於1992年7月17日在PC Engine (PCE) CD-ROM² 平台推出的《亂馬 1/2：活劇遊戲》（らんま1/2 活劇遊戯），是該系列在PCE上的第三部作品，也是系列中極為罕見的「橫向捲軸動作遊戲」。由萬普（Banpresto）發行，打破前幾作偏向文字冒險或純格鬥的框架，轉而挑戰類似《超級瑪利歐》或《影子傳說》的高速平台動作玩法，為《亂馬 1/2》的遊戲化歷程增添極具動感的一頁。

利用CD-ROM的格式，延續PCE系列作的一貫優勢：高品質的背景音樂以及原班人馬的語音演出。雖然遊戲主體變成2D橫向捲軸動作，但關卡之間仍穿插大量精美的數位漫畫過場動畫，讓玩家在享受爽快動作的同時，也能體驗如同觀看動畫般的劇情推動。畫面色彩鮮豔，角色點陣圖雖然較格鬥版略小，但動作極為靈活，充分展現亂馬那種輕盈、靈動的中國武術身法。

劇情延續高橋留美子式的幽默與荒誕感。故事描述在平凡的風林館高中生活中，突然出現一系列干擾亂馬生活的奇異事件，多位來自中國及日本各地的強敵接連挑戰。需要操控亂馬穿梭於校園、街道、神秘山林迷宮以及充滿機關的中國古蹟之間。劇情以一系列誤會與武術比試展開，像是響良牙的亂入、珊璞的追擊以及九能帶刀的糾纏等。雖然遊戲屬於動作類型，但「變身詛咒」帶來的種種不便與笑料仍貫穿始終，使這場「活劇（動作劇）」充滿戲劇張力。

在操作設計上，強調反應速度與地形運用，與格鬥版有明顯差異。最核心的機制是變身與屬性變化：玩家在關卡中若觸碰到水源，亂馬便會切換性別。男亂馬力量大、跳躍距離遠；女亂馬身手敏捷，能進入狹小空間。必須根據關卡障礙與敵人類型，巧妙利用場景中的水桶或噴泉來變換形態。此外，遊戲操作採用十字鍵搭配A、B 鍵（跳躍與攻擊），可透過特定組合鍵施展火中天津甘栗拳、飛龍昇天破等必殺技來擊退大量敵人。關卡末端設有充滿魄力的BOSS戰，需觀察敵人攻擊模式並尋找破綻，考驗傳統動作遊戲技巧。關卡中還隱藏著各種恢復體力或增加分數的道具，增加探索樂趣，而不僅僅是單純直線衝刺。

本作在市場上獲得兩極但有趣的評價，被視為PCE平台上的「硬核動漫動作遊戲」。大多數玩家讚賞遊戲將「變身系統」與橫向捲軸玩法巧妙結合，使其在眾多換皮動作遊戲中脫穎而出。CD音質的配樂節奏感十足，與快速動作體驗相得益彰，讓喜愛《亂馬》的玩家能夠欣賞角色在各種場景中靈活跳躍與戰鬥的爽快感。然而，也有評論指出遊戲難度偏高，部分平台跳躍判定嚴苛，對習慣文字冒險或休閒遊戲的玩家而言具有一定挑戰。此外，與同系列的《打倒、元祖無差別格鬥流！》相比，劇情演出比例稍低，更偏重於「遊玩體驗」而非「觀看動畫」。總體而言，《活劇遊戲》是一部充滿活力、具紮實遊戲性的作品，成功展現了《亂馬 1/2》在動作類型上的無限可能。

Released on July 17, 1992, for the PC Engine (PCE) CD-ROM² platform, Ranma ½: Katsugeki Game (らんま1/2 活劇遊戯) is the third installment of the series on the PCE and one of the rare entries in the franchise to adopt a side-scrolling action game format. Published by Banpresto, the game broke away from the previous titles’ focus on text-based adventure or pure fighting, instead challenging players with fast-paced platforming action reminiscent of Super Mario or Shadow of the Ninja, adding a highly dynamic chapter to the history of Ranma ½ video games.

The game utilized the advantages of the CD-ROM format, continuing the PCE series’ tradition of high-quality background music and full voice acting from the original cast. While the core gameplay shifted to 2D side-scrolling action, the levels were interspersed with beautifully animated digital comic cutscenes, allowing players to enjoy fast-paced gameplay while experiencing a story presentation akin to watching an anime. The visuals were bright and colorful, and although the character sprites were slightly smaller than those in the fighting games, their movements were extremely fluid, fully capturing Ranma’s agile and nimble Chinese martial arts style.

The story maintained Rumiko Takahashi’s signature humor and absurdity. Set against the seemingly ordinary daily life at Furinkan High School, a series of bizarre events suddenly disrupts Ranma’s routine, with formidable challengers appearing from across China and Japan. Players must guide Ranma through the campus, city streets, mysterious forest labyrinths, and elaborate Chinese historical sites. The narrative unfolds through misunderstandings and martial arts contests, featuring intrusions from characters like Ryoga, the pursuit by Shampoo, and entanglements with Kodachi Kuno. Even though it is an action game, the complications and comedic situations stemming from the “curse of transformation” remain central, giving the action-packed “katsugeki” a strong dramatic flair.

Gameplay emphasizes reaction speed and environmental utilization, distinguishing it from the fighting game installments. Its core mechanic is transformation and attribute changes: touching water within a level causes Ranma to switch genders. Male Ranma possesses greater strength and jump distance, while female Ranma is more agile and can access narrow spaces. Players must strategically use environmental elements such as buckets or fountains to change forms depending on the obstacles and enemy types. The controls use the directional pad with A and B buttons for jumping and attacking. Specific button combinations allow the execution of signature techniques like Firecracker Fist and Flying Dragon Soaring Strike to clear groups of enemies. Each level ends with a dramatic boss fight, requiring players to study attack patterns and exploit weaknesses, testing traditional action gameplay skills. Levels also contain hidden items that restore health or increase score, adding an exploration aspect beyond simple linear progression.

Ranma ½: Katsugeki Game received mixed but engaging reviews and is considered a “hardcore anime action game” on the PCE. Players praised how the game combined the transformation system with side-scrolling platforming, helping it stand out among other sprite-based action titles. The CD-quality soundtrack complemented the fast-paced gameplay, and fans appreciated seeing their favorite characters jump and fight dynamically across diverse environments. However, some critiques noted the high difficulty, particularly with strict platforming hit detection, which could be challenging for fans more accustomed to adventure or casual games. Compared to Defeat! The Original Anything-Goes Martial Arts School, this game emphasizes gameplay over cinematic storytelling. Overall, Katsugeki Game is a lively, solidly designed title that successfully demonstrates the untapped potential of Ranma ½ in the action genre.