Gauntlet
Single-player ladder
Eight computer-controlled fighters stand between you and the belt. Win to climb, lose and burn a continue, run out and the run is over. Every opponent has habits; the later ones have studied yours. Gauntlet results never touch the Hall of Fame.
New run
Pick a difficulty
8 opponents are drawn at random. Stage 4 is the mid-boss, stage 8 the champion; boss fights go five exchanges instead of three. Rumour has it the ladder is taller for anyone who clears it without a continue.