to four players simultaneously.