BloodStorm is a 1994 arcade fighting game published by Strata and developed by Incredible Technologies. It is considered a quasi-sequel to Time Killers. BloodStorm was dubbed as a possible "Mortal Kombat-killer" in an attempt to surpass rival Midway Games's success with Mortal Kombat, though it did not prevail. It was the last game Strata produced before the company went out of business. Home ports for the Saturn and PlayStation were announced in early 1995, but were later cancelled. Plot BloodStorm is set in a distant, post-apocalyptic future where the world, ravaged by war and famine, has divided into eight provinces ruled by the High Emperor. At the start of the game, the Emperor is assassinated by an unknown assailant, bringing the Empire to the brink of a global war. In accordance with ancient laws the ruling kings and queens of the provinces agree to gather and have a tournament, dubbed the BloodStorm, to determine the next High Emperor, in hopes of preventing further conflict. Gameplay As with its predecessor Time Killers, BloodStorm features many of the aspects carried down from it, such as the removal of an opponent's arms and an instant kill attack, as well as a Special Death Move. The button layout is similar. They are labeled as "back leg", "front leg", "back arm" and "front arm" respectively. A button in the center is used to make the character block. If a limb is lost in combat, its corresponding button is rendered useless. BloodStorm is a weapons-based fighting game, though it differs from Time Killers in that the characters use weapons called "Gauntlets" that allow them to use particular powers and attacks with them. Other than being able to bash off an opponent's arms, a technique called a Sunder is in the game. If executed when an opponent is stunned, it will destroy their lower body. The character will not be able to jump or use kicks, but can still move back and forth a little with the leg buttons. Even after a successful Sunder attack, the fight can still go on, if the character's life bar is not totally drained yet. However, if both limbs are lost afterwards (if they were not already torn off prior to the Sunder attack) then they are almost completely helpless. There are a few special moves that do not require arms or legs, and those can still be performed. Characters are