Originally scheduled for release in 1992, the sequel of Pit-Fighter was once called Pit-Fighter II: The Return of Chainman Eddie (notice the "II" instead of "2"). This game was intended to play more like an upgrade rather than a totally new sequel, hence enabling all of the original games 8 opponents playable. Chainman Eddie would have then been made the focal point throughout most of this lost titles storyline.
Both names are pretty silly, but hopefully Atari makes good on its claims that the title will be much more respectable when we play the game and see the story.
Below, is a prototype for the Marquee of the original sequel.
Seen here is one of the teasers from the original sequel. A few who were around the internet in 1992 may remember seeing it. This style of teaser should look familiar to Mortal Kombat fans, hmmm...
An ex-employee of Atari, who wishes to remain anonymous, has recently made friends with us and has given us this snapshot he took of an early prototype of Pit-Fighter II: The Return of Chainman Eddie. Interestingly, the words "The Return of Chainman Eddie" do not appear on the marquee. This prototype select screen features mostly graphics taken from the first Pit-Fighter. After inspecting this screen shot, take careful note that all 11 characters were to be controllable, plus a new unknown fighter (who seems to be wearing a gas mask or leather mask). If this prototype still exists, you can bet it would be worth quite a bit to a collector. Hopefully the emulators will get their hands on this ROM.
Gary Stark (designer of the original Pit-Fighter and Pit-Fighter 2) has assured us that there will be at least 22 selectable characters with as many as 4 hidden characters in Pit-Fighter 2: The Wrath of Southside Jim. He didn't specify whether the hidden characters will be playable or not. Who knows though, maybe the unknown fighter from PFII will be one of these characters...
