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In the early 1990s, the landscape of Japanese gaming was defined by ambitious crossovers and the transition to 16-bit hardware. Standing at the forefront of this movement was SD The Great Battle: Aratanaru Chousen, a title that would kickstart one of the most beloved crossover franchises in gaming history. Released in late 1990, this action-packed title was developed and published by Banpresto specifically for the Super Famicom. Often referred to by fans simply as The Great Battle or Great Battle, it brought together legendary heroes from the worlds of Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Mobile Suit Gundam. For many players, it was a dream come true to see these icons fighting side-by-side in a single adventure.
The narrative of SD The Great Battle takes place in a world where heroes and villains from disparate universes coexist in "SD" (Super Deformed) form. This aesthetic choice, which reimagines tall mechs and towering superheroes as small, large-headed characters, was a massive cultural phenomenon in Japan at the time. The peace of this world is shattered when a mysterious and malevolent force known as Dark Brain begins to wreak havoc. Dark Brain’s goal is to seize control of the environmental management system that maintains the balance of their world. To stop this cosmic threat, the classic trio of Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Gundam must put aside their differences and form a united front. The setting blends sci-fi elements from Gundam with the tokusatsu tropes of Kamen Rider and Ultraman, creating a vibrant, albeit dangerous, playground for fans of Japanese pop culture.
At its core, SD The Great Battle is a side-scrolling action game with light platforming elements. What set it apart from other contemporary action games was the ability to switch between three distinct heroes on the fly. Each character offers a unique playstyle suited for different combat situations. Gundam excels at long-range combat with his beam rifle, Ultraman utilizes powerful energy attacks like the Spacium Ray, and Kamen Rider provides a balance of speed and close-range techniques.
The game is divided into several stages, ranging from futuristic cities to hazardous alien landscapes. Beyond the side-scrolling levels, the game occasionally shifts perspectives, offering top-down segments that provide a break from the traditional platforming. Throughout the journey, players can collect power-ups to enhance their characters’ abilities and HP. The difficulty is notably high, requiring players to master the specific attack ranges and movement speeds of each hero to survive the brutal boss encounters. Mastering the swap mechanic is essential, as certain enemies are far more susceptible to specific hero types.
This title was a significant early release for Nintendo's 16-bit console in Japan, where it is known as SD ザ・グレイトバトル. While it gained immense popularity in its home country, it remains a rare gem for Western collectors due to its region-locked history.
The historical significance of SD The Great Battle: Aratanaru Chousen cannot be overstated. It served as the foundation for the Compati Hero Series, a franchise that eventually included over 50 titles across various platforms. The success of this game proved that crossover projects could be commercially viable and critically respected if handled with care. While the series remained largely localized to Japan, it paved the way for future crossover giants like Super Robot Wars. Today, the game is remembered as a pioneering title that successfully bridged the gap between different fanbases, creating a shared universe long before modern cinematic universes became the norm. Its influence is still felt in modern crossover brawlers and RPGs that celebrate Japanese media history.