# Nekketsu Fighting Legend Introduction
*Nekketsu Fighting Legend* (*Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu*, lit. "Hot Blooded Fighting Legend"), released on December 23, 1992, for the Famicom by Technōs Japan, is a tournament-style fighting game in the *Kunio-kun* series, following titles like *Kunio-kun no Nekketsu Soccer League* (1993) and *Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu* (1992). Never officially released in North America, it’s known via fan translations (e.g., oRdErEDchaos v0.95, *Riki Kunio*). Players create a custom fighter (based on name, birthday, blood type) and team up with *Kunio-kun* characters like Kunio or Riki in a 2-on-2 tournament against the Saber Tiger association, led by the Double Tiger brothers (Toraichi and Toraji). With four fighter types (Fighter, Martial Artist, Kung Fu, Judo), modes include Story (1P/2P co-op) and Battle (1-4P vs., multitap required for 3-4 players). Its 8-bit sprites, quirky moves (e.g., Mach Punch), and arena hazards (e.g., electric ropes) shine, though slowdown and Japanese-only text frustrate (*GameFAQs*: 4/5). Re-released in *Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection* (2018, PS4/Switch/Xbox One) and emulated widely.
## Why Play Nekketsu Fighting Legend?
*Nekketsu Fighting Legend* delivers chaotic 2-on-2 fighting with *Kunio-kun* flair. In Story Mode, players create a fighter (e.g., Fighter for wrestling moves, Judo for throws) and pair with a partner (e.g., Kunio, Riki, Himeyama) to battle seven 2-man teams, leveling up stats (HP, Punch, Kick, Throw, Speed, Defense) via wins, saved by passwords. After 12-18 wins, players face the Double Tiger brothers (Toraichi: Jump Elbow; Toraji: Tornado Attack). Battle Mode supports up to four players in free-for-all or team fights, using a multitap (e.g., Hori 4-Players Adaptor). Combat uses A (punch), B (kick), and special moves (e.g., Mach Stomp), with items (e.g., health boosts) dropped by defeated foes. Arena hazards like spikes add strategy. Matches last 2-5 minutes, with Story Mode taking 1-2 hours. Its colorful sprites, wrestling-inspired moves, and multiplayer chaos stand out, but slowdown and basic AI limit depth. X posts praise its 4-player battles and *Kunio-kun* charm, ideal for fans of *River City Ransom*.
## Key Features
- Create a custom fighter (Fighter, Martial Artist, Kung Fu, Judo) with unique stats based on name, birthday, blood type
- 2 modes: Story (1P/2P co-op tournament), Battle (1-4P vs., multitap for 3-4 players)
- Fight with 16 characters (e.g., Kunio, Riki, Shrimp Hara) and Double Tiger brothers; moves like Mach Punch, Bakuretsu Kick
- Arena hazards (e.g., electric ropes, spikes); items dropped by defeated foes
- Level-up system with password saves; 2-on-2 or 4-player free-for-all combat
- Experience authentic Famicom/NES gameplay on our retro ROM platform
## Key Differences: NES/Famicom vs. Other Versions
- **Famicom (1992)**: Japan-only, 8 teams, Japanese text; fan translations (e.g., oRdErEDchaos v0.95) add English, restore 4-player support.
- **Compared to Kunio-kun no Nekketsu Soccer League (1993, NES)**: *Fighting Legend* is a 2-on-2 fighter with custom characters; *Soccer League* is a soccer/brawling hybrid with team management and weather effects.
- **Compared to Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey-bu (1992, NES)**: *Fighting Legend* focuses on tournament fighting, custom fighters; *Hockey-bu* is a hockey/fighting hybrid with team-based play.
- **Compared to River City Ransom (1989, NES)**: *Fighting Legend* is a structured fighter with stat progression; *Ransom* is an open-world beat 'em up with shops.
- **Re-releases**: *Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection* (2018, PS4/Switch/Xbox One) includes English *Nekketsu Fighting Legend*, quality-up mode; PC fan remake (2010s) adds 8-player support, modding, no slowdown.
- **Regional Notes**: No official Western release; *Riki Kunio* translation common but less accurate than *Nekketsu Fighting Legend*.
## Play Nekketsu Fighting Legend Online
Battle today! Play *Nekketsu Fighting Legend* (1992, NES/Famicom) instantly on our website, Classic Joy Games, with no downloads, using NES emulators. Alternatively, try it on RetroGames.cc, EmulatorGames.net (*oRdErEDchaos v0.95 ROM*), or OldGameShelf.com (4.9/5 from 26 players). Physical Famicom copies cost $25-$60 (cart only) or $80-$200 (CIB) on eBay. Ideal for *Kunio-kun* and retro fighting fans! Note: Use Mesen or Nestopia with oRdErEDchaos v0.95 for English; *Kunio-kun: The World Classics Collection* (2018) offers modern platforms. For strategy, choose Kung Fu for kicks or Judo for throws; team with Riki for high damage. Password: Enter “K7N8P9Q0” at the title screen for high-level stats near the Double Tiger fight.
Join players worldwide on Classic Joy Games. Start your tournament now and defeat the Saber Tigers!