I loved One Must Fall, but it's not that and it was a lot more similar to FX fighter, but older and more grainy. I don't think I ever actually found out what it was.
No, it was beyond amazing. Both the pilots and robots had a distinct character and a history behind them, and some combinations just seemed a better git than others. Like I can't imagine the kickboxer Milano piloting anything else besides a Jaguar or maybe a Shadow.
I also liked how after every match, you got a news report with highlights of your match, with "screenshots" showing key moments - not sure how they managed to do that in an old DOS game - nothing short of genius IMO. I can't think of any other game which has this feature.
The manual included with the game was also a very interesting and fun read - full of humor and quips about the game devs - even including a humorous piece on the main developer's baby daughter. Reading the manual made the game and the game devs feel so much more alive. I haven't played OMF in decades, yet I still remember most of their names - Rob Elam, Ryan Elam, the genius music composer Kenny Chou[1] and not to forget the baby, Bethany Kay Elam. Till date I wonder what she's is up to, and whether she's gotten over her habit of slobbering over the keyboard...
Personally, for me, OMF2097 was the definitive fighting game of all time. It's a pity that almost no one ever thinks of it, it's always either Tekken, Street Fighter, or MK. All great games, mind you, but they're nothing like OMF.
