Rivals of Aether II

yes play this game, but kill every clairen main im so serious that character literally needs to be nerfed so bad man

Rivals of Aether II is easily the best Platform Fighter/Smash Clone in existence.* Every character feels distinct from one another and each one has a set of gimmicks more akin to a MOBA character than a traditional fighter, making playing each one feel like there's an ocean of depth to learn. Additionally the game has a huge amount of control modifiers that make certain high level aspects of the mechanics more accessible (for example, there's a setting that allows for extremely easy inputs for wavedashing, allowing anyone who is able to press two buttons at once use the mechanic). In terms of character kits and balance, there is simply no competition in the Platform Fighter space. However, I did put an asterisk on my "Best Platform Fighter" claim. That's because it's the best platform fighter IF you really enjoy the competitive or psuedo-competitive aspect of the genre (due to the above mentioned characters). If you enjoy a more casual or single player focused experience like you can find in actual Smash Bros. then this game is sorely lacking. The Dev Team have promised to add more in this aspect, and they have already done a great deal in adding a pretty nice starter suite of items that are a lot of fun to use and an entire set of modified stages that are more like the clown shoes stuff you see in Smash, so the Aether Studios ain't lying on their intentions. The roleout has been very slow due to their initial focus on the game's competitive side, but the next year promises to shift those priorities until some kind of compelling single player mode is added. Another thing that's important to know about this game is that, despite it not being an Early Access game, it is very much a work-in-progress. The game also has the sheen of live-service on it with it's many battle passes, paid skins, and other cosmetics. I will say that (pricing aside) it does those things in the most consumer friendly way imaginable with Battle Passes being permanent AND completely free (no FOMO), and almost all items being technically farmable with in-game currencies. This has garnered a good amount of good will within the community (myself included) so I see it as a way to help keep the game for as long as possible, even if I'm normally a little hesitant to spend frequently on an already paid game. I should also note that characters are also free, so every 3-4 months there's a new little fella to try to learn (or, in the coming years, echo fighters). More on those characters: many of them may seem familiar to Smash players. In fact, there are 2 of them that are almost beat-for-beat Smash Bros. characters with an added gimmick and several more that are either combinations of 2 or 3 Smash characters with an extra little spin on them. It's up to you how much you're willing to forgive that, but I don't think anyone would argue that Wolf or Fox are more fun to play than Zetterburn. The game also has also done the seemingly impossible and made heavies both fun to use and competitively viable (most of the time). No more giving yourself a handicap in order to play the big scary reptilian monster. Overall, if you enjoy a good fightin' game of the platform variety, and don't mind putting in the effort to learn what are some pretty complex and daunting mechanics, then there isn't a better game for you. If you're not and also don't have any friends who will play with items on, then this might be a contentious buy AT THE MOMENT. Online play is improving steadily but there are still some rust and jank in the matchmaking (even if finding games has recently become pretty doable). TLDR: Best Competitive Platform Fighter by a country mile. Interesting and familiar roster that's always growing. Comparatively consumer friendly live-service elements. Funny little Goo fella. Very very very little for single player experience at the time of writing.