Legend of Success Joe (Ashita no Joe Densetsu) is a pseudo-Beat 'em Up boxing game released by WAVE Corporation in 1991 for the Neo Geo.
The game's story, based on the popular manga Tomorrow's Joe, follows the career of Joe Yabuki from his years at the Toko Special Boys' Reformatory, his bantamweight qualifying bout against Shohei Inagaki, his fight against Wolf Kanagushi, accidentally killing his rival Toru Rikiishi in the ring, provoking a ruffian, and making his comeback to world champion by fighting more opponents both inside and outside the ring.
The game's text is entirely in English (there are a few Japanese voice clips), though it was never released outside Japan. Those who know the game even by reputation may be able to guess why.
Tropes appearing in the game:
- Expressive Health Bar: Both Joe and his opponent show physical damage on their faces the more lower their health bar drops, showing bloody, bruises and swollen faces.
- In a Single Bound: Oddly for a video game, jumping is an enemy-only ability.
- Life Meter: A three-part life bar.
- Post-Game Retaliation: Joe not only boxes with opponents in the ring; he also fights it out with boxers and Mooks outside of the arena in between boxing matches.
- Timed Mission: Each stage must be completed in 3 minutes.
