Rivals 2

Let me start by saying that Rivals 2 is the kind of game that does take some time to get good at. You can certainly jump in here and have fun right from the start, but if you want to compete with others, you will have to “get good” at the game as it does have a learning curve and there are some very good players at this game. For those who can deal with that, you will find this to be a thrilling, exciting, and super fun game. I dabbled with the original, but this is better in every way.

Elements of War

The setting of Rivals 2 is kind of neat. It takes place in a fantasy land populated by anthropomorphic characters and these characters represent various civilizations that are at war and use one of the elements to try and fight the others, the elements being water, fire, air, and earth. The base game comes with ten characters and there will be more added for free I might add at regular intervals. I for one much prefer having a smaller roster of characters that feel unique and fun to play as over a large boated roster that makes it impossible to connect with any of the characters.

Super Smashing The Multiverse

The core gameplay of Rivals 2 is very similar to games like Super Smash Bros Ultimate and Multiverses. Those platform kinds of fighting games, you can partake in one vs one, two vs two, and a four player free-for-all all. There is not as much content here as you will get in a game like Super Smash Bros Brawl, but the fighting mechanics are solid and there are a decent amount of characters so you will have a lot of fun trying them out and seeing which one fits you best. While the gameplay is quite deep and the talent of the people who are into this is very high, you can still have fun when you are getting your ass handed to you during your first few games. The thing is, this is the kind of fighting game that can have someone score a lucky hit and then turn the tide of battle so fights can be exciting and a great deal of fun.

A Super Kind Of Style

As I said, Rivals 2 has ten fighters to start your journey with, and as well as this there are multiple stages to fight on. The game has a very slick and cartoon kind of style that I think is pretty awesome. The visuals and the overall tone of the game kind of remind me of a show that you would see on Cartoon Network like a Ben 10 or even a show like Avatar over on the other channel, Nickelodeon. While it may be harder to warm to characters here than it is to iconic characters in the Smash Bros series, I do think that they have done a great job in giving these characters a lot of personality so I am sure there will be a couple that you end up liking.

An Expanded Arsenal

Now, if you played the original Rivals, you may be wondering what kind of mechanics have been introduced to Rivals 2 to make this a more refined and better kind of platform fighting game. To start with, you now have shields and these work in a similar way to the way that shields work in Super Smash Bros Brawl. They give you a little reprieve for a second or two if you are getting your ass kicked. You also now can grab ledges which can give you one last ditch chance to save yourself from getting knocked off the platforms. I liked these additions as they are defense based, the game was already great on the offensive front so having a couple of new ways to give you a little bit more of a fighting chance is something that I do think is very cool.

Pros:

• I think that there is a great selection of characters here
• I love the new gameplay mechanics, they add more depth to the game
• New characters will be added for free
• If you liked the first game, this is even better

Cons:

• It can be hard to win during your first few days of playing this
• The mechanics are solid, but it could do with more game modes

Rivals 2 is a platform fighting game about the world of elements, a world where anthromorphic animals fight each other for the eternal goal of finding out who is stronger. Trained fighters have familiar fighting techniques, but use one of the 4 elements in their combinations. Choose your favorite hero and tame the element to unleash its full power on your opponent. The main feature of the arena in this game is leveling. You may not fall from the opponent's blow, but he will be able to cheat you out of the arena.

Pros of the game:

• Combine your punches with elemental support
• Use tricks to easily push your opponent out of the arena