''Rivals 2'' is an upcoming platform fighting game that serves as a direct sequel to ''

Rivals of Aether ''Rivals of Aether'' is an indie platform fighter video game created by Dan Fornace, and released for Microsoft Windows in March 2017, for Xbox One in August 2017, and for Nintendo Switch on September 24, 2020. It received positive reception fr ...

'' (2017). Unlike its predecessor, it is played in 2.5D and utilizes

3D models In 3D computer graphics, 3D modeling is the process of developing a mathematical coordinate-based representation of any surface of an object (inanimate or living) in three dimensions via specialized software by manipulating edges, vertices, a ...

—additional mechanics are also added, including the ability to shield and grab, while mechanics such as the

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return from ''Rivals of Aether''. The game is intended to have improved single-player and casual-oriented content compared to ''Rivals of Aether'', though appealing to competitive players is the primary focus of development—several mechanics were added to make the game feel more familiar to veteran players. The sequel is scheduled for a late 2024 release on "as many platforms" as possible.

Gameplay

''Rivals'' 2 is a platform fighting game. Unlike its predecessor, ''

'' (2017), it is played in 2.5D and uses

as opposed to being played in 2D and using

pixel art Pixel art () is a form of digital art drawn with graphical software where images are built using pixels as the only building block. It is widely associated with the low-resolution graphics from 8-bit and 16-bit era computers and arcade video g ...

sprites. The game adds several new mechanics—including the ability to generate a shield able to block incoming attacks, the ability to grab others, even while they are shielding, and the ability to "pummel" during a grab with either a short attack or a slower attack with a stronger attack with a unique secondary effect for each character. Further mechanics include the ability to grab ledges and attack while hanging from them and the ability to attack while knocked down. Mechanics such as parries also return from the first game.

Characters

Several playable characters from ''Rivals of Aether'' have been announced as returning in ''Rivals 2'', including Zetterburn, Ranno, Wrastor, Kragg and Maypul. One newcomer has been announced, Fleet, who previously appeared as one of the four selectable protagonists of the spinoff game '' Dungeons of Aether''.

Development

Announced in April 2022, ''Rivals 2'' is intended to have improved single-player content compared to ''Rivals of Aether'' that aims to allow casual players to transition into more dedicated players, though competitive play is the priority of the designers—they intend to have the game be prominently featured at

Evo EVO or Evo may refer to: Companies * Evo (company), American sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer Games * Evolution Championship Series, an annual fighting game esports tournament in the US * ''Evo'' (board game), a 2001 board game * ...

. The addition of the shield mechanic was added to make the game feel more familiar to those who play platform fighting games, and the grab was likewise added as a counter to the shield. Ledges were also added to ''Rivals 2'' because the developers felt that it would make the game feel more familiar to veterans in addition to making it more approachable for newcomers.

Marketing and release

''Rivals 2'' was announced on April 1, 2022, during an annual

April Fools' Day April Fools' Day or All Fools' Day is an annual custom on 1 April consisting of practical jokes and hoaxes. Jokesters often expose their actions by shouting "April Fools!" at the recipient. Mass media can be involved in these pranks, which may b ...

"Rivals Direct". The game is scheduled to be released in 2024, on "as many platforms" as possible. A

closed beta A software release life cycle is the sum of the stages of development and maturity for a piece of computer software ranging from its initial development to its eventual release, and including updated versions of the released version to help impro ...

testing period was originally planned for 2023, but was pushed back to early 2024.

References

External links

* {{Official, https://rivals2.com/ Upcoming video games scheduled for 2024 2.5D fighting games Fantasy video games Indie games Multiplayer and single-player video games Platform fighters Video games about animals Video games developed in the United States Video game sequels Windows games