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In the early 1990s, the crossover sub-genre was beginning to find its footing in the gaming world, and few companies handled it with as much charm as Banpresto. Released in 1992, The Great Battle II: Last Fighter Twin stands as a definitive entry in the Compati Hero series. This franchise is famous for bringing together some of Japan’s most iconic pop-culture legends—Kamen Rider, Ultraman, and Gundam—in a super-deformed (SD) art style. Often referred to by fans as The Great Battle 2 or simply Great Battle II, this sequel departed from the genre of its predecessor to provide a more visceral, action-oriented experience that resonated with fans of arcade-style combat. It successfully captured the imaginations of players by asking the ultimate playground question: what if these legendary heroes fought side-by-side?
As the tagline suggests, "Heroes unite! The World is plummeting into chaos." The narrative of The Great Battle II: Last Fighter Twin follows a classic tokusatsu and anime setup where an ancient or intergalactic evil threatens the peace of the universe. In this installment, the villainous Dark Brain returns to wreak havoc, throwing the world into a state of total disorder. To combat this encroaching darkness, a new alliance is formed. The setting takes players across various themed stages—ranging from futuristic cities to hazardous environments—that reflect the diverse backgrounds of the protagonists. It is a world where the technological prowess of Gundam meets the mystical and martial arts might of Ultraman and Kamen Rider, creating a colorful yet dangerous backdrop for the struggle to shine the light of hope once more.
While the first game in the series was primarily a side-scrolling shooter and platformer, Great Battle II: Last Fighter Twin transitioned the series into the realm of the belt-scrolling beat 'em up. This change in genre allowed for much more dynamic character interaction. Players can choose from four distinct heroes: Gundam F91, Ultraman Great, Kamen Rider Black RX, and the series’ original character, Fighter Roar.
The core mechanics revolve around cooperative play, allowing two players to tackle the hordes of villains simultaneously. Each character features a unique move set, including standard combos, jumping attacks, and powerful special moves that consume health or energy. The ability to switch between characters or utilize specific "Hero Moves" adds a layer of strategy to the brawling. The game is known for its responsive controls and challenging boss encounters, which often require players to recognize patterns and utilize the environment to survive. By bringing more heroes and villains into the fold, the action feels grander and more chaotic than the original entry.
This game was released as a prominent exclusive for the Nintendo Super Famicom in Japan, showcasing the console's ability to handle multiple large sprites and vibrant colors simultaneously.
The legacy of The Great Battle II is tied to its role in refining the Compati Hero identity. By settling on the beat 'em up genre, it paved the way for several successful sequels and spin-offs on the Super Famicom. While it was never officially localized for Western markets, it became a frequent target for import gamers and, later, fan translation projects. The title is remembered fondly for its high-quality sprite work and its ability to balance the tones of three very different franchises into a cohesive, fun experience. For many, it remains a high-water mark for 16-bit crossover titles, proving that the SD aesthetic could be paired with serious, engaging action gameplay.