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Guilty Gear Strive: A Modern Masterpiece of 2D Fighting
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Guilty Gear Strive, the seventh installment in the iconic franchise from Arc System Works, has taken the fighting game community by storm. It’s a stunning visual and auditory experience that builds upon the series’ legacy of innovative and expressive gameplay, making it a strong contender for the best fighting game of 2021 and beyond. This game isn’t just a sequel; it’s a testament to Arc System Works’ dedication to the genre.
A Feast for the Eyes and Ears
From the moment the first trailer dropped, Guilty Gear Strive’s distinct visual style has captivated players. While many fighting games have transitioned to 3D models, Strive embraces its 2D roots, enhancing them with modern technology. Utilizing the Unreal Engine, the game boasts vibrant, anime-inspired visuals that are both fluid and detailed.
Guilty Gear Strive
Character models are beautifully rendered, with dynamic shaders that give them a polished, almost cel-shaded appearance. The attention to detail extends beyond the characters themselves, with meticulously crafted environments that react to the gameplay. From the swaying curtains in the background to the weight of each character’s movement, every element adds to the immersive experience. The visual representation of impact and weight adds a satisfying crunch to every hit, making combos a visual spectacle.
Even subtle details contribute to the characters’ personalities. May’s facial expressions shift from shock and panic when hit to playful glee upon landing a blow, perfectly capturing her energetic nature.
Guilty Gear Strive
The dynamic environments further showcase the developers’ commitment to visual excellence. Stages feature multiple sections with varying lighting and weather effects, adding another layer of depth to the visuals. Characters stepping into shadows appear appropriately dimmer, while the warm glow of a setting sun bathes the scene in a fiery hue.
The soundtrack complements the visuals perfectly, delivering a high-octane mix of heavy rock that elevates the intensity of every battle. Tracks like “Requiem for I-No” are particularly memorable, adding an extra layer of epicness to the already impressive presentation.
Classic Gameplay, Reimagined
Guilty Gear has always been known for its accessible yet deep combat system, emphasizing creativity and freedom of expression. Strive refines this formula, retaining the core mechanics while introducing new elements that add depth and nuance.
The Roman Cancel mechanic, a series staple, returns in Strive with expanded functionality. It allows players to cancel attacks mid-animation, opening up a plethora of combo opportunities and pressure options. In Strive, Roman Cancel also creates a slow-down effect on hit, giving players a brief window to reposition, strategize, and continue their offensive. This makes the game more accessible to newcomers while providing veterans with new tools for creative expression.
Guilty Gear Strive
Furthermore, Roman Cancel can be combined with other actions, such as special moves, to create even more devastating combos and mix-ups. For example, using Roman Cancel before a special move can increase its speed, while combining it with a dash can make the character briefly invulnerable, allowing for aggressive approaches. Defensively, Roman Cancel can be used to interrupt an opponent’s offense, creating opportunities for counterattacks.
Another significant addition is the wall-break mechanic, allowing players to smash opponents through walls and transition to a different part of the stage. This not only adds a visually impressive element to the combat but also creates strategic opportunities. The attacker gains meter upon breaking a wall, enabling powerful Overdrive attacks or further Roman Cancels, while the defender gets a chance to reset the neutral game. This dynamic creates a constant push and pull, making matches thrilling and unpredictable.
Guilty Gear Strive
A Few Minor Flaws
Despite its numerous strengths, Guilty Gear Strive isn’t without its flaws. Some characters are perceived as overly powerful compared to others, creating potential balance issues. The online lobby system, while functional, is unnecessarily complex and occasionally buggy. However, these issues are likely to be addressed in future updates.
Guilty Gear Strive
A Must-Play for Fighting Game Fans
Guilty Gear Strive’s stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and innovative mechanics make it a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts. While minor issues exist, they don’t detract from the overall experience. With its high replay value, extensive tutorial mode, and promised future content, Guilty Gear Strive is a shining example of how to create a modern fighting game masterpiece.
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