Rivals of Aether II

Rivals 2

Release Date: October 23, 2024

Fighting, platformers, online, for 2 players, indie games, 2.5D, splitscreen, multiplayer, internet

81%

Steam

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The second installment in a series of platform fighting games inspired by such series as Super Smash Bros. Players wield elemental powers, engaging in intense arena combat.

Plot
Mechanics
Game modes
Technical aspects

Rivals 2 is the second installment in a series of fighting games inspired by such titles as Super Smash Bros., originating from 2017. It was developed by Aether Studios, just like the first game, Rivals of Aether.

Plot

Rivals 2 is set in a fantasy world of Aether, plagued by a war between civilizations wielding fire, water, earth and air. We play as heroes representing the feuding factions, engaging in arena combat.

Mechanics

Rivals 2 is a side-scroller. The gameplay combines fighting games and platformers, meaning we must both fight our opponents and jump on platforms. The platforms can be used to our advantage, for example to stay away from the enemies.

The game features a wide roster of characters with diverse abilities and playstyles. They include newcomers, as well as characters returning from Rivals of Aether and Dungeons of Aether. The characters include fire-wielding Zetterburn, poison-using Ranno, aerial ace Wrastor, earth-wielding Kraggu and the archer Fleet.

Players can make use of various kinds of attacks, chaining them into deadly combos. Aside from basic attacks, each character has some unique moves and special moves available at specific types (for example, while hanging off the ledge, being knocked down or grabbing an enemy).

Game modes

Rivals 2 only supports local and online multiplayer.

Technical aspects

Rivals 2 stands out from the first game with its highly improved visuals. The game makes use of a colorful, cartoonish, appealing artstyle.

Videos and Screens

[1:10] Rivals of Aether II Launch Trailer

[1:47] Rivals of Aether II Rivals of Aether II - Release Date Trailer

81%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Very Positive (4,632)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Deep, Expressive Mechanics: Players appreciate the complexity and depth of the mechanics, allowing for a variety of playstyles and strategies.
Best-in-Class Netcode: The online play is praised for its smoothness, with rollback netcode providing a seamless experience.
Fantastic Sound Design and Art Style: The game?s visuals and audio are well-received, with many players enjoying the character designs and animations.
Responsive Gameplay: The controls are described as tight and responsive, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Community Engagement: Many users note that the developers are communicative and responsive to player feedback, which bodes well for future updates.

The main cons of the game

Lack of Tutorials and Onboarding: A significant number of reviews highlight the absence of proper tutorials, making it difficult for new players to learn the game mechanics.
Limited Single-Player Content: Many players feel that the game lacks sufficient single-player modes, with only a basic arcade mode available at launch.
High Skill Ceiling with Steep Learning Curve: While experienced players enjoy the challenge, newcomers may find the game frustratingly difficult without adequate resources to learn.
Microtransaction Concerns: There are complaints about the monetization model, with many feeling that the in-game purchases for cosmetics are excessive and grindy.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Comprehensive Tutorials: Users are calling for interactive tutorials that cover character moves, mechanics, and strategies, rather than relying on external guides or vague resources.
Expanded Single-Player Modes: Many players express a desire for more offline content, such as a story mode or additional engaging single-player experiences.
Character Roster: Some players are disappointed with the initial character roster, feeling it is smaller compared to the previous game, Rivals of Aether.
Quality of Life Improvements: Suggestions include better matchmaking systems, more intuitive controls, and various user interface enhancements to improve the overall experience.

Summary

Overall, while Rivals of Aether II has been well-received for its gameplay and mechanics, it faces criticism regarding its accessibility for new players and the current lack of content outside of competitive play.

Summary generated on: November 25, 2024