Psychic Force (Ver 2.4O)

Psychic Force is a head-to-head fighting game released by Taito in 1996 that pits individuals with extraordinary psychic abilities against one another. Set in a near-future world of 2010, the game focuses on "Psychiccers," people who have developed elemental powers like fire, ice, or gravity. While initially feared and ostracized, these Psychiccers are now sought after by the corporation NOA, led by Keith Evans, who aims to create a secluded society for them, regardless of the cost. Players choose from eight distinct characters, each wielding unique psychic attacks and elemental affinities in intense two-player battles. The narrative centers on Burn Griffiths, an Anti-NOA member determined to stop his former friend Keith’s increasingly drastic plans. Using an eight-way joystick and six buttons, players execute a variety of special moves and combos to overwhelm their opponent and settle the conflict between NOA and its opposition. Psychic Force ran on Taito's FX-1A hardware and spawned a series that would continue with Psychic Force EX and Psychic Force 2012. A limited edition soundtrack was released, and an anime adaptation of the game followed shortly after its arcade debut.