The Combatribes

The Combatribes

Overview & History

Released by TechnuS in 1990, The Combatribes is a brutal, chaotic arcade beat-'em-up that serves as the spiritual successor to Double Dragon. Eschewing traditional save-the-princess tropes, the game drops players into a dystopian, crime-ridden New York City overrun by a ruthless street gang known as "Demon's Wave" and their sadistic leader, Martha. The storyline unfolds across six stages of intense urban warfare, culminating in a descent into a subterranean fortress. Distinct from its contemporaries, the arcade original permits up to three players to simultaneously select from three cybernetically enhanced vigilantes—Bulldog, Berserker, and Blitz—each boasting unique fighting styles. Unlike its toned-down Super Nintendo port, the arcade cabinet is infamous for its relentless difficulty, graphic violence, and the ability to mercilessly pummel downed enemies by repeatedly smashing their heads into the pavement or tossing them into burning oil drums and arcade cabinets.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

The gameplay loop prioritizes aggressive crowd control over complex combos. Players utilize a standard two-button layout for attacking and jumping, alongside a devastating desperation move by pressing both buttons simultaneously. What sets The Combatribes apart is its physics-driven environmental interaction and grappling mechanics. Characters can pick up an eclectic assortment of weapons, ranging from lead pipes and giant mallets to motorcycles and even unfortunate enemy grunts, using them as projectiles or melee implements. Enemies exhibit a wide variety of archetype behaviors, from whip-wielding dominatrices to hulking mutants, requiring players to master the timing of back-attacks and aerial drop-kicks. Furthermore, the game features distinct mini-bosses and multi-tiered boss fights where players must dismantle enemy squads systematically. The frantic pacing is amplified by an unforgettable electronic rock soundtrack and satisfying, crunchy sound effects that heighten the sheer brutality of every punch, throw, and environmental smash.

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move
• Action Keys: Attack / Jump
• Enter: Start / Pause