In the realm of high-octane fighting games, few franchises have managed to pack as much punch and panache as Guilty Gear. With a legacy spanning over two decades, this beloved series has consistently pushed the boundaries of the genre with its lightning-fast combat, mesmerizing visuals, and a cast of characters that are as eccentric as they are deadly. The latest installment, Guilty Gear -Strive-, has taken the gaming world by storm, and now, this explosive fighter has made its way to the Nintendo Switch. But can this portable powerhouse handle the intensity and complexity of the original, or will this port suffer from the Switch’s notorious performance limitations? In this review, we dive into the Nintendo Switch Edition of Guilty Gear -Strive- to find out if Arc System Works has managed to successfully translate this high-energy brawler to Nintendo’s flagship console.
A Bold New Step for Guilty Gear
The latest iteration in the beloved Guilty Gear series marks a significant shift in gameplay mechanics, steering away from the complexity and depth synonymous with the franchise. Gone are the days of intricate combos and bewildering special moves. This change may elicit a bittersweet response from long-time fans, who find themselves caught between embracing the innovation and nostalgic yearning for the intricacies of the past.
As the game trades in its labyrinthine gameplay for a more streamlined approach, it ushers in a host of new features, designed to attract a broader audience and ease newcomers into the world of Guilty Gear. The addition of a Roman Cancel system, allowing players to offset the momentum of an attack and swiftly turn the tables, brings a novel layer of strategy to the game. Furthermore, the Wall Break, a technique that can be executed to send opponents crashing into the wall of the stage, highlights the renewed focus on aggressive and dynamic gameplay.
Key updates to the gameplay mechanics include:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Roman Cancel System | Enables players to offset momentum and swiftly turn the tables |
| Wall Break | Technique that can be executed to send opponents crashing into the stage wall |
Gameplay and Mechanics in Strive
Mechanics Overhaul: A Fine Balance
The latest installment in the Guilty Gear series brings forth an interesting balance change, breaking the mold of traditional Guilty Gear titles. The wall break system allows for an aggressive, high-damage playstyle. Special mention goes to the return of both the Roman Cancel system and ‘Dust Attacks’. However, canceling into RC has undergone an overhaul. The current RC system allows players to cancel moves and attacks into unique states, notably giving them more tools to carry momentum or to regain an advantage during a high-pressure match. Dust Attacks provide a ‘crash’ effect when canceled into Overdrives. Not only does this increase the potential stun of Overdrives, but also facilitates their use as combo extenders or for conditioning an opponent. The Guilty Gear series is noted for possessing an incredibly open ended set of systems, making matches highly polarizing.
Netcode and Online Play
Guilty Gear Strive uses Arc System Works’ recent netcode implementation, providing fluid and seamless gameplay for the most part. Though online play is by no means perfect, for every 9 perfect matches you have 1 rough experience. Due to that we decided to create a table pointing the key elements of the Online play.
| Functionality | Status |
|---|---|
| Input Delay | ~2-3 frames |
| Packet Loss Forgiveness | Some packet loss is forgiving while connecting with a 2bar connection. |
| Disconnection and Rejoining | Can occur smoothly in under 30 seconds. |
Throughout, Guilty Gear Strive includes new systems and builds upon pre-existing ones. Strive manages to improve upon core mechanics, turning them into refreshing features in a series that always looked for a delicate balance.
Visuals and Audio on the Nintendo Switch
The Switch edition of Guilty Gear -Strive- boasts impressive visuals, with vibrant character designs and intricate backgrounds that bring the world of Guilty Gear to life. While some minor compromises have been made to ensure smooth performance, the overall visual fidelity is impressive, especially in docked mode where the game runs at a consistent 60 frames per second. Character models are detailed, and the animation is silky smooth, making for an enjoyable viewing experience.
In terms of audio, the game’s soundtrack and sound effects are equally impressive. The rock-infused soundtrack perfectly complements the on-screen action, while the voice acting is top-notch, bringing the characters to life with their unique personalities and banter. The sound effects also deserve a mention, with satisfying clunks, clangs, and explosions that immerse you in the action. the audio-visual package is solid, with some minor compromises that don’t detract from the overall experience.
| Graphics Comparison | Switch (Docked) | Switch (Handheld) |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 1080p | 720p |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS | 60 FPS |
| Graphics Quality | Very High | High |
- Switch-specific visual features: reduced texture resolution, minor character model downscaling
- Game supports DLSS (Deep Learning Super Sampling) technology for improved performance
Local and Online Multiplayer Experience
Seamless Fights Across Platforms
When going online, the experience remains smooth and enjoyable. The matchmaking system is quite efficient, with most fights beginning within a minute or two of queueing. Once in a match, the netcode performs admirably, with minimal lag or rollback. This is especially impressive on the Nintendo Switch, a platform not known for its multiplayer prowess.
Multiplayer Features
- Rank matches, casual fights, and training modes
- Player and spectator lobbies for spectating heated battles
- Replay and spectator support for closely examining match footage
- Support for Friend and Rival battles
The replay feature in particular is a welcome addition, allowing for detailed analysis of matches, invaluable for improving technique. Furthermore, leaderboard tracking can motivate players to strive for the top ranks. An online multiplayer experience, rich in features and seamless in execution, boosts the replay value of the game, providing countless hours of enjoyment for the fighting game enthusiasts and the community.
Netcode Performance and Competitive Play
Optimized Online Experience
Guilty Gear -Strive-‘s Nintendo Switch version boasts impressive online performance, cementing its place as a top contender for competitive play.
- Matchmaking is generally fast and efficient, with most matches found within a minute or two, even in Ranked mode.
- The game’s server infrastructure holds up admirably under the stress of high-level play and chaotic matches.
Although some minor lag and latency issues have been reported, they rarely disrupt the overall experience, and on the whole, Guilty Gear -Strive- is well-equipped to support the Nintendo Switch’s growing competitive scene.
Key features that bolster the online experience include Roller Delay Netcode for reduced input lag and a more responsive fighting experience. | Feature | Description | | — | — | | Roller Delay Netcode | Intelligent netcode that reduces input lag and ensures a smoother experience. | | Input Buffering | Increases responsiveness, helping players stay in control. | Table Class: wp-block-table is-style-stripes To capitalize on these advanced netcode features, players can use the Nintendo Switch’s built-in Wired LAN Adaptor, for a stable wired connection that minimizes the chance of lag and downtime.
A Fine Port with Minor Issues
The Nintendo Switch edition of Guilty Gear -Strive- is a respectable port that makes several compromises to accommodate the console’s hardware limitations. One notable issue is the noticeable input lag, which may deter competitive players who rely on instantaneous responses. However, this lag is relatively minor and may not be a concern for casual players or those who prefer the game’s story mode.
In terms of visuals, the Switch version maintains the game’s vibrant and detailed art style, albeit with some minor downgrades in texture quality and resolution. These changes are barely noticeable, and the game’s overall aesthetic remains faithful to its original form. Additionally, the game’s soundtrack and voice acting are crisp and clear, making for an immersive experience. Key technical specifications for the Nintendo Switch version include:
| Resolution | 800p (Handheld Mode), 900p (TV Mode) |
| Frame Rate | 60 FPS (target), occasional drops to 45-50 FPS |
Other features that have been preserved in the Switch port include:
- Complete character roster
- Story mode and arcade mode
- Online multiplayer with ranked and casual play
- Training mode and tutorials
Recommendations for Series Newcomers
For those looking to dive into the world of Guilty Gear, Strive is an excellent starting point. While it’s the 7th main installment in the series, the game doesn’t rely too heavily on prior knowledge. Newcomers can jump right in, and the built-in tutorials and training modes will guide them through the game’s complex mechanics. Here are a few recommendations to make the most of your experience:
| Character | Playstyle | |
|---|---|---|
| Start with: | Sol Badguy | Aggressive, fast-paced, and versatile. |
| For beginners who want a challenge: | Leo Whitefang | Requires strategy, balanced and approachable. |
Additionally, consider the following general tips:
- Start with the tutorials to understand the game’s mechanics and battle system.
- Experiment with different characters to find the one that suits your playstyle the best.
- Play the arcade mode to get familiar with the story and characters.
- Practice with training mode to hone your skills.
- join online matches to test your abilities against other players.
Key Takeaways
As the curtain closes on our review of Guilty Gear -Strive- Nintendo Switch Edition, it’s clear that this finely-tuned port has brought the fight to the Switch in earnest. While some minor casualties may have been suffered in the transition, the game’s bold new direction and seamless execution make it a compelling addition to the Guilty Gear canon. Whether you’re a series stalwart or a newcomer looking to test your mettle, -Strive-‘s blend of blistering speed and dazzling visuals is sure to captivate. And as the future of fighting games on the Switch looks increasingly bright, one thing is clear: Guilty Gear -Strive- is a bold step forward, and a fine port to boot.
