I really like the small detail of the portrait, it's easy to recognize Jigoro Kano (Places where Judo is practiced often have a portrait of the founder)
When I see such sprites, I realize nobody makes "sportive martial arts" games anymore...
Yeah, I do think so too now! I referenced the step by step too heavily and then it was kinda of an overthrow, later looking at actual throws I can definitely see how it's a different direction. Live and learn!
I've been wanting to do some of these flashes in freelance work I've been asigned but being sprites, that wasn't really happening, so I guess I'm getting it out of my system here hehe
I think you should have probably changed the blue guy's animation for this one to make him fall backwards instead of forward. Aside from that, I like the flash effect you've done in these when he hits the ground.
Gotta have the Shomen portrait!
I'll be honest - simulation fighting games don't tickle my bone as much as 2d fighters do, but I think it's the old simulator conundrum and people should surely have more options.