Wild Fang / Tecmo Knight (World?)

Wild Fang, released in 1989 by Tecmo, is a two-player fighting game presented in a sideways scrolling format. Players assume the role of a beastmaster riding atop a colossal warrior as they battle through stages filled with mythical creatures like ogres, demons, and orcs on their quest to defeat Satan. Combat involves close-quarters brawling, and players can switch between their giant mount and a powerful tiger form to attack enemies. Defeating foes yields skulls which grant points and power-ups; one such power-up allows temporary transformation into a dragon capable of breathing lasers. A unique life system is visually represented by a shrinking fire-breathing dragon – when depleted, the player’s mount falls, forcing them to fight on foot with throwing daggers until their lives are lost. The game's soundtrack utilizes Yamaha YM2203 and OKI6295 sound chips, contributing to its distinctive audio experience. Outside of Japan, this title was distributed as Tecmo Knight. Controlling the beastmaster is achieved through an eight-way joystick and three buttons allowing for varied attacks and strategic maneuvers against a horde of supernatural adversaries.