GAME CLEAR No. 153 -- Fighting Vipers 2

Fighting Vipers 2 (1998, Arcade/Dreamcast)

Compilation: Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name (2023, Multiplatform)
Original Developer: SEGA AM2
Original Publisher: SEGA
Port Developer: Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio
Compilation Publisher: SEGA
Clear Version: Arcade
Clear Platform: PS5
Clear Date: 1/5/24

Essence of Fighting Viper

Well, Fighting Vipers 2 is more Fighting Vipers. It’s a SEGA AM2 fighter that looks and plays a lot like Virtua Fighter but with goofier characters and a breakable armor mechanic at play. I did a credit-fed arcade mode clear within Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name. It’s a bit weird to call that game a “compilation,” but I guess that’s what it is technically.

Anyway, it is neat that the game is in Gaiden, since this marks its first home release in North America (that Dreamcast port never made it here). It’s an unexceptional game, but I do find it a bit more charming than its drier counterpart in Virtua Fighter, so it was worth the half hour or so I spent with it (most of that spent trying to beat its bullshit final boss).

More excitingly, Daytona USA 2 was also ported within Like a Dragon Gaiden (albeit with the Daytona name changed to Sega Racing Classic 2 and related licensed branding removed), and this marks the first home port of that game anywhere. I’ll definitely be knocking that one out soon. You already know where to look for my thoughts on it. 🏁