Growl (USA) hits different when it boots instantly in your browser. Released in 1991 on the Arcade, this retro classic from Taito is ready the second you press start — no downloads, no setup.
A censored version was also included in the arcade game compilation Taito Legends 2 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. Growl, released in Japan as Runark, is a 1991 beat 'em up video game developed and published by Taito for arcades.
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| 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 |
| Button 3 | · | Button 3 |
| Start | · | Start |
| Insert Coin | · | Select |
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The Story Behind Growl (USA)
Hamster Corporation released the game as part of their Arcade Archives series for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in July 2023. ==Gameplay== The player begins the game by choosing from one of four different forest rangers, each with a different amount of health, attack strength, and jumping height. The player can procure weapons by destroying barrels and wooden crates or disarming certain enemies. Also, the M-16 has been replaced with an AK-47.
The controls are identical to the arcade version. There are six types of enemy characters throughout the game, excluding the final boss (who has two forms). The locations include a city, a moving train, a boat, a jungle, a cavern, and the hideout of the poachers.
How Growl (USA) Plays
There are four variations of the game (which can be determined by dipswitch settings): The two-player variant allows the player to choose which character they would like to play as while the four-player versions assign each character to a player slot like other beat 'em ups. Hamster Corporation released the game as part of their Arcade Archives series for the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 in July 2023. ==Gameplay== The player begins the game by choosing from one of four different forest rangers, each with a different amount of health, attack strength, and jumping height. There are a total of eight weapons which can be obtained: three melee weapons (a pipe, a sword and a whip), two throwing weapons (knives and hand grenades), and three firearms (a revolver, an M-16 assault rifle, and a four-barreled FLASH-style rocket launcher).
A censored version was also included in the arcade game compilation Taito Legends 2 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows. There are seven regular stages (called rounds) and a bonus game, for a total of eight stages. Set in the early 20th century, the player controls a forest ranger who must protect the local wildlife from a group of evil poachers who are driving the animals to extinction.
Why Players Still Load It Up
Set in the early 20th century, the player controls a forest ranger who must protect the local wildlife from a group of evil poachers who are driving the animals to extinction. The player can perform a variety of different attacks (punches, kicks, and finishing blows) depending on the position of an enemy. The barrels and crates can be picked up and thrown at enemies as well.
There are also animal helpers that will help out the player after they are rescued from a poacher, such as an eagle, a herd of deer, and an elephant. The player can drop their current weapon by pressing down and attack while wielding it. A censored version was also included in the arcade game compilation Taito Legends 2 for the PlayStation 2, Xbox, and Microsoft Windows.
Growl (USA) — Frequently Asked Questions
What console was Growl (USA) released on?
Growl (USA) was released for the Arcade in 1991.
Can I save my progress in Growl (USA)?
It does — with a free account you can snapshot the game at any point using save states, then pick it up later from exactly that spot.
How many players does Growl (USA) support?
Growl (USA) supports 1 player(s) in this browser version.
Can I play Growl (USA) online for free?
Absolutely. The full game loads in the player at the top of this page and runs right in your browser — no installs, no plugins, no waiting.