Japan has a strong and influential gaming industry. Before the glory of the PlayStation 2 era, there were already many fun and memorable games. One that stands out as my all-time favorite game is Yu Yu Hakusho: Makyō Tōitsusen (translated as Yu Yu Hakusho: The Ultimate Battle), developed by SEGA and released by TREASURE in 1994 for the SEGA Mega Drive (MD) console.

As an adaptation of a manga, Makyou Tōitsu Sen faithfully recreates the original work. This is evident not only in the accurate depiction of the characters' visual traits and the use of voice actors from the anime to record sound effects, but also in the attention to detail in character animations. If you pause the game at any given moment, you'll often find that the characters' movements are directly lifted from a specific panel in the manga. For those who've read the original, the game's characters truly feel as if they've stepped out of the pages.

The game's fluid combat, impact sensations, and sound effects come together in a near-perfect harmony, making it incredibly satisfying to play. It inherits the signature strengths of TREASURE's games, making it an absolute joy for players.

What sets Makyou Tōitsu Sen apart and makes it so enjoyable are its innovative and unique combat mechanics, many of which were groundbreaking for their time. Concepts like attack canceling, easy-to-execute combos (though still requiring timing and skill), and the "float and follow-up" mechanic enhance the flow and satisfaction of combat. Features like the invincibility during throws and the most peculiar "back jump invincibility" introduce new strategies and tactics. For example, after knocking down an opponent, you can bait them into a longer recovery time by using a specific attack, then immediately back-jump to dodge their counterattack, taking advantage of the back-jump's invincibility to land a heavy blow.

The game's most innovative feature, however, is its four-player mode, which introduces a variety of team battles, free-for-alls, and even 2v1 or 3v1 modes. While other games had tried to incorporate multiplayer and team-based combat, none reached the level of refinement and depth found in Makyou Tōitsu Sen. This mode opens up a whole new world of fun and creativity. If playing solo is enjoyable at a level 1, then 1v1 matches are a solid 2, 2v2 battles are a 4, and when you bring in four players using controllers plugged into the SEGA TAP, the fun is virtually endless.

If the game had only the multiplayer mode but mediocre combat, it would still be a solid second-tier title. If it had great combat but lacked multiplayer, it would be a top-tier game. But when these two elements come together, Makyou Tōitsu Sen firmly occupies the top spot in my heart as a legendary game.

That said, Makyou Tōitsu Sen isn't without its flaws. From the moment I started playing, I longed for a sequel. Now, 30 years later, it's clear that a direct sequel is unlikely, but that doesn't stop me from imagining what a perfect follow-up would look like if I had the chance to design it myself.

First, let's talk about improving existing characters:

• Sensui: Sensui has the unique Spirit Beast Split Kick (灵光裂蹴拳), which is well-executed. However, the game misses some of his other abilities, like the Split Flame Shot, Holy Light Energy, and the Spirit Steel Armor. These would add depth to his character and make him feel more complete.
• Shinobu: Shinobu only has the Wind Wall and Wind Fist for his special moves, which feels a bit limiting. However, his offensive power and the invincibility of his Wind Wall push him up to Tier 1 in the game.
• Kurama: Kurama is relatively well-developed, but there are still many missing moves that could elevate him. His character doesn't have all the elegant skills from the manga, like the full range of demon fox abilities. Also, his Fox Demon form lacks a flashy ultimate attack. He could benefit from additional special moves like the Demon Plant Summon and more options during his transformation.
• Hiei: Hiei's Dragon of the Darkness Flame could be more visually impressive. His ultimate attack could benefit from more dynamic effects, and his combo system should be enhanced.
• Yusuke: Yusuke's gameplay is a bit repetitive. The Shotgun special is great, but aside from that, he lacks distinctive abilities compared to the other characters. His Hundred Shot technique could be adjusted, and his overall gameplay should feel more unique. I'd also like to see new moves that focus on his transformation into a demon.
• Kuwabara: Kuwabara is almost perfect, though his Dimension Sword is overpowered. I'd like to add some more variety to his special moves to reflect his character's depth, such as adding a counter move like his sword's ability to deflect projectiles.

Expanding the Cast:

For a perfect sequel, I believe the roster could be expanded with additional teams and characters. These could include:

1. Main Character Team: Yusuke, Kuwabara, Kurama, Hiei, and Genkai.
2. Rival Team: Adding new characters like Toguro Brother, Mukuro, and Raizen would expand the story's adversaries.
3. Sixth Demon Team: This team could include Sasuke and Kuwabara (as mentioned) and also feature Shigure and Kurou, bringing in more variety for players looking for a challenge.
4. Demon Clan Team: Characters like Zaraki, Kuronue, and Raizen could join forces to challenge players in more intense battles.
5. Kurama's Fox Spirit Team: Adding a second-tier team based around Kurama's Spirit Fox Form would bring in Shun and Ryo's Fox Form Transformation.
6. The Undead Team: These characters could battle with players like Hiiami, Shing, and Yako.

Ultimately, no matter what additional content comes into the mix, Yu Yu Hakusho: The Ultimate Battle will always hold a special place in my heart as a masterpiece of its era. Too bad the developers didn't take it further, but sometimes you can't help but wonder what could've been.

Though the game's legacy is still cherished, I'll forever be wishing for a sequel that perfectly captures the heart of what made this game great. It's like hearing about a world championship tournament held years later—it makes me wish I had been in the right place at the right time.