Released in 1990 by Taito, Growl (also known as Runark in Japan) is an arcade beat ’em up where you play as a forest ranger on a mission to stop an evil gang of poachers from destroying the local wildlife. The game sets itself apart from typical brawlers with its distinct theme, allowing players to rescue animals that then join the fight to assist you against the poachers.
How to Play
Your objective is to fight your way through the poachers’ ranks and free the captive animals. Use the Arrow Keys to move your ranger around the screen. Press Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start the game. During gameplay, use Z to attack and X to jump. You can pick up dropped weapons by pressing the attack button while standing over them.
Tips
- Weapons are incredibly powerful; try to conserve ammo for the guns and use melee weapons like the whip or sword to save shots for tougher enemies.
- When you rescue animals (like elephants or lions), they will stampede across the screen and deal massive damage to enemies, so prioritize freeing them from cages when you see them.
- If you find yourself surrounded, you can perform a special attack by pressing the attack and jump buttons simultaneously, though it may consume a small amount of health.

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