I'm going to do something I usually don't do. I'm going to suggest that if you are on the fence about buying this game to download the demo, and play it first before reading my review. Afterwards return here to find out what I think about the game, and what features the game has to offer ...
Arc System Work's "Kill la Kill - IF" does what most 3D anime fighters have yet to accomplish. Not only does it feature a compelling, and badass story campaign for fans of the anime, but it also features complex mechanics which while seemingly complicated at first make it akin to a 2D fighter, and smoothly so. Something I could see picking up steam on the fighting game tournament scene. There's definitely strategy to be learned, and mastered in the form of basic application, and character specific application. The good thing is that by being forced to play through the first half of the story to unlock the rest of the modes of play gamers will be able to grow gradually accustom to what is required for said mastery.
Kill la Kill - IF, as it is, is a very dynamically cinematic fighting game experience with versus combat as the main focus. You'll find four base modes including a story campaign with two side plots surrounding the main series' protagonists and antagonists Satsuki, and Ryuko. Through ten chapters each, and various battle scenarios including single 1v1 and mob style encounters you'll be clued into what is going on story-wise. As it stands I have to tiptoe around the tulips about said things as I'm ordered not to spoil the story as it features exclusive content for the fans. I will say though that Satsuki, and her rival Ryuko both have their own focus when it comes to the fight at hand. Satsuki wants to usurp her mother while Ryuko wants to find out who killed her father. Along with the given plots you'll find that the series lore is wrapped up quite nicely starting at a key pivotal point, and ultimately reflecting on every underlying aspect of the series as it progresses forward. I have to say that in all honesty this is the most well expressed, and well delivered anime gaming experience to date as a result. It has excellent story pacing with combat thrown in at just the right moments adding to the badass feel of it all. You can feel the escalating tension between characters through the original Japanese voice-overs, and the accompanying anime clips used to drive the tale to it's conclusions. A spectacle, while somewhat short lived, leaves a lasting impact/impression on those who see it through to the end.
The Mechanics ...
Combat in "Kill la Kill - IF" is kind of hard to explain, technically, and can be confusing at first, but as you play through the initial Satsuki storyline, and face the combat there you will have no trouble understanding what needs to be done to win. In the way of controls the game is setup to utilize the thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and face buttons in conjunction with one another for multiple functions. The basics which include a CQC (close quarter combat) attack, and a ranged projectile are assigned to the "SQUARE", and "TRIANGLE" buttons respectively. The "X" button is used as a homing dash while "CIRCLE" is used for the guard break. For defenses, and maneuverability you'll be using the "R1" along with the four face buttons, and the left thumbstick. The "R1" button by itself will block until a player performs a Deathblow guard break, and with the four face buttons will allow for side-stepping, and homing. On the opposite side of the shoulder button equation you'll find that the "L1" in tandem with the four face buttons will cause the character to perform the Deathblows which are the games cinematic ultimate attacks. That, and special attacks that coincide with the CQC melee and ranged projectiles. The Deathblow attacks which also include a CQC and ranged Deathblow along with a Deathblow breaker use up part of your four sectioned EX meter that builds up as you perform basic attacks. Last, but not least is the "Bloody Valor" mechanic (L1+R1) which acts as the equivalent to INJUSTICE 2's three tier multiple choice breaker where close characters, under depleted life focused circumstances, can break to choose from a few options that can regain health, build up Bloody Valor levels for a one hit kill ultimate move, or build up the Deathblow meter if won according to your choice in a paper-rock-scissors face-off. Each of the three choices being either a winner, loser, or draw in comparison to the opponent's choice.
As far as movement goes you can move freely with the left thumbstick directions, or stay focused on an enemy by going near them, and forcing the camera to follow along as you dish out continuous attacks, and defensive maneuvers. The camera can be problematic at times within the story mode scenarios in that it is fairly static, and focused on single encounters, but in 1v1 versus this problem is eliminated. The best advice I can offer in your story mode playthrough is to seek out the most problematic enemies first. Deal with them until they are done, and move on to the next. Of course it goes without saying that to win a match the player's health bar must be fully depleted. In regards to finishers there are basic, and Deathblow finishers that are recognized, but hardly hold sway in the end tallied results which account for health, time, and player aggression. A letter grade style tally that weighs your performances respectively with "S" rank being the highest achievable ranking.
Once you are done with the story, and are looking to enjoy the competitive aspect of "Kill la Kill - IF" you'll find a couple of modes to help you fine tune your approach. The game includes both a practice mode, and training mode. One for practicing character specific strategies as per any modern fighting game with setting parameters included, and the other to practice and engage in story oriented extra battles that are unlocked through story chapter completion. Basically a way to get more familiar with the base mechanics.
Along with that selection of side mode options comes a "Gallery" in which you'll find a familiar assortment of Arc System Works fighting game series staples. Things like a glossary with terms, character, places, events, and lore inclusive details included in textual explanation. Also returning from Guilty Gear is the digital figure mode complete with backgrounds that can be unlocked or purchased as well as character figures whose expressions, and poses can be changed for a sort of diorama photo opportunity as they are unlocked and purchased. Aside from that you'll find a playable list of unlocked anime sequences from the story, soundtrack BGMs, and a voice over library. There's definitely a lot to unlock, and by playing through the various modes you'll earn in-game currency that can be spent on that which does not unlock freely.
The Versus ...
Versus mode, as you might expect pits you against online, local, or CPU opponents through a variety of matchmaking options. Included in this particular matchmaking setup are three types of competitive play including 'Free Play', 'Player Match', and 'Ranked Match'. In 'Free Play' you can play against the CPU or local player with player handicap settings. It is, in my opinion, the best competitive mode in the game as Player, and Ranked both have major PvP issues involving netcode stability, player network manipulation (lagswitching ...), and error code crashes due to lag. When it comes to 'Player Match' this particular matchmaking option is your create/find a room option with online players in mind. You can create a room or join one, and judge their worth by player ping signal indicators. Ranked Match, on the other hand, is somewhat different with stat features on the matchmaking screen detailing consecutive wins, monthly wins, monthly best, rank title, and thread count. The thread count is basically the rank up/down measurement. As your thread count increases through wins your titled rank will go up in title. The opposite goes for when you lose. Also to note is the round requirement in these PvP matches. To win a match you must win two rounds.
As far as characters go you'll find a decent roster of characters to choose from including Satsuki, Ryuko, the ELITE Four, and other story revealed mains with DLC characters scheduled for release down the road. Each character also comes complete with color palette swaps as well as alternate versions. The combat between players, and CPU opponents therein is more drawn in, and less grand in scale than the story mode counterparts. Utilizing smaller arena style stages to keep the fighting intense, and the distance between characters close enough not to cause problematic chasing, and avoiding situations. As with the story the base mechanics apply along with character specific Deathblows, and specials adding a proper matchmaking scenario for those looking to use counter characters. That being said the only real advantage in "Kill la Kill - IF" is the mastery of the base mechanics. If you learn them well enough character pairing will be of little consequence.
The Verdict ...
This game, "Kill la Kill - IF", is amazing ... offline, and locally. No BS. I was skeptical going into the game's story being thrust in mid-lore, but as I kept on playing it all made perfect sense. In fact it made me more interested in the lore, and the anime itself by the end of my playthrough. Having played somewhat similar games of the Bandai Namco brand I can say with the utmost confidence that Arc System Works has nailed the formula of the 3D fighter that Bandai Namco could not. Playing through the story as Satsuki, and Ryuko felt so utterly badass. Not in an over-powered way either. The challenge was always scaled in such a way as to be challenging, but with the cinematic move sets it all played out so beautifully. There wasn't a dull moment. Not even in the mob fights. As far as PvP fights go that's even more intense, and rewarding in the offline matches. When you topple an opponent in this game you actually feel like you've won a decisive battle. It takes some serious skill to master the mechanics, but once it clicks the fun really begins. That being said online is plagued by what seems to be player induced issues. Major issues. I encountered game breaking lag, possible lagswitching, and a resulting error crash. If you are hoping for a good online experience this game might not be worth it to you unless the developer fixes it. In the end it's going to depend on what you are interested in. If you like the anime the story mode is good, and if you like quality local play it's very good. However, if you are hoping for a solid online experience it is not good as of this review.
NOTE: I have contacted the PR about the network issues, and they are going to pass the word along to the developer. Yesterday patch 1.01 was released, and may have fixed some of the online problems.
Arc System Work's "Kill la Kill - IF" does what most 3D anime fighters have yet to accomplish. Not only does it feature a compelling, and badass story campaign for fans of the anime, but it also features complex mechanics which while seemingly complicated at first make it akin to a 2D fighter, and smoothly so. Something I could see picking up steam on the fighting game tournament scene. There's definitely strategy to be learned, and mastered in the form of basic application, and character specific application. The good thing is that by being forced to play through the first half of the story to unlock the rest of the modes of play gamers will be able to grow gradually accustom to what is required for said mastery.
Kill la Kill - IF, as it is, is a very dynamically cinematic fighting game experience with versus combat as the main focus. You'll find four base modes including a story campaign with two side plots surrounding the main series' protagonists and antagonists Satsuki, and Ryuko. Through ten chapters each, and various battle scenarios including single 1v1 and mob style encounters you'll be clued into what is going on story-wise. As it stands I have to tiptoe around the tulips about said things as I'm ordered not to spoil the story as it features exclusive content for the fans. I will say though that Satsuki, and her rival Ryuko both have their own focus when it comes to the fight at hand. Satsuki wants to usurp her mother while Ryuko wants to find out who killed her father. Along with the given plots you'll find that the series lore is wrapped up quite nicely starting at a key pivotal point, and ultimately reflecting on every underlying aspect of the series as it progresses forward. I have to say that in all honesty this is the most well expressed, and well delivered anime gaming experience to date as a result. It has excellent story pacing with combat thrown in at just the right moments adding to the badass feel of it all. You can feel the escalating tension between characters through the original Japanese voice-overs, and the accompanying anime clips used to drive the tale to it's conclusions. A spectacle, while somewhat short lived, leaves a lasting impact/impression on those who see it through to the end.
The Mechanics ...
Combat in "Kill la Kill - IF" is kind of hard to explain, technically, and can be confusing at first, but as you play through the initial Satsuki storyline, and face the combat there you will have no trouble understanding what needs to be done to win. In the way of controls the game is setup to utilize the thumbsticks, shoulder buttons, and face buttons in conjunction with one another for multiple functions. The basics which include a CQC (close quarter combat) attack, and a ranged projectile are assigned to the "SQUARE", and "TRIANGLE" buttons respectively. The "X" button is used as a homing dash while "CIRCLE" is used for the guard break. For defenses, and maneuverability you'll be using the "R1" along with the four face buttons, and the left thumbstick. The "R1" button by itself will block until a player performs a Deathblow guard break, and with the four face buttons will allow for side-stepping, and homing. On the opposite side of the shoulder button equation you'll find that the "L1" in tandem with the four face buttons will cause the character to perform the Deathblows which are the games cinematic ultimate attacks. That, and special attacks that coincide with the CQC melee and ranged projectiles. The Deathblow attacks which also include a CQC and ranged Deathblow along with a Deathblow breaker use up part of your four sectioned EX meter that builds up as you perform basic attacks. Last, but not least is the "Bloody Valor" mechanic (L1+R1) which acts as the equivalent to INJUSTICE 2's three tier multiple choice breaker where close characters, under depleted life focused circumstances, can break to choose from a few options that can regain health, build up Bloody Valor levels for a one hit kill ultimate move, or build up the Deathblow meter if won according to your choice in a paper-rock-scissors face-off. Each of the three choices being either a winner, loser, or draw in comparison to the opponent's choice.
As far as movement goes you can move freely with the left thumbstick directions, or stay focused on an enemy by going near them, and forcing the camera to follow along as you dish out continuous attacks, and defensive maneuvers. The camera can be problematic at times within the story mode scenarios in that it is fairly static, and focused on single encounters, but in 1v1 versus this problem is eliminated. The best advice I can offer in your story mode playthrough is to seek out the most problematic enemies first. Deal with them until they are done, and move on to the next. Of course it goes without saying that to win a match the player's health bar must be fully depleted. In regards to finishers there are basic, and Deathblow finishers that are recognized, but hardly hold sway in the end tallied results which account for health, time, and player aggression. A letter grade style tally that weighs your performances respectively with "S" rank being the highest achievable ranking.
Once you are done with the story, and are looking to enjoy the competitive aspect of "Kill la Kill - IF" you'll find a couple of modes to help you fine tune your approach. The game includes both a practice mode, and training mode. One for practicing character specific strategies as per any modern fighting game with setting parameters included, and the other to practice and engage in story oriented extra battles that are unlocked through story chapter completion. Basically a way to get more familiar with the base mechanics.
Along with that selection of side mode options comes a "Gallery" in which you'll find a familiar assortment of Arc System Works fighting game series staples. Things like a glossary with terms, character, places, events, and lore inclusive details included in textual explanation. Also returning from Guilty Gear is the digital figure mode complete with backgrounds that can be unlocked or purchased as well as character figures whose expressions, and poses can be changed for a sort of diorama photo opportunity as they are unlocked and purchased. Aside from that you'll find a playable list of unlocked anime sequences from the story, soundtrack BGMs, and a voice over library. There's definitely a lot to unlock, and by playing through the various modes you'll earn in-game currency that can be spent on that which does not unlock freely.
The Versus ...
Versus mode, as you might expect pits you against online, local, or CPU opponents through a variety of matchmaking options. Included in this particular matchmaking setup are three types of competitive play including 'Free Play', 'Player Match', and 'Ranked Match'. In 'Free Play' you can play against the CPU or local player with player handicap settings. It is, in my opinion, the best competitive mode in the game as Player, and Ranked both have major PvP issues involving netcode stability, player network manipulation (lagswitching ...), and error code crashes due to lag. When it comes to 'Player Match' this particular matchmaking option is your create/find a room option with online players in mind. You can create a room or join one, and judge their worth by player ping signal indicators. Ranked Match, on the other hand, is somewhat different with stat features on the matchmaking screen detailing consecutive wins, monthly wins, monthly best, rank title, and thread count. The thread count is basically the rank up/down measurement. As your thread count increases through wins your titled rank will go up in title. The opposite goes for when you lose. Also to note is the round requirement in these PvP matches. To win a match you must win two rounds.
As far as characters go you'll find a decent roster of characters to choose from including Satsuki, Ryuko, the ELITE Four, and other story revealed mains with DLC characters scheduled for release down the road. Each character also comes complete with color palette swaps as well as alternate versions. The combat between players, and CPU opponents therein is more drawn in, and less grand in scale than the story mode counterparts. Utilizing smaller arena style stages to keep the fighting intense, and the distance between characters close enough not to cause problematic chasing, and avoiding situations. As with the story the base mechanics apply along with character specific Deathblows, and specials adding a proper matchmaking scenario for those looking to use counter characters. That being said the only real advantage in "Kill la Kill - IF" is the mastery of the base mechanics. If you learn them well enough character pairing will be of little consequence.
The Verdict ...
This game, "Kill la Kill - IF", is amazing ... offline, and locally. No BS. I was skeptical going into the game's story being thrust in mid-lore, but as I kept on playing it all made perfect sense. In fact it made me more interested in the lore, and the anime itself by the end of my playthrough. Having played somewhat similar games of the Bandai Namco brand I can say with the utmost confidence that Arc System Works has nailed the formula of the 3D fighter that Bandai Namco could not. Playing through the story as Satsuki, and Ryuko felt so utterly badass. Not in an over-powered way either. The challenge was always scaled in such a way as to be challenging, but with the cinematic move sets it all played out so beautifully. There wasn't a dull moment. Not even in the mob fights. As far as PvP fights go that's even more intense, and rewarding in the offline matches. When you topple an opponent in this game you actually feel like you've won a decisive battle. It takes some serious skill to master the mechanics, but once it clicks the fun really begins. That being said online is plagued by what seems to be player induced issues. Major issues. I encountered game breaking lag, possible lagswitching, and a resulting error crash. If you are hoping for a good online experience this game might not be worth it to you unless the developer fixes it. In the end it's going to depend on what you are interested in. If you like the anime the story mode is good, and if you like quality local play it's very good. However, if you are hoping for a solid online experience it is not good as of this review.
NOTE: I have contacted the PR about the network issues, and they are going to pass the word along to the developer. Yesterday patch 1.01 was released, and may have fixed some of the online problems.
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