Battle Circuit hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1997 on the Arcade, this retro classic from Capcom is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
Battle Circuit is a 1997 beat 'em up video game developed and published by Capcom for arcades. The game was initially released only in Japan and Europe on March 19, 1997; it made its home console debut in Capcom Beat 'Em Up Bundle and was also re-released in Capcom Arcade Stadium.
🎮 USB or Bluetooth controller? Plug it in, Once Detected Click Here to Open Your Controller Options
No controller detected yet — plug one in and press any button.
Your controller lights up here as you press buttons. Premium members can remap every action to any pad button.
⭐ Premium members can click any key below to remap the controls. Go Premium
| Action | Keyboard | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| D-Pad Up | ↑ | D-Pad up |
| D-Pad Down | ↓ | D-Pad down |
| D-Pad Left | ← | D-Pad left |
| D-Pad Right | → | D-Pad right |
| B (bottom) | X | Bottom face |
| A (right) | Z | Right face |
| Y (left) | S | Left face |
| X (top) | A | Top face |
| L | Q | Left shoulder |
| R | E | Right shoulder |
| Start | Enter | Start |
| Insert Coin | V | Select |
⭐ Premium members can click any key below to remap this game's controls. Go Premium
| Action | Keyboard | Arcade input |
|---|---|---|
| Move | · · · · | Joystick (8-way) |
| Button 1 | · | Button 1 |
| Button 2 | · | Button 2 |
| Start | · | Start |
| Insert Coin | · | Select |
Create a free account to unlock the full experience for :
Show the world what Retro is really about.
First registered run claims the top spot. It won't stay easy for long.
Playing counts once you're signed in — register free in the player above.
The Story Behind Battle Circuit
An official soundtrack entitled Battle Circuit Original Soundtrack (catalog number VICL-60056) was released commercially in Japan by Victor Entertainment on July 2, 1997 and retailed for ¥2,205. Battle Circuits background music was composed by Syun Nishigaki of Capcom Arcade Sound Team, and has a recurring pop and electronic theme present throughout the game. Predator, Battle Circuit is set apart stylistically by employing a manga-style science fiction approach to story and character artwork.
The character Pinky borrows many moves from the character Zelkin of Capcom's fighter Star Gladiator. The music was recorded using only synth-based computer generated sound, a common recording medium for arcade games on the CPS-2. The game was not released in North American arcades or any other part of the world.
How Battle Circuit Plays
There are also special techniques called "Battle Downloads", which can be used by pressing both action buttons while jumping, resulting in the player and his allies (if any are present) gaining a certain attribute, the effect of which is unique to each character. A character will start with a stock of two of these techniques to use per life, and can obtain more from capsules scattered throughout the levels, up to a maximum of five. Battle Circuits arcade cabinet provided support for up to four simultaneous players who can each assume the role of five possible characters.
Cyber Blue, for example, can use his Battle Download "Power Up" to increase the amount of damage dealt by attacks, while Yellow Iris' "Speed Up" increases attack speed. If all of a player's lives are depleted in this fashion, the game will end unless more credits are purchased. A player must attack enemies until their health (indicated by a bar under the player's when the enemy is attacked) is reduced to zero and they are thus knocked out.
Why Players Still Load It Up
In Japan, Game Machine listed Battle Circuit on their June 1, 1997 issue as being the eighth most-successful arcade game of the month, outperforming titles such as Street Fighter EX Plus and Magical Drop III. Though each of the character's real names are mentioned in their individual character profiles during the opening demo, they are mostly referred to by their codenames, each indicating a physical attribute and corresponding color. The bounty hunter then confronts Johnny at his disco hideout and learns that the disc contains a malicious computer program known as the "Shiva (Tentei) System", which is capable of controlling all computerized systems in the world.
The game contains comic-like characters in a futuristic science fiction setting, and was Capcom's last beat 'em up game developed for arcades. Taking place in the future year 20XX, Battle Circuit follows the exploits of a group of super-powered bounty hunters as they apprehend wanted criminals (identified by special serial numbers) in the city of Neo Koba. Saturn and secure a sophisticated computer disc carrying a program known as the "Shiva System".
Battle Circuit — Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a controller to play Battle Circuit?
No. Keyboard controls work out of the box (see the controls panel), and any USB or Bluetooth gamepad is detected automatically.
Who developed Battle Circuit?
Development was handled by Capcom, with Capcom publishing the release.
Where can I buy the original Battle Circuit?
See the "Other Places You Can Get This Game" section below the article for legitimate places to buy real-world versions.
What console was Battle Circuit released on?
Capcom shipped Battle Circuit for the Arcade back in 1997, and this page runs that release.