Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix / Pocket Fighter
  
                     
   
REVIEWPocket Fighter (also known as Super Gem Fighter Mini Mix) is a 2D fighting game featuring Capcom characters from several different franchises... but not exactly how you remember them. Each of the fighters have been transformed into ulta-cute "super deformed" chibi versions, some of which coming straight out of Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo.

 

Pocket Fighter character selection screen.

 

Pocket Fighter
's gameplay can be summed up as fast, addicting, and simply hilarious at times. There are four buttons: Punch, Kick, Special, and Taunt. In addition to the standard special and super moves, each adorable lil' fighter character can activate "Flash Combos" and "Costume Combos". These special combos are 4-hits long, and most of which have a character to transform into various "costumes" during the length of the combo. Naturally, most of the "costumes" the cast changes into are actually cameos of other characters spanning the Capcom universe. Epic fan service for Capcom fans! Players also collect gems during battle to help fill up their super combo and special move meters.


The "Special" button activates a chargeable, unblockable move and if connected will cause the opponent to drop a significant amount of gems. The longer the Special button is charged, the more gems will be dropped on impact. Players can also cause specific color gems to drop from the enemy depending on which directional button is held when "Special" is pressed. Overall, Pocket Fighter has a deeper gameplay system than some players might expect and can actually be pretty fun. 

 

Character sprites and backgrounds filled with personality!

 

Pocket Fighter
also shows off some solid graphics for a 2D fighter, and is quite flashy at times. There's always a ton of action going on during battle, with cool projectiles, special effects, and other visual artistry that hasn't been done before in a 2D fighter. Besides the combo costume cameos (say that 5 times), there are also a ton of character cameos that can be seen in the beautiful hand-drawn backgrounds, ranging from some lesser known characters from the likes of Warzard, to a handful of your favorite Street Fighter and Darkstalkers icons.


Don't let the "kiddie" look fool you, Pocket Fighter is a through-and-through Capcom fighter that no 2D fighting game fan should miss. It doesn't have the most technical gameplay system out there, but all of the 2D fighting fundamentals are in place (and why even take it seriously enough to talk about the gameplay that much?)... Pocket Fighter is obviously a "casual" fighting game with entertainment value at the forefront. As you can see, the character roster is pretty small, but it's very easy to get into in play once you learn the movelists. 

  
 



 

 

Page Updated: January 2nd, 2024
Developer(s): Capcom
Publisher(s): Capcom
Artwork by: Shima Maeda       Character Art
Edayan                     Minor Art
L. George                Secret File Cover
Platform(s): Arcade, Sega Saturn, PlayStation, PSN,
PlayStation 2
(in SF: Anniversary Collection), Wonderswan
Release Date(s): Sept. 1997                         Arcade
June 11th, 1998              PS1
July 1st, 1998                   PS1
July 9th, 1998                  Saturn
Apr. 6th, 2000                  Wonderswan
May 25th, 2006              PS2 in SFA: Anthology
June 13th, 2006              PS2 in SFA: Anthology
July 7th, 2006                  PS2 in SFA: Anthology
Feb. 8th, 2011               PSN
Characters Ryu, Ken Masters, Chun-Li, Sakura Kasugano, Morrigan, Lei Lei, Felicia, Ibuki, Zangief, Tessa, Dan Hibiki, Akuma

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Featured Video:

Related Games: Capcom Fighting Collection, Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo, Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo HD Remix, Street Fighter 2, Street Fighter III: New Generation, Street Fighter Alpha, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Street Fighter Alpha 3, SNK Vs. Capcom: Match of the Millennium, SNK Gals Fighters, SNK Vs. Capcom: Card Fighters Clash, Darkstalkers, Darkstalkers 2, Darkstalkers 3, Red Earth, Pocket Bravery
  

Gameplay Engine  8.0 / 10
Story / Theme  8.0 / 10
Overall Graphics  8.5 / 10
Animation  8.5 / 10
Music / Sound Effects  8.5 / 10
Innovation  8.5 / 10
Art Direction  9.5 / 10
Customization  7.0 / 10
Options / Extras  7.0 / 10
Intro / Presentation  8.0 / 10
Replayability / Fun  7.5 / 10
"Ouch" Factor  7.5 / 10
Characters  7.5 / 10
BOTTOM LINE

 8.2 / 10

 Review based on Arcade version    

 

Final Words:

Pocket Fighter might not be for everyone... but it's an under-appreciated PS1 / Capcom gem. This game is all about good laughs and good fun. The character sprites, backgrounds, and animations are insanely charming and catchy. The only major flaw of the game is the somewhat small character roster (makes me wish Capcom actually made a sequel to this game).

Pocket Fighter's gameplay is surprisingly fun and pretty solid for what it does. The game overall doesn't take itself too seriously, so why should you? Just kick your opponent's ass, collect some gems, and have plenty of laughs with friends (or laugh out loud playing by yourself). It's actually pretty difficult not to have fun while playing Pocket Fighter.

In 1997-1998, Capcom was releasing some pretty amazing 2D fighting games. Pocket Fighter seemed like a "bonus" that the fanbase didn't really appreciate at the time. However, Pocket Fighter aged really well and is always fun to come back to. 
~TFG Webmaster | @Fighters_Gen
 
 

 

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