Hangzo (Japan, prototype)

Hot-B’s Hangzo is a two-player fighting game created in Japan and appearing as a prototype in 1992. Programmed by Kei Maruyama and Hiroki Nagayama with music composed by We Zaburoh, the game offers head-to-head combat between selectable characters designed by Kan Chan, Tomo Edozy, and Kuniyoshi Takazawa among others. As players, you’ll engage in close-quarters battles using a variety of strikes and maneuvers to defeat your opponent. This unreleased title represents a snapshot from January 1992, showcasing the work of multiple artists and designers including Miyamoto Chyu and Kazuo Tsutsui who contributed to its design. Game designer Kawano Kazuhiro oversaw the project’s overall structure, while Yoshihide Ueno served as assistant planner. Although never formally released, Hangzo provides a glimpse into the development process of 1990s arcade fighting games.