Ragnagard / Shin-Oh-Ken

Ragnagard, known in Japan as Shin-Oh-Ken, is a two-player fighting game released in 1996 by Saurus and running on SNK’s Neo-Geo MVS hardware. Players choose from eight distinct characters to battle each other or face three powerful end bosses within a Japanese fantasy setting. The gameplay revolves around utilizing an eight-way joystick and four buttons, mapped to light and strong punch and kick attacks, to execute combos and special moves against your opponent. Hidden character selection sequences allow players to unlock additional fighters like Behemoth, Eelis, and Lucifer, adding depth for those who enjoy discovering secrets within the game. The visual style employs pre-rendered pixelation, contributing to a unique aesthetic during its time. Developed by System Vision and led by designer Hiroaki Fujimoto, Ragnagard offers a straightforward fighting experience with a focus on character variety and tactical combat.