Time Killers is a notoriously bloody, weapon-based 2D fighting game released for the Arcade in 1992 by Incredible Technologies. Predating the massive popularity of Mortal Kombat, it stands out for its extreme gore and limb-severing mechanics. Fighters are drawn from different eras in historyโranging from a prehistoric caveman to a futuristic mutantโand battle for the ultimate prize of immortality.
How to Play
The objective is to defeat your opponent in a best-of-three match by depleting their health bar or scoring a decapitation for an instant victory. The arcade cabinet famously mapped its attack buttons to the character’s specific limbs.
- Insert Coin: Shift
- Start: Enter
- Movement: Arrow Keys
- Attacks: Z, X, C, A, S (mapped to head, left arm, right arm, left leg, right leg)
Tips
- Aim for the Head: Pressing all five attack buttons simultaneously attempts a “Death Move.” If it connects, it instantly decapitates the opponent, winning the round immediately regardless of health.
- Protect Your Arms: Taking too much damage to an arm will cause it to be severed, completely disabling any attacks associated with it for the rest of the round.
- Weapon Reach: Different characters have vastly different weapon lengths. Use characters like King Arthur or Wulf to keep shorter-range fighters at a distance.

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