There’s no shortage of fighting games on the market to keep people competitive out there. We’re still swimming through everything that Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 are handing us. More, please.
That said, the Nintendo Switch can sometimes get the short end of the stick, namely with its weird port of Mortal Kombat 1. But if you dig deeply enough, you can find something that suits your satisfaction. Like the just released Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes.
The sequel to Exe:Late[cl-r] (you should hear us trying to pronounce these game titles), Sys:Celes brings back the 2D fighting action that fans love, along with a unique battling system that can serve as an advantage, depending where you use it. That, coupled with a fantastic cast of characters, great controls and tons of content, makes this sequel one of the best you’ll find on the Switch. Or PlayStation consoles and PC, if you prefer.
Into the GRD
The first thing you’ll notice about Sys:Celes is its unique fighting system. If you wish to duke it out normally, you can; but the GRD system actually serves well offensively and defensively.
Using a system of six blocks, it enables you to charge up your EXS and fill your special movies bar, unleashing a devastating attack on your opponent. For good measure, you can also use it defensively, creating a Creeping Edge effect that can dodge an incoming strike pretty handily – provided you have enough GRD energy.
It’s a bit weird to describe here, but it works. And Sys:Celes helps you on this with its plethora of tutorial and training modes. It’s here that you can master everything the game is about, and then some, using its wide variety of characters.
The gameplay is compelling for those that want to master it, but also a lot of fun for newbies as well, thanks to a swell combo system, easy-to-execute special attacks; and super moves that bedazzle with each one that’s executed.
There’s no crossplay yet, but the other modes work significantly well, and we had no problem finding matches to stay frosty in. Just be prepared – some of these guys are pros. That’s rollback netcode for you, in full effect here.
There’s no “Chronicles” story mode this time around, but the Arcade mode still has plenty to say about each character; and the tale told here is weird and hilarious anyway, so just indulge with what’s given to you.
In all, Sys:Celes gives you a lot to do, no matter your interest or skill set. And for a fighting game, that’s one heck of a thing to have.
One Good Looking Brawler
Though it lacks the complexities of, say, Tekken 8, Sys:Celes still looks remarkable with its 2D design. The animations are handled very well here, the backdrops are imaginative and cool to look at; and the menus are easy to roll through. There can be a bit of loading time here and there, but when you get to the fights themselves, they’re fun to watch and partake in.
For good measure, the sound is also top-notch. Though the voices are only in Japanese, they’re very smooth on delivery; and the in-game music is good fun as well, suiting the wild, inventive nature of what the game’s world is all about. Throw in some meaty smacking effects and you’ve got a game that sets the stage for other fighting games to come.
Fighting Is Reborn
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes has some sore spots, like the lack of crossplay and the missing Chronicles mode. But it more than makes up for it with an outstanding fighting engine, some amazing game characters, terrific online netcode and tons of extras to dig into. Plus, if you really want to take the time and get good at the game, Sys:Celes rewards you handsomely for it, as you learn more about GRD, EXS and Creeping Edge. Relax, it’s not as strenuous as you might think.
It’s just nice to have a fighting game from a small team that can hang just as well as the big boys. More Under Night In-Birth would be a good thing.
GAMERHUB RATING: 4.5 (out of 5) JOYSTICKS
Thanks to Arc System Works for the review code!
