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Let's get one thing straight from the start - this isn't your standard beat-'em-up. That isn't to say you don't hit people - far from it; but skill and thought play more of a part than in most games of this ilk.

The player takes the role of a young, ambitious martial arts novice attempting to learn four different skills: Kendo, Karate, Bo (using a long staff), and Nunchaku (a weapon consisting of two short sticks connected by a chain).

First a discipline is chosen by walking into the corresponding dojo, or school. There you have the choice of practice, or sparring with one of three opponents.

During a fight, your stamina and Ki levels are very important - the former displays how tired you are, and the latter determines the power of your blows. They both increase the longer you avoid being hit but decrease when you move, or get hit. An opponent has similar levels, and the object is simply to decrease both his levels before yours diminish to zero.

There are an enormous array of combat moves to learn, all of which are detailed in the manual. You have to study this - or you'll be beaten to a pulp every time!

After every bout, Tobiko-Sensei, your mentor, gives you a rundown on your performance so that you can see where you can improve your abilities.

All this leads up to competing in the Budokan itself. In this championship, you select a discipline and are then shown information about your foe. Studying this reaps rewards in the arena, as you have three attempts at defeating him (or her!). There's even a two-player option so that you can knock the stuffing out of a friend. Are you ready for the challenge?

1. Nunchaku This started off as a grain thresher, but its potential as a weapon - you swing or flick it at an opponent with crippling effect - has meant it has been introduced as a discipline in many Japanese dojos.

2. Kendo The Samurai of feudal Japan placed enormous importance on their abilities with their swords. Because these blades were incredibly sharp, practising with them often resulted in injuries or fatalities, so Kendo (with its bamboo swords as weapons) was introduced as a safer alternative. Nowadays it is a fully-fledged art.

3. Karate The classic martial art, made famous by the likes of Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan. It evolved on the tiny island of Okinawa, where the locals were forbidden to carry weapons. Literally it means "empty hand", and is deadly when practised by a master - but is designed for defence, not attack.

4. Bo The Bo is a six-foot oak staff that can be wielded to stunning effect when in the right hands. It was originally used by samurai to gain an advantage against sword-swinging foes - the Bo's length giving its holder a longer reach. Capable of crushing bones, this is a martial art to be reckoned with.

Get to grips with the idea of Ki before starting the game. You must take breaks between attacks so that your Ki level rises, and at the same time avoid letting your opponent strike you.

Backing away can help, but be careful - if you retreat too far, you commit a fault and lose half your Ki! Be sneaky, if you hit your foe while he's building Ki, he'll lose half too.

In a game this complex, you need advice. Luckily, your Sensei gives a summary at the end of each sparring match, so you can gauge your ability. If you are concentrating on only a few moves, he'll tell you to expand your options - being predictable ensures defeat in the Budokan!

The two-player option allows you to take on a friend on the Free-Spar Mat. Player two has the problem that all the controls are reversed - and it's hardly simple the normal way round! Thereforce practising for both directions is a must. Of course, you've got to make a friend first...

I was ecstatic to see this game come on to the Megadrive, which has a number of good beat-'em-ups... but nothing like this! Sure, the controls are difficult to master, but perseverance soon reaps rewards: there's nothing like delivering a spin kick to the head!

I particularly like the range of options, as all four arts require different skills and tactics (my favourite is kendo). It's a gorgeous-looking game, with real excitement to be had.

It's maybe not as immediately grabbing as some arcade games, what with Ki playing such an important part, but has a depth and sophistication rarely seen. Highly recommended!

Budokan really adds a new twist to the beat-'em-up genre - it's a thinking man's fighting game. You have to use both your brain and reflexes as you balance stamina, Ki and pure skill to outwit the opponents.

The sheer variety of moves take time to master, but practice reaps its own rewards - you really feel a sense of satisfaction and achievement when you start to make headway in the Budokan. The graphics and sound are both top-notch, and with tough opponents to beat, Budokan is highly recommended to beat-'em-up fans who are looking for a real challenge.

Presentation 86%
Nice opening graphics, and a clear and informative manual help you get started.

Graphics 86%
The fights look superb, as the sprites are very well animated.

Sound 82%
Stunning effects, and the music is unobtrusive.

Playability 85%
Tricky to begin with, but once mastered you'll be hooked!

Lastability 89%
Plenty of opponents to beat, and the game's open-ended nature means that you'll keep on coming back to it.

Overall 87%
Tough, addictive and difficult to master. A truly brilliant beat-'em-up.