One of Fighters Megamix's most prominent gameplay innovations is the Sidestep maneuver (which can be done at any time), making Fighters Megamix feel like a true 3D fighting game — providing players with more movement freedom over the likes of VF2 or Fighting Vipers. A new Air Recovery mechanic also enables character to escape air combos.
 
FUN FACT: Fighters Megamix introduced gameplay mechanics and moves that would later be used in Virtua Fighter 3 (which was initially planned for release on Sega Saturn but was later canceled).
 

 
Fighters Megamix was one of Sega Saturn's most exciting fighting games upon its arrival, boasting one of the largest and most colorful character rosters to date! Megamix features the following modes: Arcade, Survival, Team Battle, Training, and a cool "Extra Options" menu where players can listen to soundtracks, character voices, etc. Instead of the typical 1-player Arcade Mode, Fighters Megamix offers several different "ladders" which vary the order (and variety) of opponents. The "entertaining" names of the arcade ladders include: Novice Trial, Virtua Fighter, Fighting Vipers, Girls, Muscle, Smart Guys, Dirty Fighters, Bosses, and Secrets. In addition to the unique setup for Arcade Mode, Survival Mode is also a fun way to play the game solo... especially because there are so many different and random opponents to run into.


Battles are traditional 1-vs-1. Stages range from "caged rings" (straight from Fighting Vipers) to wide open environments - comparable to TEKKEN 1 and 2 stages. The large stage variety is definitely another impressive aspect of game, and even may bring some nostalgia for fans who recognize backgrounds from earlier Sega fighting games. The gameplay of Fighters Megamix feels faster and more "arcade-y" than VF2, especially thanks to the new Sidestep mechanic and Air Recovery technique.
 

 
Graphically, Megamix falls short of VF2 on the Sega Saturn due to the lower-resolution and inferior textures (and it's definitely a long way from Sega's crispy 3D arcade titles), but overall, Fighter's Megamix still looks pretty good for a Saturn game. The animation is definitely one of the game's strong points, as all characters have an impressive variety of new (and classic) special moves and throw techniques. Each character's fighting style is distinguished nicely, outside of a few "obscure" bonus / joke characters that don't really animate.


The massive character roster makes Fighters Megamix a standout game on Sega Saturn. The inevitable crossover between Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers is especially cool for 3D fighting game fans. However, many of the unlockable bonus characters in the game are pretty ridiculous. While a few are cool additions to the roster, most seem to be "thrown" in as novelties and/or inside jokes... Characters like a giant bean in a sombrero (Deku), the car from Daytona USA (Hornet), floating bear balloons (Kumachan/Pandachan) that don't even animate, and the palm tree from the AM-2 logo.


These random oddball characters are good for a joke, but also kill some of the potential "cool" that the game had at the time. At least there are some decent "non-joke" special characters like Janet from Virtua Cop and Siba (a mysterious VF1 character who was removed from the final version of the game).
      

Page Updated: February 22nd, 2024 Developer(s): Sega-AM2 Publisher(s): Sega Platform(s): Sega Saturn Release Date(s): Dec. 21st, 1996        Apr. 30th, 1997        Apr. 1997                     Characters:  Akira Yuki, Sarah Bryant, Jacky Bryant, Kage, Lau Chan, Jeffry McWild, Wolf, Pai Chan, Shun Di, Lion Rafale, Dural, Jane, Raxel, Picky, Grace, Sanman, Bahn, Honey, Tokio, Mahler, Akira (VF Kids), Sarah (VF Kids), Janet Marshall, Bark, Bean, Kumachan, Pandachan, Rent-A-Hero, Deku, Hornet, Siba, URA Bahn Featured Video: Related Games: Fighting Vipers, Fighting Vipers 2, Virtua Fighter, Virtua Fighter Remix, Virtua Fighter 2, Virtua Fighter Kids, Virtua Fighter 3, Virtua Fighter 4, Virtua Fighter 4 Evolution, Virtua Fighter 5, Virtua Fighter 5 R, VF5: Final Showdown, VF5: Ultimate Showdown, Fighters Megamix, Last Bronx, Soul Blade, Tobal No. 1, Tobal 2, TEKKEN 2, TEKKEN 3, Groove On Fight    Gameplay Engine  8.0 / 10 Story / Theme  7.5 / 10 Overall Graphics  7.5 / 10 Animation  8.5 / 10 Music / Sound Effects  7.0 / 10 Innovation  7.0 / 10 Art Direction  6.5 / 10 Customization  7.0 / 10 Options / Extras  9.0 / 10 Intro / Presentation  8.5 / 10 Replayability / Fun  8.5 / 10 "Ouch" Factor  8.0 / 10 Characters  8.0 / 10 BOTTOM LINE  8.3 / 10     Final Words: Fighters Megamix was one of the most ambitious 3D fighting games to date. Definitely ahead of its time, Megamix was a cool way to bring together the memorable rosters of Virtua Fighter and Fighting Vipers in one of the first-ever "crossover" fighting games. Megamix was a cool (and potentially addicting) 3D fighter that Sega Saturn owners got to enjoy, exclusively. This game might've even been the "pinnacle" of Sega fighting games at the time... so it's pretty sad the game never got a sequel of any kind. Probably one of the main things that held Fighters Megamix back was the fact that it's Saturn exclusive. Considering how amazingly crisp Sega arcade fighting games always looked, an updated arcade version of the game would've likely turned out great... I would've loved to see this game running on Sega's crispy arcade AM2 engine instead of Saturn's limited hardware. A Dreamcast sequel or remake would've been pretty hype, as well. While not perfect in terms of gameplay, Megamix was definitely a playable 3D fighting game, especially thanks to the 3D sidestep and fun combo system. Perhaps Megamix has become most infamous for the kooky / ridiculous / comical (and perhaps half-hearted) unlockable characters like Hornet - the Daytona USA racecar that stands up on its wheels and fights like a human. Sega really went all out in the humor department, which was somewhat out of character for them at the time. If only Sega took this game a bit more seriously (and released a sequel or two). They could've done more with this "crossover" idea! Otherwise, Fighters Megamix is still a cult classic Sega Saturn gem. ~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen    Click Here for all Posters / Box Artwork!                                                                                                 Click Here for all Character Sprites! Click Here for all Screenshots! FOLLOW    ON:                             TFG NEWS CHARACTERS GAMES