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Review of River City Girls Zero on Nintendo Switch

by Tanya Krane Tanya Krane photo Feb 2022
Cover image of River City Girls Zero on Switch
Gamefings Score: 8.5
Platform: Switch Switch logo
Released: 14 Feb 2022
Genre: Beat 'em up
Developer: WayForward & Arc System Works
Publisher: Technōs Japan

Introduction

Dive into the anime-styled chaos of River City Girls Zero, where fighting for justice is just a side gig, and teenage angst runs deep. This beat 'em up marries nostalgic 90's vibes with a storyline that'll make you laugh, cry (maybe not), and definitely punch something-in a game, of course!

Gameplay

First off, let's talk gameplay. Think of River City Girls Zero as your favorite high school sitcom, except instead of high-fiving your friends in the hallway, you're sending punks flying with swift punches to their face. You start as the not-so-innocent duo of Kunio and Riki, who are wrongfully accused of a hit-and-run. But fear not! Their girlfriends, Misako and Kyoko, are in on the action too, and you can switch between characters whenever you feel like switching things up faster than your Tinder dates. The fighting mechanics pull from classic beat 'em ups-it's all punches, kicks, and a heaping dose of chaos. Each character has their own unique style. Kunio uses some classic grappling techniques while Misako and Kyoko are more about speed and agility. Of course, you can't be punching and kicking at will through the whole game. Players have to be strategic; otherwise, you might find the game throwing you into situations that feel tougher than explaining the plot of Inception to your grandma. And as you play, your characters evolve! Initially, they're awkwardly clad juvenile delinquents, slowly trading their prison garb for snazzy school outfits from which they unleash more potent moves. Humorously enough, switching from villainous to trendy isn't just for show-it actually enhances your combat prowess. But it's not all about the brawls-there are dialogues in-between that hark back to the 90s anime vibe, packed with hilariously cheesy lines that'll resonate with anyone who has ever daydreamed about being a teen hero-a true nostalgic trip.

Graphics

Visually, River City Girls Zero is a love letter to retro gaming aesthetics. It's like stepping into a colorful time warp where vibrant pixel art reigns supreme. The designs maintain a charmingly '90s vibe, reminiscent of classic brawlers while still pulling off a modern sheen. Characters are expressive, and the world brims with attitude, from bustling streets to the occasional boss that looks like a rejected design from a kiddie cartoon. The animations are smooth enough to make you want to grab your controller and induce a few jaw-dropping combos. Let's also not overlook the reflections of blood and bruises that give a touch of grit to the otherwise delightful chaos; it's not for the faint-hearted!

Conclusion

River City Girls Zero is more than just a mindless button masher; it's a tale of friendship, redemption, and teenage rebellion wrapped in gorgeous pixel art. With its humor, pulse-pounding action, and emotional arcs, it stands out as a breath of fresh air in a sea of reboots and sequels. Whether you're brawling with a friend or going solo, this game is a nostalgic gem that captures the highs and lows of youth. It's a chaotically fun whirlwind that you'll want to revisit again and again. So grab your switch, hit the streets of River City, and get ready to kick some serious butt-but remember to keep your life choices a little saner than Kunio and Riki's!

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