Star Gladiator Episode I: Final Crusade

About

Star Gladiator Episode I: Final Crusade is a 3D fighting game from Capcom that swaps fists for weapons. Released in 1996, it lets players pick from humans and alien-like fighters armed with swords, yo-yos, and energy blades. Combat focuses on combos, counters, and timing, with stages that shift during matches. Saturn, a standout character, wields twin yo-yos in fast-paced attacks. The game runs on original PlayStation hardware and later saw ports to PS3 and handhelds. Split-screen multiplayer and arcade-style modes keep matches fresh. The story orbits a 24th-century conflict over a mind-powered energy weapon. Dr. Bilstein’s experiments spark rebellion, leading to a final battle against his rogue forces. While the plot leans into sci-fi tropes, the game’s place in fighting history is solid, this was Capcom’s first polygon-based fighter before Street Fighter EX. A cult following keeps it alive among retro brawlers, with 11 characters and simple mechanics that hold up for quick, competitive sessions.

Storyline

Set in the 24th Century, this 3D fighter pits humans against humanoids. Combo systems and counter attacks are all there, as well as some strange characters, especially Saturn who uses two yo-yos as his main weapon. The back story to the game has humanity exploring the stars, populating planets and meeting alien races. Not all races are friendly so in 2348 the Federation starts researching a new plasma power weapon. The chap leading the research is Dr. Edward Bilstein and he discovers human's sixth sense that taps the power of the human mind. The weapon works and is a success but it is discovered that Bilstein has used real people in his experiments so he is exiled and all further work stops. Move on four years and, thanks to rumours about the Federations super weapon hostile confrontations have largely ceased and everyone is getting along, then a small band of rebels calling themselves 'The Fourth Empire' attacks and wipes out an army base. It looks like Bilstein is heading towards Earth for revenge so the army puts together a team of people who can use the plasma force weapon to mount a last ditch defense of the planet.