Sentences written about this title, gathered by type from the Japanese and English Wikipedia articles (as of 2026-8-30).
Electronic Gaming Monthly praised the music and the cinemas as stunning and among the best seen on the Sega CD, and also approved of the mechanic of learning special moves.
However, they criticized the gameplay action as sluggish and unresponsive.
GamePro commented that the game "tries a few new things", but shared EGMs stance that the Sega CD version plays too slow, and also criticized that the way the backgrounds often block the view of the action, while intentional, is unduly frustrating.
Reviewing the Super NES and Genesis versions, though Electronic Gaming Monthly again praised the idea of learning special moves, some of their reviewers commented that this mechanic ultimately makes the game less exciting rather than more, and all of them remarked that the controls are weak.
They remarked that the game can be unfairly difficult, but praised the graphics, lack of slowdown, unique and enjoyable music, and the use of real life martial arts techniques and philosophies.
They further praised the game's uniqueness and said its only problem was that it is possible to win most fights by using one kick or punch over and over.
GamePro commented that the game "tries a few new things", but shared EGMs stance that the Sega CD version plays too slow, and also criticized that the way the backgrounds often block the view of the action, while intentional, is unduly frustrating.
Next Generation agreed that the Super NES version was a notable improvement over the Sega CD original, particularly the "rich, shaded backgrounds".
They further praised the game's uniqueness and said its only problem was that it is possible to win most fights by using one kick or punch over and over.
Next Generation reviewed the PC version of the game, and stated that "Brutal is a solid fighting game that should please any fan of the genre.
They remarked that the game can be unfairly difficult, but praised the graphics, lack of slowdown, unique and enjoyable music, and the use of real life martial arts techniques and philosophies.
They further praised the game's uniqueness and said its only problem was that it is possible to win most fights by using one kick or punch over and over.
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