Cross Serpent: Virus Blitz

Cross Serpent: Virus Blitz is a 2.5D beat 'em up video game developed and published by Gamesoft. It was released for the Capcom Sony ZN-1 arcade system in July 1997 before being ported to the PlayStation three months after. This is the first game in the Cross Serpent series of video games.

Gameplay
In classic beat 'em up fashion, players take control of one of four playable characters across the span of five stages, set in different locations, and fight against a variety of foes until you reach the bosses at the end. What makes this particular title stand out from others of its genre is that each character has a different route in each stage, as well as a different boss, granting a sense of replayability to the players. Many have claimed Virus Blitz to be the most ambitious beat 'em up because of this. Similar to Streets of Rage 2, each character can use a special attack of their own that deals damage to any enemy on-screen.

Synopsis
The story of Cross Serpent revolves around BIOMIND, an organization that, years ago, was once responsible for releasing Crossgenes, microscopic organisms that mutate any living being that comes into contact, causing natural discourse throughout the world. Slowly but surely the world has been recovering, thanks to the rise of medical technology made to quell the Crossgenes. Kato Aoki, a young man who has been quarantined in the forests of Japan since being infected by Crossgenes, discovers a droid called MOVA, the Medical Organizer and Virus Annihilator, who warns him about BIOMIND and its plans for world domination. As thanks for lessening the Crossgenes in his body, Kato agrees to help MOVA take down BIOMIND and prevent them from spreading any more Crossgenes in the world.

On the way he meets Dai Andou, the mysterious assassin who attacks him not long after Kato arrives in Kodo Island; Kidd Baxton, the inventor of MOVA who is saved by Kato after being ambushed by an army of Crossgene mutants; and Li Fon, a martial artist who left his isolated village to try and save the world himself. After coming to an agreement, they form the "Virus Blitz" in order to destroy the Virus Machines operating in Japan, China, U.S.A., England, and Russia.

Playable Characters

 * Kato Aoki
 * Dai Andou
 * Kidd Baxton
 * Li Fon

Stages

 * Japan
 * China
 * U.S.A
 * England
 * Russia