Introduction

Released in 1996 by Capcom, Red Earth (also known as Warzard in Japan) was the first game to run on the CPS-3 arcade hardware, which later powered Street Fighter III. Unlike Capcom’s traditional one-on-one fighting games, Red Earth featured RPG-style mechanics, a fantasy setting, and unique boss battles.

With only four playable characters and an emphasis on single-player progression, Red Earth remains one of Capcom’s most unique and overlooked arcade fighting games.

Design and Development

Developed by Capcom, Red Earth was designed to showcase the capabilities of the CPS-3 arcade hardware, allowing for highly detailed 2D sprites and smooth animations. The game was directed by Takashi Sado, with character designs by Daigo Ikeno, known for his later work on Street Fighter III and Devil May Cry.

The game was never officially ported to home consoles until its inclusion in the Capcom Fighting Collection (2022), making it one of Capcom’s rarest arcade titles.

Gameplay and Mechanics

Red Earth blends fighting game mechanics with RPG elements, offering a unique gameplay experience.

• Four Playable Characters – Choose from Leo (lion-headed warrior), Kenji (ninja), Tessa (sorceress), and Mai-Ling (martial artist), each with unique abilities.
• Boss Rush-Style Battles – Instead of traditional 1v1 fights, players battle giant bosses with unique attack patterns.
• Leveling System – Earn experience points to level up, unlocking new moves and stat boosts.
• Password Save Feature – Players can save progress using passwords, allowing them to continue their character growth.
• Magic and Super Moves – Characters have powerful special moves, including screen-filling magic attacks.
• Two-Player Mode – Features a traditional versus mode, though it was less emphasized than the single-player campaign.

The game’s RPG progression system and boss-based gameplay made it a standout in Capcom’s fighting game lineup.

Cultural Impact and Legacy

Though Red Earth never received the same recognition as Street Fighter II or Darkstalkers, it left a lasting impression on Capcom’s later games.

• Influenced Future Capcom Fighters – The RPG mechanics inspired later Capcom titles, including Street Fighter Alpha 3’s World Tour Mode.
• Characters Reused in Other Games – Red Earth characters appeared in Capcom Fighting Evolution (2004) and Capcom Fighting Collection (2022).
• A Cult Classic Among Fighting Game Fans – Despite its limited release, the game developed a dedicated following, especially after being rediscovered in the Capcom Fighting Collection.

The game’s fantasy setting, deep mechanics, and unique design make it a standout title among Capcom’s fighting game history.

Fun Facts

• First CPS-3 Game – Red Earth was the first game to use Capcom’s CPS-3 hardware, later used for Street Fighter III.
• Never Released on Home Consoles Until 2022 – Fans waited over 25 years for an official home release.
• Final Boss is a God-Like Entity – The villain, Scion, is a planet-sized being with world-ending powers.

Conclusion

Red Earth remains one of Capcom’s most intriguing arcade fighting games, offering a unique mix of RPG progression, boss battles, and stunning 2D visuals. Though it never saw a widespread release, its cult status and eventual inclusion in modern Capcom collections have given it a second life among fighting game enthusiasts.

Related Pages

• Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike – Another CPS-3 powered fighting game.
• Darkstalkers – Capcom’s other supernatural-themed fighter.
• The King of Fighters ‘98 – A classic SNK fighting game with RPG elements.