Yomi 2, the sequel to the first “fighting card game,” has been released in Early Access for PC, Mac, and Steam Deck. Designed by David Sirlin, the lead designer of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix and Fantasy Strike, this genre-blending arena game offers players a fresh turn-based tension as they react to their opponents’ moves. With a diverse roster of expressive characters and strategic card-based gameplay, Yomi 2 promises an engaging and thrilling experience for fighting game enthusiasts.
Choose Your Fighter
In Yomi 2, players can select their fighter from a roster of nine characters, with additional fighters planned for future updates. Each character possesses unique movesets that can be explored from above a digital card playmat. Before the round even begins, players draw a hand of moves and start strategizing. This allows them to interrupt slow overhead attacks with quick jabs, set up offensive maneuvers after scoring a knockdown, and counterattack with a combination of card plays after dodging grabs, leading to cinematic, high-damage finishers.
Character-Driven Mechanics
Yomi 2 incorporates character-driven mechanics inspired by traditional fighting games. Players can read their opponents and adapt their strategies accordingly, utilizing fighting game systems such as combos, frame data, attack priority, special cancels, and more. By playing around their opponents’ habits, players can gain an edge in battles. Additionally, players have the option to choose their favorite character based on unique attributes, such as wielding a paintbrush as a weapon. Understanding matchups and leveraging character strengths are key to achieving victory.
Augmenting Moves and Shifting Reality
To enhance the gameplay experience, Yomi 2 introduces the concept of gems. Players can augment their characters’ special moves with one of six gems, allowing them to unleash momentum-swinging assaults and overcome their opponents’ defenses in various ways. This strategic element adds depth and excitement to the gameplay, requiring players to make careful decisions regarding gem usage.
Solo and Competitive Play
Yomi 2 offers multiple game modes to cater to different play preferences. In the single-player Career mode, players can hone their skills offline and face off against a wide range of colorful personalities. By participating in hundreds of battles, players can improve their gameplay and master their chosen character. Additionally, the game features a training mode where players can practice combos and test new tactics against CPU opponents.
For those seeking competitive multiplayer action, Yomi 2 provides a new environment designed to highlight the tension of turn-based combat. Players can engage in synchronous multiplayer modes, including both ranked and casual play, by queueing up to fight others through matchmaking. Local multiplayer is also available through pass-and-play, allowing friends to compete against each other. Asynchronous multiplayer, which enables players to engage in multiple matches simultaneously while waiting for their next turn, will be added later in the Early Access phase.
Shaping the Future of Yomi 2
Beyond its digital iteration, the Early Access period of Yomi 2 aims to develop and balance a future physical tabletop card game based on the same rules and mechanics. The developers at Sirlin Games value player feedback and believe it is crucial in shaping the future of the game. By releasing Yomi 2 in Early Access, the passionate playerbase can actively participate in discussions and provide input to ensure a balanced and enjoyable gaming experience. This collaborative approach will ultimately lead to the creation of a finalized physical card game that aligns with the community’s desires.
Availability and Pricing
Yomi 2 is now available in Early Access for PC, Mac, and Steam Deck through the Steam and Epic Games Store platforms. It can be purchased for $24.99, allowing players to embark on their fighting card game journey and experience the thrill of Yomi 2’s unique gameplay mechanics.
Platform: Microsoft Windows, Steam Deck
