## Description
_Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring_ is an arcade-style fighting game from the
makers of Tobal. In this version, Cloud, Tifa, Yuffie, Vincent, Zack, Red
XIII & Sephiroth from Final Fantasy VII join the many characters from the
arcade version released in Japan.
Comprised of the main arcade mode, mini-game mode, and an all new RPG mode
known as “Brand New Quest”.
The mini-game mode contains four games:
\- Battle Beach, a triathlon of button mashing.
\- Battle Square, tackle-Othello on a disco floor
\- Infinity Battle, an endurance test with unlimited lives.
\- And a foot racing game using the fighting game controls.
The main game mode is an arcade-style fighting game. Charismatic fighters from
around the world compete in a tournament for a mysterious sword as the prize.
In addition to your archetypes of kick boxers, wrestlers, and mixed martial
artists there are also animal type fighters, homing missiles, characters with
swords, and many other attacks that shake things up.
The fighting system is based on attack height (much like Bushido Blade) – with
the triangle, square, and x buttons corresponding to high, mid, and low
attacks respectively. There are also different buttons for low and high guard
– both working against mid-level attacks but specific to high and low attacks.
The circle button is used for ‘special’ attacks, which drain the ‘special’
bar. There is a button to jump, as well as a button that changes between
‘locking’ on the target to move or free running.
The standard balance in fighting games is speed vs. damage. Whether it be
ranged or melee attacks, the ‘damage per second’ should be the same – as every
character has an equal health bar. Ehrgeiz is a very balanced game, despite
the complexity presented by how fundamentally different most characters are.
The vast differences between certain characters require the player to devise
separate strategies for different opponents. The animal type opponents, for
example, can only be hit with roughly half the attacks of the normal opponents
– head kicks, many long range attacks, and most throws will hit empty air,
especially since animal characters can ‘duck’ even lower to the ground.
Fighting a gun wielding character will result in a battle where you must chase
and pin down. Fighting Cloud or Sephiroth will require both constant pressure
and vigilance against being thrown to ensure that they are not able to
unsheathe their sword and finish the fight in a few blows.
The game features unlock-able costumes and characters, as well as ‘ending
videos’.
The “Brand New Quest” feature is a dungeon delver that uses the fighting game
engine along with randomly generated dungeon layouts to create a 25 level
dungeon with set bosses. It borrows the magic and equipment system from the
Final Fantasy games, you will collect materia and magic stones, as well as a
full range of visibly different weapons and armour. This game puts strong
emphasis on food (like the early Ultima series). Not only will you have to
eat, but you will have to be conscious of what you are eating – your diet
affects how your stats change at level up. Eat meat for strength, minerals for
dexterity, carbs for speed, lipids for defence, and vitamins for magical
ability. Standing still allows your depleting ‘stomach’ meter to fill your
health. If your hunger meter reaches ‘zero’, however, it will start draining
your health.
There are two playable characters, and the game can be played with both
characters or with only one.
Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring