Arc System Works America, Inc., in celebration of Arc System Works’ 35th Anniversary, has revealed the upcoming digital release of the classic 2D action game, River City: Rival Showdown, in North America. The game is scheduled to launch on October 12th, 2023, and will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. Excitingly, Steam pre-orders are already open for eager gamers.
Reviving a Fan-Favorite with Modernization
Originally released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016, River City: Rival Showdown received widespread acclaim from players and critics alike. Now, Arc System Works is bringing back this beloved title for current consoles, offering players an enhanced and modernized 2D action gaming experience. The updated 2023 edition includes all the updates from the 3DS version, such as expanded settings, additional storylines, improved graphics, and enhanced operability. Additionally, a brand-new prequel story mode has been added to further enrich the gameplay.
Key Features and Exciting Additions
River City: Rival Showdown boasts a captivating story filled with conspiracy and mystery. Players will dive into the “Hot Blooded Story” as they follow the events surrounding an evening attack on Kunio, the main protagonist. To their surprise, they discover that Mami, the girlfriend of Kunio’s rival, Riki, has also been kidnapped. Kunio and Riki join forces with their friends from Nekketsu High School to solve this enigma and rescue Mami. Their investigation leads them to confront the source of evil, Reiho Academy, under the leadership of a formidable adversary named “Yamada.” Thus, an intense battle ensues.
The game introduces a free scenario system, offering multiple endings. Players must navigate through various events to unravel the conspiracy orchestrated by “Yamada” and uncover the truth. However, unlike a linear storyline, the game utilizes a non-linear concept of time passing over a four-day period. Events experienced during the first three in-game days will shape the events occurring on the final fourth day, thus influencing the game’s multiple endings.
To aid players in their journey, River City: Rival Showdown incorporates an item collection system and special abilities. Throughout the game, players can visit “convenience stores” to purchase recovery items, “public baths” to restore HP (stamina) and SP (willpower), and “thrift stores” to acquire equipment with unique abilities. Moreover, special moves have been revamped to deliver more visually spectacular action. Experience gained through battles can also be utilized to enhance the characters’ stats.
Additionally, the updated edition of River City: Rival Showdown introduces a new prequel story mode titled “Cold-Blooded Hardcore Yamada-kun.” This mode becomes available once players have completed the main story mode, “Hot Blooded Story.” In “Cold-Blooded Hardcore Yamada-kun,” players assume control of the antagonist, “Yamada,” and delve into the events that led to the incident. This mode offers a deeper understanding of “Yamada’s” ambitions and the dark machinations at play.
Bonus Game Mode: Double Dragon Duel
As an extra treat for fighting game enthusiasts, River City: Rival Showdown includes a special add-on game mode called Double Dragon Duel. This mode allows players to enjoy fighting game-style action using a wide array of characters, including hidden characters that can be unlocked by fulfilling specific conditions. Furthermore, network play is supported, enabling players to compete with friends from far and wide.
With the announcement of the North American release of River City: Rival Showdown, Arc System Works America invites players to embark on an unforgettable 2D action gaming experience. The game’s compelling storyline, diverse gameplay features, and inclusion of the Double Dragon Duel mode promise to deliver hours of excitement and entertainment. Pre-orders for the Steam version are now available, allowing eager gamers to secure their copy in advance. Get ready to dive into the world of River City and uncover its secrets this October!
Riki’s Story Mode
“Riki’s Story” in River City Saga: Three Kingdoms offers an intriguing twist for solo gamers. This one-of-a-kind scenario allows players to delve into a three-day River City adventure from Riki’s perspective. As players take on his persona, they will explore the town and employ every strategy possible to locate his missing girlfriend, Mami. Unlocking “Riki’s Story” requires the completion of the special mode “Yamada’s Side” or having existing save data for the game. This new feature adds depth to the single-player experience, providing an engaging narrative that fans of the series are sure to enjoy.
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows
