![Ultraman [Model SHVC-UM] screenshot](images/game/62582_2.png "Ultraman [Model SHVC-UM]")
ウルトラマン © 1991 Bandai
(Ultraman)
Ultraman is a 1-on-1 fighting game that serves as a conversion of the arcade title developed by Bandai and Banpresto. As one of the early showcases for the Super Famicom's graphical capabilities, the game faithfully adapts the iconic Japanese tokusatsu series, tasking players with controlling the giant hero as he defends Earth against waves of kaiju. The gameplay emphasizes a cinematic, "show-accurate" approach to combat, requiring players to manage limited energy and execute signature finishing moves to defeat their opponents before time runs out.
GAME ID: SHVC-UM
BARCODE: 4902425322902
Ultraman was released on April 6, 1991 (Saturday) in Japan at a retail price of 7,800 JPY.
Arcade Heritage: The title is a port of the Ultraman arcade game developed by Bandai/Banpresto. Its release early in the Super Famicom's life cycle helped establish the console as a premier destination for licensed arcade-to-home ports, a trend that would define the platform's early library.
The Three-Minute Mechanic: True to the source material, the game implements the iconic "Color Timer" on Ultraman’s chest. The timer functions as both a health and time-limit mechanic; it transitions from green to flashing red as energy depletes, forcing players to prioritize decisive action.
The "Finisher" System: Unlike standard fighting games where depletion of health results in a win, Ultraman requires the player to whittle down an opponent's health bar until it is low enough to be "finished" by a fully charged special attack (such as the Specium Ray). This requirement adds a layer of tactical tension to the end of every fight.
Battlefield Dynamics: The game features large, scrolling stages rather than fixed-screen arenas. This allows for hit-and-run tactics, as both Ultraman and his opponents can regenerate a portion of their health when distance is created, turning battles into a rhythmic cycle of engagement and retreat.
Historical Significance: Being one of the first major licensed titles on the system, Ultraman was instrumental in demonstrating the Super Famicom’s ability to render large, detailed sprites and fluid animation—hallmarks of the 16-bit era—solidifying Bandai’s position as a dominant publisher on the console.