My Played Video Games Review: ClayFighter for the Super Nintendo

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ClayFighter, released for the Super NES in November 1993 and later ported to Sega Genesis in June 1994, is a unique fighting game that serves as a parody of Street Fighter. In a departure from traditional fighting game themes, ClayFighter adopts a circus theme filled with humor. What sets it apart visually is its claymation-style graphics, created by photographing and digitizing actual clay models.

Developed by Interplay Productions, ClayFighter is one of two game franchises with a "clay" theme, the second being a platformer titled Claymates, specifically released for the SNES. The game's blend of unconventional humor and distinctive claymation graphics contributes to its distinctive charm.

The 8 wacky playable characters are a parody of someone or something recognizably famous in Western pop culture. (Image source)

The Story

Meet Bad Mister Frosty, the main character of ClayFighter, where the battlegrounds become arenas for wild action. Get ready for an onslaught of punches, kicks, and perhaps some unconventional moves as Frosty and his friends engage in head-to-head fighting action. It's a melee where clay characters come to life, ready to unleash their unique fighting styles and quirky personalities.

Box, manual and cartridge of the game. (Image source)

The Graphics and Sound

ClayFighter stands out with its distinctive graphics that bring the characters to life with a claymation-style appearance. The use of clay models, photographed and digitized for the game, contributes to the unique aesthetic. While the backgrounds may be relatively simple, the overall presentation provides an engaging and visually interesting experience. Although there might be games with superior graphics on the Super Nintendo, ClayFighter's visual style, featuring characters seemingly crafted from clay, adds a special charm to the game.

The game incorporates engaging sound elements, with character announcements and constant remarks adding to the interactive experience. The use of character voices enhances the humor and personality of the game. The music, while fitting for the game's atmosphere, is somewhat limited in variety. With only a few songs in the soundtrack, it may become repetitive over time. Despite this, the overall combination of sound effects and music contributes positively to the game's audio presentation.

Gameplay video sample of Clay Fighter on the SNES. Watch in 360p for near TV resolution of that time.

The Gameplay

ClayFighter follows the familiar 2 out of 3 round structure commonly seen in fighting games. Set in a circus environment impacted by a meteor crash, the diverse cast of characters, ranging from a ghost and clown to a snowman and Elvis impersonator, adds a unique and entertaining element to the game. The character selection goes beyond conventional fighting game archetypes. The fun extends beyond the characters themselves, as they engage in constant taunts during fights, injecting humor into the gameplay. The game mechanics closely resemble Street Fighter, including similar controls and moves, providing a familiar yet amusing experience for players.

The multiplayer system is a strong aspect of the game, allowing two players to engage in combat similar to the single-player mode. Players can choose characters, select stages, and even adjust their strength level from 1 to 8. This strength level acts as a handicap system, enabling players of varying skill levels to compete more evenly. For instance, a player set at level 8 would have a significant advantage over a player at level 1.

The game offers decent replay value. The single-player mode is engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs, and the multiplayer mode, especially when facing friends, can provide hours of entertainment. However, it's noted that the game might lose its appeal after several plays and become less enjoyable over time.

My Verdict

In summary, ClayFighter is an average fighting game, but its humor adds an enjoyable element to the experience. If you're a fan of Street Fighter but need more humor, this game is worth trying out.

Play it on the great Super Nintendo/Super Famicom or play it on a fine emulator. Play it with friends.

Let's keep on gaming in the free world!