Ehrgeiz! A Forgotten Gem In The Realm Of Fighting Games?

While the titans like Street Fighter and Tekken often hog the spotlight, there are hidden gems within the vast fighting game genre waiting to be unearthed. Today, we’ll delve into one such treasure: Ehrgeiz, a 3D fighting game released for PlayStation in 1998 by Squaresoft (now Square Enix). This unique title blended traditional fighting mechanics with RPG elements and an intriguing fantasy setting, making it a truly unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to discover it.

Ehrgeiz tells the story of individuals drawn into a mystical tournament called the “Ehrgeiz Tournament.” This grand competition, hosted by the enigmatic sorcerer Galford, promises unimaginable power and wealth to its victor. The contestants hail from diverse backgrounds: noble knights, skilled warriors, cunning thieves, even anthropomorphic creatures like the wolf-man Gargoyle. Each character possesses their own motivations for participating in Ehrgeiz; some seek glory, others revenge, and still others yearn for a chance to break free from their destinies.

The narrative unfolds through captivating cutscenes that showcase each character’s journey and interactions with other participants. These sequences not only drive the story forward but also provide valuable insight into the personalities and backstories of the fighters. Unlike many fighting games that focus solely on combat, Ehrgeiz elevates its storytelling by weaving a complex web of relationships and rivalries between its diverse cast.

Beyond its narrative depth, Ehrgeiz distinguishes itself through its innovative gameplay mechanics:

• 3D Arenas with Environmental Interactions:

Ehrgeiz moved away from the traditional 2D planes of most fighting games, embracing full 3D environments that allowed for dynamic movement and interactions. Players could utilize ledges for strategic positioning, dodge attacks by moving behind objects, and even knock opponents into environmental hazards for added damage. This innovative approach to arena design added a layer of tactical complexity rarely seen in other fighters at the time.

• Weapon-Based Combat:

Ehrgeiz introduced weapons as integral elements of combat, further differentiating itself from conventional fighting games. Each character possessed unique weapon styles and attacks, ranging from swift swordplay to devastating axe swings. Weapons could be utilized for both offense and defense, adding a new dimension to the strategic interplay between players.

• RPG-Inspired Character Progression:

Ehrgeiz incorporated elements typically found in RPGs by allowing players to level up their characters. Through successful battles, players earned experience points which unlocked new abilities and enhanced existing ones. This progressive system encouraged players to experiment with different fighters and customize their playstyles based on their preferences.

A Glimpse into Ehrgeiz’s Roster:

Ehrgeiz boasts a memorable roster of 12 playable characters, each embodying distinct fighting styles and personalities:

(The table continues with descriptions of all 12 characters)

Ehrgeiz, despite its innovative features and engaging story, unfortunately faced limited commercial success upon release. This can be attributed to several factors:

• Competitive Market: The late 90s was a highly competitive era for fighting games, with established franchises like Tekken and Virtua Fighter dominating the market. Ehrgeiz struggled to gain a foothold against these giants.
• Limited Marketing: Squaresoft, primarily known for its RPGs at the time, did not heavily promote Ehrgeiz, resulting in lower consumer awareness.

Despite its commercial shortcomings, Ehrgeiz remains a cult classic among fighting game enthusiasts. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, captivating storyline, and memorable characters continue to be appreciated by those who have had the pleasure of experiencing this hidden gem. For players seeking a fresh take on the genre, Ehrgeiz offers a unique and rewarding experience that deserves rediscovery.