The Rumble Fish 2

About

"The Rumble Fish 2" is a fighting game that features fast-paced, strategic combat. Players can choose from a variety of unique characters, each with their own special moves and abilities. The game also includes a rich story mode, where players can uncover the mysteries behind the Rumble Fish tournament. With its deep combat system and engaging narrative, "The Rumble Fish 2" is a must-play for fans of the fighting game genre.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Local Multi-Player Play with friends in the same physical space using split-screen or multiple screens
2-Players Play with one other player, either online or locally, in a cooperative or competitive game mode
Multi-Player Compete or cooperate with other players online
Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo
PvP Player versus Player - Fight against other players in real-time, often in arena-style combat
Split Screen Play with multiple players on the same screen, often with divided or shared screen real estate

54%

Audience ScoreBased on 35 reviews

graphics3 negative mentions

The Rumble Fish 2 features unique mechanics and a solid fighting system that many players find enjoyable and rewarding.
Recent updates have addressed many initial issues, improving online play with rollback netcode and adding local PvP options.
The game has a nostalgic charm, reminiscent of classic 2000s fighting games, and offers a variety of offline modes for solo and local play.

The port suffers from significant issues, including a lack of online lobbies, no rematch option, and missing essential training mode features.
Several characters that were originally unlockable in the arcade version are now locked behind a paywall as DLC, which many players find frustrating.
The game is considered overpriced for its current state, with many reviewers suggesting waiting for a sale before purchasing.

gameplay
10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
30%
40%
30%
The gameplay is characterized as a nostalgic throwback to 2000s fighting games, featuring a unique cast and innovative mechanics that encourage practice and experimentation. While it retains a certain jankiness, the fast and fluid combat, along with significant changes from its arcade version, offers both challenges and rewards for players. Overall, it is regarded as a solid and enjoyable fighting game that is worth trying for fans of the genre.
- “The game has enjoyable mechanics to mess around with, rewarding practice and experimentation.”
- “The fighting is fast and fluid, and the system mechanics are an absolute joy to mess around and play with.”
- “The gameplay is 2000s fighting game, a specific kind of jank I both love and understand has its limitations.”
- “In addition, the game has a huge change from its arcade versions, in that it's in 16:9 perspective instead of 4:3, which significantly changes the gameplay for many characters and messes up many combos and strategies.”
- “The mechanics are unique and difficult to master.”
graphics
4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
75%
While the game features a solid art style and overall quality, players express a desire for more comprehensive graphics options, such as adjustable quality settings and better window management, which feel limited in 2023.
- “After all, it is a very solid fighting game with unique mechanics, art style, and sound design.”
- “More graphics options would be nice, as right now there is full screen or alt+enter window.”
- “More graphics options would be nice, as right now there is only full screen or alt+enter window.”
- “That being said, you can click and drag the window size, but that's a bit odd to do for graphics options in 2023.”
- “Overall quality settings in the graphics would be welcomed.”
story
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game lacks a dedicated story mode, which has disappointed some players, particularly due to the absence of a translation for the story in "Rumble Fish 2" and the locking of certain characters behind DLC. While this may deter casual fans, the overall gameplay experience is still highly praised.
- “No story mode.”
- “It's unfortunate to see that the story mode wasn't given a translation and added to Rumble Fish 2, and also seeing three of the characters locked behind DLC.”
- “The lack of an expansive story mode or anything of the like might still be a sticking point for a casual fan, but it's a truly excellent fighting game finally done the justice it deserves.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization of this Steam port has been criticized for its poor pricing strategy and DLC implementation, which many users feel contribute to a cash grab experience. Additionally, the lack of proper optimization for PC play and gameplay issues further detract from its value, leading to strong disappointment among players.
- “This port, when it released here on Steam, was unfortunately completely botched from the pricing, including the DLC monetization, bare-bones touch-ups for PC play, and things like the stages not having arcade-perfect spacing in 16:9, so certain combos wouldn't work as they should.”
- “I want to love this game, I really do, and after having to wait for so long for a home version only to be greeted with a 'not even bare-bones' and cash grab version of a game, there is no way in heck that I can recommend this port to anyone... let alone my friends.”
music
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
100%
The music in the game is praised for its upbeat and nostalgic quality, reminiscent of the mid-2000s, and continues to resonate well with players.
- “I love the music; it's upbeat and very reminiscent of the mid-2000s.”
- “The soundtrack still holds up.”
- “I love the music; it's upbeat and very... mid-2000s?”
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The stability of the game is criticized for having numerous bugs and missing features, such as a malfunctioning auto block and recording capabilities, leading to a frustrating experience that feels incomplete compared to alternatives like Fightcade.
- “There are other missing and buggy features, like the auto block not working properly, and you can't record as others have mentioned.”
- “Right now, you're essentially paying for a buggy training mode since anyone can hop onto Fightcade and play online there, as I mentioned.”
character development
1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
300%
300%
Character development is enhanced by the game's engaging lore and unique character designs, motivating players to explore the arcade with each character. This aspect appeals particularly to those who appreciate narrative depth and visual aesthetics.
- “I think this gives players a nice incentive to play through the arcade with each character, assuming that the player has an interest in the lore and character designs.”
- “The character development is incredibly rich, allowing players to connect deeply with each character's backstory and motivations.”
- “Each character feels unique and evolves throughout the game, making the journey of personal growth and discovery truly engaging.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with any of them.”
- “I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they didn't offer any surprises or growth.”
- “The characters seem one-dimensional, and their backstories are underdeveloped, leaving me wanting more.”