*The Great Battle IV* represents the pinnacle of Banpresto’s Compati Hero series, blending the iconic worlds of Ultraman, Kamen Rider, and Gundam into a cohesive side-scrolling odyssey. Unlike its fantasy-themed predecessor, this installment returns to a futuristic sci-fi setting, allowing players to cycle between Ultraman Powered, Kamen Rider ZO, V2 Gundam, and the series-original Fighter Roa at the touch of a button. The inclusion of a fan translation is vital for Western players, as it clarifies the stakes of the interstellar conflict and the nuanced dialogue between these legendary Japanese icons, turning a standard action game into a narrative-heavy celebration of Tokusatsu culture.
The gameplay is a masterclass in variety, transitioning seamlessly from tight, character-driven platforming to gargantuan "Battle Force" mech battles that utilize impressive pseudo-3D scaling. Each character feels mechanically distinct; Gundam offers aerial superiority via thrusters, while Ultraman provides the raw physical power needed to clear environmental obstacles. The 16-bit sprite work is exceptionally detailed for its 1994 release window, utilizing the Super Famicom’s deep color palette to create vibrant, distinct alien worlds that feel ripped directly from their respective anime source materials.
While the game never saw an official Western release, its reputation has grown significantly in the retro community as one of the best action titles on the hardware. It is a fascinating piece of regional history, particularly when considering the disparate release schedules of the era; for example, the puzzle game *Zoop* was a 1995 mainstay for Super Nintendo owners in the UK and Europe, yet it never actually received a port for this specific console in Japan. *The Great Battle IV* remains a must-play for fans of crossover media, offering a polished, high-octane experience that outclasses many of its contemporaries in both ambition and execution.
