Buriki One: World Grapple Tournament '99 in Tokyo, widely recognized simply as Buriki One, is a 3D competitive fighting game developed and published by SNK. Released on May 21, 1999, the title serves as the seventh and final game developed for SNK's short-lived Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade hardware. It distinguishes itself from other arcade fighters of the era by focusing on realistic combat simulation and a unique control scheme that challenges traditional gameplay paradigms.

Buriki One: A Unique Fighting Experience

The game was primarily designed by Hiroaki Hashimoto, who worked extensively as a motion capture artist. This approach resulted in a visual style and character movement that prioritized realism over the exaggerated animations common in other fighting titles of the time. The game features 12 martial artists, all released exclusively for the game with the exception of Ryo Sakazaki, a guest character from SNK's Art of Fighting franchise.

Gameplay Mechanics and Controls

Buriki One is defined by its unconventional control system, which swaps the traditional roles of buttons and joysticks. The control system utilizes two buttons exclusively for movement and defense. Pressing the left button moves the character backward, while pressing the right button moves them forward. Double-tapping either button allows for a dash, which is crucial for evasion and closing distance. Holding both buttons simultaneously allows the player to block incoming attacks. Offensive actions are performed using the joystick. Players can execute attacks of varying damage levels by pushing the stick in different directions. Pushing forward executes a medium attack, up-forward delivers a stronger blow, and down-forward produces the weakest but fastest strike. By combining various joystick movements, players can perform special attacks for increased damage. The gameplay draws heavy inspiration from Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), featuring struggles, grabs, and submission holds similar to wrestling games. The game lacks projectiles and super moves, favoring close-quarters combat. The objective is to knock out the opponent, force a submission, or win a 3-point judgment.

Story and Setting

The narrative centers on a tournament held in 1999 at the Tokyo Dome. Twelve fighters compete to determine which martial art is superior. The roster represents disciplines such as Karate, Boxing, Professional Wrestling, Greco-Roman Wrestling, Tai Chi Chuan, and Muay Thai. Each fighter brings a unique style, contributing to the theme of global martial arts supremacy.
  • Karate: Represented by Gai Tendo, the older Ryo Sakazaki, and Silber.
  • Boxing: Featured by Rob Python and Seo Yongsong.
  • Professional Wrestling: Represented by Patrick Van Heyting.
  • Greco-Roman Wrestling: Represented by Ivan Sokolov.
  • Tai Chi Chuan: Represented by Song Xuandao.
  • Muay Thai: Represented by Payak Sitipitak.

Platform Availability

Despite its acclaim for its unique design, Buriki One has never been officially ported to home consoles. Although a release for the PlayStation 1 was planned, it was ultimately cancelled. As a result, the game remains an arcade exclusive. Playing the game today is a challenge for most enthusiasts, as the only viable ways to experience it are through emulation software like MAME or by owning the original Hyper Neo Geo 64 arcade hardware.

Notable Features and Roster

A key feature is the realistic presentation of combat, overseen by designer Hiroaki Hashimoto. The protagonist, Gai Tendo, has become a breakout character, appearing as a guest in The King of Fighters XI alongside boss character Silber. The roster also includes an older Ryo Sakazaki, a design choice to make him more fearsome, who has since appeared in other titles. The game introduces a unique ring-out mechanic where a fighter knocked out of the ring is reset to their initial position rather than losing the round.

Who It Appeals To

Buriki One appeals to fighting game enthusiasts who appreciate mechanical depth and realism. It is a essential title for historians of SNK and collectors of rare arcade hardware due to its status as the final Hyper Neo Geo 64 release. The inverted controls offer a refreshing and difficult challenge for veteran players, while the focus on grappling and martial arts simulation attracts fans of combat sports who may find traditional projectile-heavy fighters less engaging. The unique roster and character designs also draw in players interested in the crossover of different martial arts disciplines.