Rivals of Aether II
- October 23, 2024
- Aether Studios
- 386h median play time
Get on Steam"Rivals of Aether II" is a platform fighting game where every character is free, and future ones will be added for no extra cost. It features easy-to-learn but hard-to-master gameplay, with customizable controls and unique mechanics. The game also offers online play with reliable rollback netcode and post-launch updates that include new characters, modes, and lore.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- Incredible gameplay with smooth mechanics and responsive controls, making it a joy to play.
- Unique characters with diverse movesets, providing a fresh experience compared to other platform fighters.
- Strong online performance with rollback netcode, allowing for a seamless multiplayer experience.
- Lack of tutorials and onboarding resources for new players, making it difficult to learn the game.
- Limited single-player content at launch, with only a basic arcade mode available.
- Microtransactions for cosmetics feel predatory, with high prices for skins and limited free currency.
- gameplay575 mentions
- 36 % positive mentions
- 60 % neutral mentions
- 4 % negative mentions
The gameplay of Rivals of Aether 2 is praised for its smooth mechanics, fast-paced action, and depth, making it appealing to both casual and competitive players. However, many reviewers express frustration over the lack of tutorials and guidance for new players, which can hinder the learning experience. While the game introduces unique mechanics and retains a familiar feel for fans of platform fighters, some players feel it has lost some of its original charm and identity compared to its predecessor.
“The gameplay feels very smooth, and almost every fighter feels easy to pick up but with plenty of unique combos to master.”
“The gameplay is amazing.”
“The new mechanics introduce a fresh experience, making it feel quite distinct, and each character shines with unique abilities and techniques.”
“The game simply does not teach you any of the core mechanics that make this game different from others.”
“The lack of a proper tutorial though is painful, especially for the folks coming in from ROA1 (like myself) and having to figure out the new mechanics through web pages or brute force experimentation.”
“Gameplay-wise, Rivals 2 tones back the gimmicks from Rivals 1 and adds features like shields, grabs, and ledges from the Smash Bros series, making it more like Smash and less its own thing.”
- graphics115 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with many praising the stunning visuals, fluid animations, and diverse character designs, while others express disappointment over the shift from the original pixel art style to 3D models, feeling it lacks charm and direction. Despite some reports of lag and optimization issues, the overall aesthetic is considered appealing and well-suited for various gaming setups. The game is noted for its beautiful art style and solid graphics options, contributing to a satisfying gameplay experience.
“Fantastic and diverse character kits, amazing tunes, varied stages, great visuals; all the core elements are here.”
“Incredible graphics, soundtrack, gameplay and community; this game has it all!”
“The game has evolved in every conceivable way, with stunning visuals and enhanced gameplay.”
“Aesthetically speaking, the game looks and sounds bad.”
“Not only does this art style change hurt the motion of the characters, but it hurts the music and its impact as well.”
“The art style is just... bad... ROA 1 had an awesome pixel style but this is just ugly and the animations are hilariously bad.”
- monetization71 mentions
- 14 % positive mentions
- 66 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The monetization in "Rivals of Aether II" has received mixed reviews, with many players appreciating that all future characters will be free and that microtransactions are limited to cosmetic items, which can also be earned through gameplay. However, some users criticize the presence of in-game purchases in a $30 title, labeling the monetization as predatory and disingenuous, particularly given the high prices of certain cosmetic bundles. Overall, while the cosmetic-only model is seen as a positive step compared to other games, concerns about the game's content and pricing structure persist.
“The microtransactions are extremely fair, affordable, and have no fear of missing out (FOMO).”
“For one reasonable price tag, you get the game and all of its future characters and events, which I find very refreshing because they could have definitely adopted a more aggressive monetization model.”
“One of the standout features is that, unlike Rivals 1, all future character releases will be free for everyone, with cosmetic items being the only form of microtransactions—and these cosmetics are beautifully designed.”
“I'm giving this game a big no right now because of the price and you will be left with very little singleplayer content and content in general, while also seeing so much microtransactions in the game.”
“Too bad it's a $30 game that launches with its store and advertising a $20 Halloween bundle, as well as 20+ character skins and 3+ each character colors that all cost a minimum of $5, and no modes outside of versus and arcade.”
“I simply can't recommend this game right now due to its glaring lack of solid content, which won't be fixed for a very long time, and its extremely predatory monetization.”
- story69 mentions
- 10 % positive mentions
- 67 % neutral mentions
- 23 % negative mentions
The game currently lacks a story mode, tutorials, and a comprehensive character roster at launch, which has disappointed some players. However, developers have confirmed that a story mode and additional characters are planned for future updates, with all post-launch content expected to be free. While the absence of a narrative at release is noted, many players are optimistic about the potential for a more engaging story experience in the future.
“In the roadmap, you see that devs plan to add a story mode chapter, custom colors, and more characters in and beyond 2025.”
“However, Lux's design overall was most obviously inspired by OneShot, a game whose story still affects me to this day.”
“But the characters and storyline would make a good anime or movie.”
“There is no story mode.”
“There is no tutorial or story mode at launch, though these are planned.”
“No idea who any of these people are, and the game doesn't have any story for you to get to know them better.”
- music64 mentions
- 48 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many praising the soundtrack as enjoyable and filled with "bangers." However, some users noted the absence of music in specific modes, such as the arcade's target test, and expressed disappointment over certain sound design choices. Overall, while the soundtrack enhances the gaming experience, there are areas where it feels incomplete or inconsistent.
“The hits feel satisfying, the sound work is incredible, the music is oops all bangers, and all of the characters are so unique and so much fun to play!”
“This is one of the best feeling platform fighters I’ve played in years, and the music is phenomenal (I could listen to the main menu theme forever).”
“The movement and animations are fluid, the soundtrack is awesome, the art style is beautiful, and it is pretty dang fun most importantly.”
“There is actually some missing sound effects or music in certain places of the game.”
“The bonus stage 'target test' doesn't have any music whatsoever.”
“The music and stings for some things are very questionable, like target practice, continue screen, and Maypul's victory theme, just to name a few.”
- character development32 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 16 % neutral mentions
- 9 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is highly praised, with reviewers highlighting the exceptional character designs, unique movesets, and polished visuals that contribute to an engaging gameplay experience. The variety and depth of characters, along with responsive controls and solid mechanics, create a satisfying environment for both new and veteran players. Overall, the game's character design is seen as a standout feature, promising continued growth and community engagement.
“Character design is insanely fun, the balancing is great, the community is extremely helpful and excited about the game, the visuals/audio design is extremely satisfying, and the current amount of content is awesome and going to continue to be built upon.”
“While Rivals of Aether 2 would benefit from single player content beyond the current arcade mode, the character designs and stages feel very polished and the controls are responsive.”
“Some really unique character designs with a lot of depth to them as well.”
“Finally, a platform fighter with a unique art style and its own vision for character design and world building!”
- humor26 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by a variety of quirky and absurd characters, such as a funny elephant throwing meatballs and a beetle man hurling rocks at a purple bird. Players appreciate the comedic elements, including amusing animations and unexpected bugs that add to the overall hilarity, despite some criticism of the art style. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, contributing to a lighthearted and entertaining experience.
“Funny beetle man throws rocks at a dumb purple bird and other assorted furries.”
“Haha funny lizard shoots goop at people.”
“Funny elephant throws meatball 10/10.”
- optimization25 mentions
- 40 % positive mentions
- 48 % neutral mentions
- 12 % negative mentions
The game's optimization is a mixed bag; while some players report excellent performance and smooth gameplay, particularly with certain settings adjusted, others experience significant issues such as stuttering, input lag, and bugs, especially on keyboard setups. Overall, the game is praised for its mechanics and visuals, but optimization remains a concern for many users, particularly in online modes.
“It is a competitive masterpiece with excellent core gameplay and controls, a well-balanced cast of characters with satisfying move-sets, and a bunch of online modes with outstanding performance (it feels like I'm playing locally).”
“The visuals are also really nice too and the game is super optimized.”
“Amd GPU and CPU, playing on keyboard, I haven't run into any bugs or crashes; the game runs smoothly and has been very fun.”
“Bugs are innumerable, and affect both the menu UI and in-game performance.”
“Gameplay 10/10 mechanics 10/10 input lag / online performance 1/10”
“There are some performance issues I am seeing on my end in the game at times; however, I can't tell if it is the game or just my computer because my build is a bit on the older side.”
- stability19 mentions
- 11 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
The game's stability is heavily criticized, with frequent crashes, a buggy user interface, and poor online connectivity leading to issues like incorrect win-loss tracking. Players report significant problems with keyboard support and menu navigation, contributing to an overall lack of polish that detracts from the experience. While it runs well on Steam Deck, the persistent bugs and server management issues are major concerns for PC users.
“Runs great on Steam Deck.”
“Constant game crashes, buggy UI, and terrible keyboard support for a PC-only game.”
“Unfortunately, online is buggy (counting wins as losses, for example), balance for a few of the characters is extremely poor while others are well designed, and there are specific menu problems such as cursors not lining up or double inputting (tested with more than one controller).”
“Other than that, the menus are buggy and there is a general lack of polish (e.g., post-match stats not working more than half of the time).”
- grinding18 mentions
- 6 % positive mentions
- 6 % neutral mentions
- 89 % negative mentions
Players generally find the grinding aspect of the game to be excessive and tedious, often requiring significant time investment to unlock cosmetics, which can feel disproportionate to the rewards. While some enjoy the nostalgic feel of grinding reminiscent of older games, many express frustration over the slow progression and the need for additional purchases despite the game's initial price. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a double-edged sword, offering enjoyment for some while being a chore for others.
“You'll need a second life for grinding.”
“And despite this being a $30 game, it still asks you to fork over more money for cosmetics or spend way too long grinding.”
“It is very grindy just to unlock maybe one or two skins.”
“I also hope the in-game currencies are adjusted too, because I don't really see the point in grinding with how little you make back from doing things in the game.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players express a strong emotional response to the game, highlighting feelings of discomfort and guilt associated with online interactions. The option to earn currency through private lobbies offers a way to avoid these negative feelings, suggesting that the online mode may evoke particularly intense emotions.
“Furthermore, a game has never made me feel worse about using the internet.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game offers replayability through its Arcade mode, where players can earn medals for each character based on the difficulty level and completion time, encouraging multiple playthroughs in singleplayer.
“Arcade mode has medals for each character based on difficulty and time taken, so there's some replayability for singleplayer.”
- atmosphere2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is described as silly yet captivating, significantly enriched by character campaigns, the tetherball mode, and the workshop feature, which collectively contribute to an engaging and enjoyable experience.
“One of my favorite things from the first Rivals game was the silly but sometimes enthralling atmosphere, something enhanced by the inclusion of a little campaign for each character, tetherball mode, and most importantly - the workshop.”
