River City Melee : Battle Royal Special

Before I start this review proper, I will talk about the game's biggest problem, which my review for the previous game, [i]River City Super Sports Challenge ~All Stars Special~[/i], missed. Both games suffer from frequent crashes and freezes, regardless of connection. It mostly happens during the award ceremony but it can also happen randomly during gameplay and on the menus. It doesn't make the game unplayable, but the only way to quit the game if this happens is to open the Task Manager on a Windows OS and end the executable task or process. It's possible that these crashes happen because the game is being played on fullscreen, though I've yet to test that. Another thing I've noticed is that the game cannot be played when Steam is in offline mode, though the original works. Now, [i]River City Melee: Battle Royal Special[/i] (also released on the PlayStation 4) is a sequel to ~All Stars Special~, enhanced to be a fighting game. The game removes the other three events and concentrates exclusively on Battle Royal. It makes some enhancements to the fighting engine courtesy of [b]Ryohei Endō[/b], who directed [i]BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend[/i]. The game is easier to play than the previous game as well. Characters have also been rebalanced for the purpose of fighting since most of the characters specialized in other events. Sadly the game doesn't include the create mode from the previous game, characters, teams and stages cannot be created and that omission probably hurts the game. For this reason I recommend that only fans of the series and players of the previous game purchase this one, though if you like a fighting game in the vein of the [i]Smash Bros.[/i] series and also enjoy playing [i]Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu[/i] (a similar fighting game of the series on the Famicom), you might find some enjoyment with this game, especially with a few buddies. The game's "Single Play" mode has the player going through a tournament with a plot different for each team. After the athletic meet ended, a mysterious group has been attacking students. The victims state that the assaliants moved like either, the Double Dragon brothers, or looked like the Tiger Brothers. There are also rumors that Gōda is attacking students as well. Some teams enter to find out who is attacking the other schools while other teams enter to clear Gōda's name or find out if he is really behind the attacks. The teams are the same from the previous game and all are available from the start. Players will face off against three teams, then a sub-boss followed by a member of the final boss team (they were originally unplayable, but that changed on January 25, 2019) before finally facing the final boss team. However, depending on the team the player uses some changes are made to the sub-boss and the final team. As the game's only event is Battle Royal, the objective of each fight is to win by scoring the most points. It is possible to win a match by scoring the most points and losing a fight, for instance. "Free Play" mode is similar to the previous game and allows up to four players to play together. There is now a setting to determine what happens when a player goes out of bounds: they can receive a specific amount of damage or they can be disqualified. The CPU AI can be configured like in the previous game, there's now a new option to set the CPU to a "Training" AI that allows players to practice freely. New stages are also made available. Other than different options for the original arena (the same ones from the previous game) it is now possible to play on a version of the arena in which the ground is eventually destroyed, creating a new hazard. There is a soccer court stage in which players can throw a ball to the goal, the goalie can hit them but if the ball enters the goal all players (with the exception of the player who scored) will take damage. A factory stage includes multiple conveyor belts and an item generator. The final new stage is a wharf with no hazards that also provides a motorcycle, which players can use to run over other players. None of the stages have modifiers (such as wind) like in the previous game, though it is still possible to decide how many items show up during a match. The game makes a couple of additions, both for ease of access and during gameplay. The game now includes a help section explaining how each button works and settings can be saved manually in the options mode. It is now possible to configure the game's controls at any time in the pause menu and before selecting teams and characters and players can enable the option to jump by pressing the two attack buttons simultaneously like in the Famicom/NES games. The pause menu also has an option that allows players to see the individual stats of each character as well as the commands for each of their moves. Speaking of moves, the game includes new grapple moves. Pressing a directional along with the throw button (the kick button, used to grab someone after they are knocked down) will have each character do different grapple moves. There are also new techniques as well since as previously stated, most techniques on the previous game were used in running and jumping events. During a fight, characters now have a meter below their face. This meter fills up as the characters take damage and when full, they enter "Rage Mode", which increases their stats and enhances their techniques farther. Normally, Kunio's Mach Kick is a series of three kicks, but during "Rage Mode" he will finish up with a fourth rising kick that sends opponents flying. Other moves will have increase range and damage capacity. The game's "Online Play" mode now allows players to search for a room and it is similar to the previous game. There's not much I can say about it, the game is also available on the PlayStation 4 and players have an easier time playing it there than in here, so the online population is scarce. The music and graphics of the game are the same as the preivous game, though the game does include new tracks. Most of these new music is meant to compliment the new stages and are also used in the game's cutscenes. Speaking of cutscenes, the characters are not as expressive as they were in the previous game, which can make the cutscenes boring. The story is hilarious though, with the translation (which is a little improved but still not good enough) adding to the amusement. It's important to understand that if you are a fan of the Kunio-kun series, specifically the Downtown Nekketsu sub-series that spawned the original version of this game; you can't take the plot of the game seriously. It is not a perfect game and the omissions of the previous game (it doesn't even have any of the unlockable characters) can be disappointing. This game is meant to be an expansion of the previous game, it's not a good idea to purchase the game on its own otherwise unless you are strictly a fan of the series (and it's on sale). This game can be fun if you can get three other players to play it with you locally, though the original game is also more fun for that due to the other events and the ability to create characters, teams and stages.

[h1] EБAHAВРОТ ЛЮДИ АУУУУ EБAТЬ ЭТО ЖЕ River City HAXУЙ!!! ЭТО ЛЕГЕНДА ДЕНДИ ГДЕ ТЫ ИГРАЕШЬ ВО ВСЕ ВИДЫ СПОРТА И XУЯPИШЬ ВСЁ И ВСЯ!!! ТЫ МОЖЕШЬ ИГРАТЬ В ФУТБОЛ И ПАЛКАМИ БАБУ КАКУЮ НИБУТЬ ЗAПИ3ДИТЬ КАКИМ НИБУТЬ КОТИКОМ НAXУЙ!!! ЭТО ПРОСТО ЛЕГЕНДАРНАЯ ИГРА КОТОРАЯ ДАВАЛА ТО ЧТО ЩАС ЯКУЗА ДАЁТ ВАМ!!! И КУПИЛИ 100 ЧЕЛОВЕК??? ВЫ ЧЁ EБЛAНЫ HAXУЙ.ВАМ ДАЖЕ БОГ ГОВОРИТ ЧТО ВЫ EБЛAНЫ.... EБAТЬ HAXУЙ ДOЛБAEБЫ!!! [/h1] https://youtu.be/p66PX1AZFhY

It is a good game but I have no idea why the base price is still higher than Melee Mach (a BARELY DISTINGUISHABLE upgrade over this). Publisher issue??? Just get Melee Mach now if you want the full thing.

[h1] This Kunio game feels like a joke but sadly, it's not. 25 teams to choose from each with 6 different characters each one having their own special moves. Specials are shared between characters so they repeat. Even though there're plenty folks they all play the same. Only difference are stats. Only 4 stages from which 4 are basically various size of the same level. Might be more fun when you mash buttons with someone but playing with AI is dull and repetitive. Empty stages where some random items are scattered. Props can be used as melee weapon or can be thrown. Visuals are simple 8-bit sprites with 3D backgrounds. Music is ok. Overall rather weak Kunio game. [/h1]

为了一个联机对战成就，4个人折腾了1个多小时！终于完成了！ 期间遇到了无数次闪退，疯狂闪退，闪退的我都疯了！ 最后我灵机一动，盲猜对方名字太长或者有特殊符号，改名后再没闪退。 设置成1局定胜负，他们3个开局就跳崖自尽了！我甚至还没来得及给他一拳！ 那这拳我只能攒足全力瞄准开发组了！！！

Arc System Works has a reputation for making quality fighting games, and this overlooked gem is no exception. "River City Melee : Battle Royal Special" is essentially an remake/sequel to "Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu," one of the few legitimately good 4-player NES games, and one of the only Kunio-Kun titles not ported to the states. Combat is very similar to that in the beat-'em-up "River City Ransom," with characters able to move in eight directions, jump, and wield weapons as they pummel the crud out of one another, in a story of school sponsored blood sports. The only major addition was a wide variety of special moves and stats, unique to each playable character. "River City Melee : Battle Royal Special" remains faithful to its source material, utilizing simple controls and basic inputs for all attacks. This is simultaneously its best selling point, and its greatest flaw. Attempting to faithfully recreate the feel of a decades-old fighting game is great for people who want a retro experience. However, that's a pretty niche audience. And, most of them would prefer the "purity" of the original game. Everyone else will probably overlook River City Melee, as fighting games have generally improved quite a bit since 1992. Compared to its contemporaries, River City Melee features slow, cumbersome, and simplistic gameplay, regardless of multiple mechanical (& admittedly brilliant) improvements added by Arc System Works. So, while this is an exceptionally well made title, I am somewhat confused as to its intended market. I don't know to whom I'd ever seriously recommend this game. I mean, aside from fellow old school Kunio fans. Because, this game really is something special.

[h1]Описание:[/h1] 2д файтинг-арена с знакомыми с детства персонажами (из игр с приставки NES). Герои радуют глаз и остались в большинстве такими-же, а вот сама игра... Итак в игре есть сюжетка и игра онлайн или с друзьями за одним компом. Ввиду мертвого онлайна и отсутствия даже одного живого друга, который может позволить себе прийти поиграть в подобные игры (а тем более 4х друзей). Вообщем пришлось проходить одиночную компанию. Выбираем команду героев и отправляемся бить мордасы. Бои идут 1 на 4, 2 на 2, 1 на 1. Мы выбираем одного из нескольких бойцов на текущий раунд и отправляемся набирать очки. Убивать всех не обязательно, просто наносим удары и в сумме за 3 раунда набираем очков больше команд соперника. Игра в принципе не скучная и проходить интересно, но ее продолжительность и контент оставляют желать лучшего... Тут всего 3 арены и меньше 10 боев... В некоторых демках больше контента чем в этой игре за 20 мать его евро. Цена тут явно завышена в 10-20 раз, что для не инди разработчика немного странно. Разработчик пытается заработать на чувствах ностальгии игроков и подсовывает откровенную лажу... Компания должна быть раз в 5-10 длиннее, арен должно быть в 5-10 раз больше и это была бы полноценная игра. Плюс к этому если ты проигрываешь групповой бой то надо смотреть пока додерутся другие, а это иногда одна минута, а иногда и больше пяти. А когда дерешься трудно разобраться где твой герой, а где соперника, особенно когда они краснеют и становятся похожими друг на друга... А еще... Нет хватит.... Если у вас есть 4 джойстика и 3 живых друга - можете полчасика весело провести. По интернету с друзьями будет неитересно. А в одиночную компанию играть неинтересно по причинам описанным выше. Обходите стороной. [h1]Оценка: 4/10[/h1] [h1]Послесловие:[/h1] [quote] Если вам понравился этот обзор добро пожаловать в кураторку [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/8114152] К и Ко [/url], там много других, хороших обзоров. [/quote]

In short: + There are indeed 25 teams playable out of 26 (story line boss team) + Tiger twins, Double dragons & twins are playable! + Several Kunio & Riki alter egos to play with (sorry Alex, You didn't made it, but Ken did.) + Several jokes in story lines and many references to each previous games (even certain basketball event ref. :D! ) + Rage mode + Still fun - It's easly noticebale the lazyness of creators. Not worth it full price, but on sale for at least 50%... - DON'T BUY IT WITHOUT A FRIEND TO PLAY WITH. - Only few arenas (while 3 are variations of the same one...) - Several jokes in story line - Tiger twins are basically a joke here - Mach abilities are basically an easy way to gain fast score - Small bugs like: characters saving item despite being defeated & not holding them! / Wrong dialogue boxes - Unique story lines is just a one story line with big "if that team wins" - Despite +20 tracks, story mode plays over and over 3 or 4 tracks only... - Online play doesn't exist. While writting that review, out of 28 hours, 10 hours I spend on playing "story mode" and 2 hours on free battle. 16 hours afking in lobby, waiting for anyone to play with and playing something else in background. Longer description: Where to begin with... You have 25 teams to play with, each having 6 characters that differ somewhat from the other. It gives a total of 150 characters, with similar or not abilities. You can play as Tiger twins, or Double Dragon/Twins (basically the same characters split into "asian and american" version.). Playing on Easy, Normal or Hard didn't really mather to me as I never have lost any single battle* in story mode, I only noticed that on Hard AI uses more abilities and on Easy it's getting a lot less glued to a wall for whatever reason... Some abilities requires a certain type of item to be used, which for me, often ment that what I needed almsot never appeared when I needed it. Outlaw team is for me almost the worst team that exists (but Lee is fun char to play with). Game has a lot of references to other game likes a player from Ice hockey game, soccer league or dodge ball or SPOILER STORY ALERT [spoiler]Few characters mention Basketball game and how to fly a plane without a ticket ;)[/spoiler]. Each story contains 6 "tournaments": 3 times 3 battles of 4 teams, a battle with Tigers or another team + battle against a memeber of [spoiler]Wu Wonfu Team (main antagonists) and another fight with 2vs2 against Wu Wonfu team, where the defeated member is replaced with Yuuji or Mitsuhide[/spoiler] I couldn't experience online play since there's no one here. I've seen some people playing SP from time to time but no one really even bothered to come for MP even when directly asked for. This game could be a lot better with a little more polish... Fans do it a lot better for free with PC remakes of Kakutou Densetsu from NES... which in my consideration, is A LOT BETTER. But I don't regret playing this game for 12 hours. * I've only lost once to Tiger Twins, as I played with characters that had low hp and no useful abilities... it wasn't even a lost, It was a tie 383 points vs 383 points, which results in game over... and "continue or abandon menu".

横板像素大乱斗，25支队伍，每队主线关卡6关，支持本体多人和在线多人。全成就只需要主线通关两次，其他都可以在自由模式刷出来，两三个小时解决，very friendly For [b]An artisan is not fussy about tools[/b]成就，根据https://forum.psnprofiles.com/topic/77798-an-artisan-is-not-fussy-about-tools/ 可能是翻译问题，实际上要求操作每支队伍至少胜利一次

Buy cuz i love this series since NES, and this is a rare case when the remake is not worse than the original in case of Sports Special. But for now is laggy in a battles(single mode), in cutscenes is all ok with fps. Maybe with patches lags will gone. In Sports Special fps is stable.