Star Gladiator

Star Gladiator - Episode 1: Final Crusade is a 1996 arcade fighting game developed and published by Capcom. It is the second game to use the PlayStation based Sony ZN-1 arcade system board, after Battle Arena Toshinden 2, and was the first in-house polygonal fighting game created by Capcom. The gameplay is based around weapon based duels in 3D arenas which follow traditional fighting game rules. Characters utilize a four-button configuration for their attacks and blocking, and can make use of other gameplay mechanics, such as Plasma Reverses and the unique combo system, to be successful in battles with computer or human controlled opponents. Upon its release in July 1996 the game received positive critical reception, being praised for its 3D gameplay, visual style, and mechanics. The game was also successful commercially, being listed as the sixteenth most successful fighting game a month after it launched, which led to a sequel, Plasma Sword: Nightmare of Bilstein, being released in 1998. A PlayStation port built off of the Sony ZN-1 hardware was released in October 1996.