2000 saw the release of a new Hokuto no Ken game in almost 5 years. Konami released Punch Mania: Hokuto no Ken, an arcade exclusive game with a unique gameplay style. Playing as either Kenshiro, Rei or Raoh, the goal is to get through each stage by fighting an opponent. To do this, the player has to hit punching pads (which there are 6 of in total, 3 on either side of the screen) which keep being thrown out. To get higher scores, these pads must be hit at the precise right moment.

When a fight begins, each character has a vitality gauge, by hitting the pads correctly you will lower your opponent's health. Miss a pad and the opponent will hit you, lowering your gauge. When the opponent has little life left, it is possible to use a special technique to finish them off. For example, Kenshiro will use the Hokuto Hyakuretsu Ken against Zeed, his first opponent in the first stage. The more difficult the stage, the more intense it will be, with the pads constantly being flung out at rapid speeds.

The game was so successful in Japan that Konami released it overseas, under the new name of Fighting Mania: Fist of the North Star. Featuring new English voice acting for all characters (which was hilariously cheesy) and some different music, the game is otherwise the same as the Japanese version. A sequel was released (in Japan only) later on in 2000.

Basics of Hokuto Shinken

Practice

Kenshiro

Ryuken, Zeed

Southern Cross

Easy

Kenshiro

Zeed, Heart, Shin

Nanto Roku Seiken

Medium

Kenshiro

King Fang, Rei, Shuu, Souther

Ken-Oh, Conqueror of the Century

Medium

Kenshiro

Colonel, Devil Rebirth, Uighur, Ken-Oh

Nanto Roku Seiken, Star of Justice

Medium

Rei

Ken-Oh, King Fang, Amiba, Yuda

Messiah of the Century Legend

Hard

Kenshiro

Jagi, Amiba, Toki, Ryuga, Raoh

Conqueror of the Century Legend

Hard

Raoh

Toki, Juuza, Fudo, Kenshiro