Download M.U.G.E.N for Windows

M.U.G.E.N is an engine designed to provide customised beat 'em up games. A wide range of characters, stages and other such additional content is available online, allowing the user to download new additions and tailor their gameplay experience to suit their own personal tastes.

Because of its customisable nature, the program is available in a wide range of different versions with different sets of characters and other content. Now two copies will be identical.

The software originated in 1999 on MS DOS. The developer Elecbyte expanded onto other platforms, and in the process, developed the software with input from a thriving fan community.

Once you have downloaded and extracted the relevant content, move it to the M.U.G.E.N installation directory in which the other characters and stages are found (this should not be hard to locate). Next, open the select.def file and insert the relevant data. A number of tutorials are available online to help you if you find this fiddly.

Yes, although the process is quite complicated and takes time to learn, particularly as a content creator will need to have a decent grasp of graphics. Fortunately, the engine has a dedicated online community, and newcomers will find plenty of advice.

Aside from the original and long-discontinued MS DOS release, the program is available for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Each of these releases maintains a loyal community of fans and users online.

The two main modes are Arcade Mode, in which a player battles against computer-controlled opponents with the aim of ultimately winning; and Survival mode, where the player is faced with an endless number of opponents and must survive for as long as possible. There are multiple Co-op and Vs modes which bring a multiplayer element to play.

The game's fanbase has created an expansive range of character content, and has shown a particular fondness for additional characters drawn from popular entertainment franchises. It is possible to download and use characters from Super Mario, The Simpsons, Adventure Time, Disney Films, My Little Pony and much more.

Nothing. The game is freeware, and can be downloaded without any kind of fee. The same applies to the additional content. The fat that it is free accounts for the widespread unauthorised usage of copyrighted characters, which would pose legal problems were the game made commercially available.

This depends on how the game has been customised. Much of the content available is no more objectionable than in a typical 16-bit fighting game. However, some of the additional content made by fans does use violent or sexual imagery and will be suitable only for older players.