Time Killers

Description

Time Killers was one of the earliest weapon‑based fighting games, predating SNK’s Samurai Spirits. Its premise pits eight warriors drawn from different eras of history against each other — and ultimately against Death — for the prize of immortality. Each fighter wields a signature weapon, from medieval swords to futuristic energy blades, and combat is defined by the ability to sever opponents’ arms mid‑match, permanently disabling their use until the round ends. Players can also attempt “Death Moves” at any time, instantly decapitating an opponent if successful.

The Mega Drive/Genesis port was completed as early as 1994 but was shelved for two years before finally being published in 1996 by THQ’s Black Pearl label. By this time, the console was nearing the end of its commercial life, and the release was widely criticised for poor graphics, unresponsive controls, and a lack of polish compared to both the arcade original and contemporary fighters. Despite supporting the six‑button controller and retaining the arcade’s distinctive limb‑based button layout (head, weapon arm, back arm, weapon leg, back leg), the port struggled to replicate the speed and impact of the coin‑op version.

Reception was overwhelmingly negative: critics described it as one of the weakest fighting games on the platform, citing its sluggish gameplay and crude visuals. Today it is best remembered for its notoriety.