This phrase refers to the practice of acquiring the M.U.G.E.N fighting game engine and related content featuring characters and assets from Japanese animation. M.U.G.E.N, customizable 2D fighting game engine, allows users to import characters, stages, and other elements created by themselves or others. Users can then download these assets, often inspired by or directly taken from established anime series, to create customized fighting games. This entails searching online for character and stage files designed for the engine and integrating them into the user’s local installation.
The popularity of this activity stems from the desire to create personalized fighting game experiences. It provides a platform to realize battles that may not be possible in officially released games, combining characters from disparate series or universes. This customization extends beyond character rosters to include stage backgrounds, character movesets, and even the game’s user interface. Historically, the engine’s open-source nature has fostered a large community of creators and players who share their creations online, contributing to the availability and variety of downloadable content.
