Skullgirls: 2nd Encore

Editor's Notes

Digital Vita version reviewed. 'Skullgirls 2nd Encore' is cross buy for the PS4 and Vita.

Introduction

The popular fighting IP 'Skullgirls' is the passion project of Lab Zero Games, formerly known as Reverge Labs. The '2nd Encore' release is a remastered remaster of the original game, which has survived several changes in publisher and legal status (not to mention crowdfunded DLC and developer shuffle). It is Vita and PS4 crossbuy, the PS4 version having been available since July of last year.

The Game Itself: Our Reviewer's Take

'Skullgirls' has seen many changes since its first release back in 2012, but it remains a fast-tempo, frenetic brawler at heart. As with most fighting games, each match has two combatants (or teams of combatants) staring each other down on a 2D plane, followed by lots of jumping, kicking, and sometimes jump-kicking. Serious brawler fans will be happy to know that 'Skullgirls' has a deep combo system. Elaborate strings of button presses can be mixed together for amazing damage and dramatic effects. That’s all quite difficult for me, a decidedly amateur brawler, but furious button mashing is a time-honored tradition that is somewhat effective in 'Skullgirls'.

Also perfect for a complete noob like myself is the super comprehensive tutorial. It’s more than just a practice room or five-minute rundown (although it has both of those things, for players who just need a touch up). There is a long and mostly accessible training regimen detailing the complicated combo system, not to mention the remaster stuff that includes trials and challenges. The training portion of 'Skullgirls: 2nd Encore' almost constitutes its own game, and I could sink hours into it just becoming a better player before delving into the campaign or, heaven forbid, the brutal multiplayer. Unfortunately, the relatively awkward configuration of the Vita’s triggers, along with slippery stick controls, make accuracy an issue in such a fast-paced game. (Vita controls are not ideal for fighting games, but feel free to show me a better portable way to play modern fighting games. Plus the D-pad is excellent. - The Editor)

The vaunted 'Marvel vs. Capcom' series was a source of inspiration, and several of its mechanics are on display here. Most notable is the tag team configuration. Teams of up to three fighters can be fielded at once, with varying power levels depending on how many are included. During the fight, certain button presses will call in an AI buddy for a quick attack, distracting the enemy and dealing damage. They can also be swapped in and out whole hog for as long as the player wishes, and outtakes are also possible (offensively forcing a character out for someone else on their roster). Team fights offer a more dynamic and over-the-top experience, as the right combo will bombard the screen with explosions, cartoonish weapons, and multiple characters. Several of the characters make use of living weapons or full-body parasites, allowing for weird out-of-body attacks. Dramatic tension, a resource built up throughout the fight, can be used for turbo attacks called Blockbusters and other powerful moves.

The campaign of 'Skullgirls', which changes depending on the character selected, is not unlike the conversation-based exchanges seen in many games of the Japanese persuasion (not surprising, considering its heavy anime roots). Character portraits adorn the borders and the heroes hurl insults and one-liners at each other. The story is about the Skull Heart or some such artifact that can grant a woman any wish, or turn her into a diabolical, twisted creature, which is what usually happens. Most of the characters are women, and are after the relic for their own purposes - some nefarious, some well-intentioned. The DLC added a few men, who also seek the Heart, but only for its destruction. The campy storylines fit in perfectly with the game’s overall subversive theme, but the cutscenes have a tendency to drag on with unrelated banter, when all I wanted to do was beat people up.

Most of the characters have distinct, interesting fighting styles - very important for a brawler with such a small roster. There are no palette swap ninjas here (with the possible exception of Robo-Fortune, although she does have her own skillset), and few stinkers amongst them. My favorites include DLC characters Big Band and Eliza. Big Band is a former cop turned bulky trenchcoated orchestra, with pneumatic instruments galore. Eliza is an Egyptian vampire/lounge singer with an accompanying parasite capable of unpredictable mid- to long-range attacks and debilitating throws. The boss characters are unique too, and very challenging.