Monster Maulers

Overview

Monster Maulers (known in Japan as Kyukyoku Sentai Dadandaan, which loosely translates to "Ultimate Squad Dadandaan") is a 2D sci-fi side-scrolling two-player beat-'em-up game developed and released by Konami for arcades in 1993.

Stylized in superhero-themed tokusatsu television shows and films, Monster Maulers puts players in the role of one of three members of the "Ultimate Task Force" (Japanese martial artist Kotetsu, British martial artist Anne, and American pro-wrestler Eagle) as they fight a swarm of large monsters sent by the mysterious supervillain squad "Happy Droppers" to terrorize the world.

Unlike other beat-'em-ups at the time, players control their hero in a fighting game fashion (similar to Street Fighter II), with special moves and abilities. Throughout most of the game, players solely fight bosses in a one-on-one (or two-on-one) fashion, with the final stage featuring a traditional scrolling beat-'em-up section with numerous smaller enemies.

The concept of a "boss battle"-based beat-'em-up (with minor fighting game elements) would later be used in the Banpresto game Metamoqester, the Capcom game Red Earth, and both Mega Man: The Power Battle and Mega Man 2: The Power Fighters.

Playable Characters

There are three playable characters, each with their own set of special moves (some of which can be improved by having the other player perform the same move with them).

Kotetsu

A Japanese martial artist, Kotetsu is the game's "balanced" character, with no advantages or disadvantages in both speed and power.

Special Moves:

• Hell Fire - Down, Down-Forward, Forward + Attack
• Rocket Blast - While in mid-air, press Back, Forward + Attack

Anne

A British martial artist, Anne is the "speed-type" character who sacrifices power for speed.

Special Moves:

• Shooting Star - Forward, Down-Forward, Down + Attack
• Thunder Flash - Press the Attack button repeatedly

Eagle

An American professional wrestler, Eagle is the "power-type" character who sacrifices speed for power.

Special Moves:

• Muscle Hammer - Forward, Down, Down-Forward + Attack
• Hurricane Bomb - Hold Back, then press Forward + Attack

Bosses

Codename: Moai

Stage: Brazil

Description: A fearsome god from a mysterious land.

Codename: Brainy

Stage: Kenya

Description: Red terror! A gleaming orb.

Codename: Centaur

Stage: Iraq

Description: Is it a god? A devil? A shadow lurks in the shrine.

Codename: Diablo

Stage: China

Description: Roaring thunder! A demon who summons storms.

Codename: Fungus

Stage: Bermuda

Description: A terrifying sea and a strange life-form.

Codename: Dragon

Stage: Norway

Description: An evil trap! A creature from the depth.