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Power Instinct

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Those of our clan inherit the fighting spirit of our bloodline "Goketsuji." The name responsible for the ongoing feud for control of the clan. As outlined in the family code, the bloodline must continue to grow even stronger and eliminate all those who are weak. The Goketsuji Clan is curren...

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Developer
Atlus Osaka Development Office

Released on
1993

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Fighting

Publisher
Atlus

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Description

Those of our clan inherit the fighting spirit of our bloodline “Goketsuji.” The name responsible for the ongoing feud for control of the clan.

As outlined in the family code, the bloodline must continue to grow even stronger and eliminate all those who are weak.

The Goketsuji Clan is currently the 3rd wealthiest family in the world. As a result, there are many who seek control the clan and the family fortune.

Some train endlessly building up their strength, others polish up their fighting skills with experience, and still others concentrate on their fighting spirit, all for control of the clan.

Because there were so many fighters vying for control of the clan, Oshima, the 3rd Goketsuji Leader, declared the following to all:

The clan will hold a fighting tournament every 5 years.

The winner of this “test of strength” tournament will assume immediate control of the Goketsuji clan until the next tournament, at which time the seat for control will be open once again. Any member with blood ties to the clan may enter.

– Decreed this day in the 14th year of the Taisho era –

And presently…

Power Instinct

Overview & History

Released by Atlus in 1993 for the Sega System 2 arcade hardware, Power Instinct (known as *Gouketsuji Ichizoku* in Japan) carved out a wonderfully bizarre niche in the crowded 2D fighting game boom. Defying the stoic martial arts tropes of its contemporaries, this eccentric title revolves around the Gouketsuji clan, a dysfunctional family of eccentric fighters battling every five years to determine their next patriarch. The roster features wildly unconventional combatants, most famously Otane and Oshima, a pair of geriatric sisters who possess the terrifying ability to temporarily de-age themselves into powerful youths upon executing specific special moves. Following its Japanese arcade debut, the game was ported to the Super Nintendo and Sega Mega Drive, though the original coin-op version remains the definitive way to experience its fast-paced sprite scaling and quirky, character-driven charm.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard fighters of the era, Power Instinct introduces dynamic movement mechanics, allowing players to perform double jumps and high-flying aerial dashes that drastically alter pacing. Stages feature unique environmental hazards, and characters can even shatter certain background objects. The combat system relies on a standard six-button arcade layout (three punches, three kicks) paired with a robust meter system. Special moves range from standard projectile blasts to utterly surreal assaults, such as Otane launching flying dentures, hurling explosive household items, or transforming into a glowing, high-speed dynamo. Defeated opponents often suffer humorous knockdown animations, cementing the game’s satirical identity amidst a sea of serious arcade brawlers.