M.U.G.E.N, commonly written as MUGEN, is a game engine from Elecbyte originally developed in 1999.

The original beta versions of M.U.G.E.N were developed to work on Linux, Windows, and Mac operating systems. This freeware finds its origins with the Allegro library and today uses the contemporary SDL engine instead.

Two players at a time can develop their own 2D fighting games reminiscent of side-scrolling fighter games of the 1980s and 1990s. Unlike other video game engines, M.U.G.E.N allows players to create their own stages and characters.

M.U.G.E.N was made with gamers in mind. The gaming engine employs four different directional keys plus seven gameplay buttons. These buttons correspond to controlling a character that can exhibit three kicks and three punches along with a start button.

If a second player is not available, then you can fight against M.U.G.E.N’s AI player. Most of M.U.G.E.N’s gameplay takes place in Arcade mode, which means your character is pitted against random computer-generated characters to fight. Playing alongside a second person means that the two characters can engage in four team modes known as Single, Simul, Tag and Turns.

As of January 2011, the latest version of M.U.G.E.N has only been available for Windows operating systems. This newest version has been upgraded with fixes made to the bugs found in the previous 2007 and 2009 versions.

M.U.G.E.N still maintains a large fanbase and has resulted in teams and clubs such as the Mugen Infantry and Mugen Fighters Guild. If you’re a gamer who enjoys retro-inspired 2D gaming, then give M.U.G.E.N a try.