
Few fighting games can boast the charming chaos and over-the-top action of Rival Schools. Developed by Capcom in 1997, this title burst onto the arcade scene with a unique blend of anime aesthetics, high school hijinks, and surprisingly deep gameplay. While it may not have reached the same level of mainstream recognition as Street Fighter or Marvel vs. Capcom, Rival Schools holds a special place in the hearts of many fighting game enthusiasts.
So, what makes this game so darn good? Let’s dive into its quirky world and see why Rival Schools deserves a spot on your gaming shelf (or digital library).
Storytelling with a Side of Schoolyard Brawls
Rival Schools takes place in the fictional city of Aoharu City, home to a handful of prestigious high schools. Each school boasts its own unique personality and competitive spirit, leading to fierce rivalries, particularly in the world of interscholastic martial arts tournaments.
The story unfolds through separate campaigns focusing on different schools and their respective protagonists. We meet characters like Batsu Ichimonji, the hot-headed leader of Gedo High School, striving to uncover a conspiracy involving his kidnapped classmate Kyosuke Kagami. Alongside him are a colorful cast of fighters: Hinata Wakaba, a fierce girl wielding kendo skills, Shoma Nome, a tech-savvy student with a passion for gadgets and robots, and many more. Each character’s journey intersects with the overarching narrative, uncovering secrets, forming unlikely alliances, and ultimately facing off against formidable opponents.
Beyond Punches: A Unique Combat System
Rival Schools’ fighting system deviates from the traditional one-on-one format found in many classic fighters. Instead, it embraces a “team” concept, allowing players to choose two or three characters to fight simultaneously. This adds a strategic layer, requiring players to consider each character’s strengths and weaknesses and utilize tagging mechanics to seamlessly transition between fighters during battle.
Here’s a closer look at some key features:
- Tag Team Mechanics: Players can switch between their chosen characters mid-fight, extending combos, recovering health, and exploiting opponent vulnerabilities.
Mechanic | Description |
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“Call Assist”: Summon a teammate to briefly assist with a powerful attack. | |
“Team Hyper Combo”: Unleash a devastating combined attack using all three selected fighters. |
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Diverse Roster: Rival Schools features an eclectic roster of characters, each with distinct fighting styles and special moves. From the grappling prowess of Akira Kazama to the ranged attacks of Johnny Blade, there’s a fighter to suit every playstyle.
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Environmental Interactions: Battles often take place in vibrant school environments, incorporating interactive elements like destructible objects and stage hazards.
A Legacy Worth Revisiting
While Rival Schools enjoyed moderate success during its initial arcade run, it eventually found a wider audience thanks to ports on consoles like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. Despite being over two decades old, the game still holds up remarkably well. Its charming 2D graphics, energetic soundtrack, and surprisingly deep combat system offer a refreshing experience compared to modern fighting games.
If you’re looking for a unique and enjoyable fighter with a nostalgic flavor, Rival Schools is definitely worth checking out. Just be prepared for some over-the-top anime shenanigans!