Thanks to theSmash Bros.series, there’s a whole new style of fighting games thatRivals Of Aetherhas managed to emulate effectively. Based on the concept of the four primary natural elements (Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water), players control representatives of whichever element of their choice.
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Rivals Of Aether is a 2D pixel-art fighter that has tight controls, a fast pace, and a nice variety of arenas to try out. However, as with all fighting games, there are going to be some characters that stand above the rest. The title has a sizable roster, including some DLC characters, but these are the ones whose toughness, speed, range, and versatility speak for themselves.
7Orcane
In addition to being a combination of one of the deadliest animals with one of the cutest, Orcane is a strong fighter. As one of the first characters you can choose, you’ll be able to get used to his play style quite quickly. Beinga whalewith cat-like moves, Orcane is speedy and flexible giving them a ton of mobility.
He also has one of the best recoveries in the game by being able to lay a puddle wherever he wants in the arena. It creates its own spawn point that can be warped from anywhere, also serving as a trap to uppercut enemies and can be detonated remotely.
6Elliana
Being a relative newcomer, Elliana is one of the more unusual characters. Although she represents the wind, Elliana isa snakepiloting a large mech. She may be the slowest of the wind fighters, but she’s also the toughest. Despite her size, she can move well and has a decent recovery move.
Her greatest strength is her sheer firepower and force, which she can chain together for massive damage. Although the mech has a tendency to overheat, this is clearly indicated and a small price to pay for piloting it.
5Sylvanos
Another addition to the roster, Sylvanos is arguably the most animalistic of all the fighters.He’s a wolfthat literally leaves a trail of grass wherever he goes, which gives him a lot of range. One of his main attacks allows him to detonate all the grass he has laid in thorns, damaging all fighters touching it.
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He also has the ability to launch multiple flower traps that when set off, deal good damage and open targets up to juggling. In terms of physical strength, Sylvanos can move fast and hit hard as need be.
4Mollo
Taking being a firefly almost too literally, Mollo has a lot of heat to spare. He has some of the greatest versatility in the game with all the equipment he uses. His main technique allows him to select one of severalkinds of explosives, which all have varying effects and ranges to tackle all sorts of opponents and groups if need be.
With all the bombs he’ll be throwing around, Mollo will definitely be able to break through target defenses and throw them around the arena. If launched into the air, he can finish them off with physical attacks.
3Ranno
Speed can make all the difference in a battle, and Ranno is all about speed. Having the stance and execution of a trainedmartial artist, this frog prides itself on striking first and fast. His standard combo is seemingly endless, allowing him to stun-lock opponents while quickly building up damage. He’s also able to apply poison counters to a target with his attacks to use as he likes.
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Despite being effective in melee encounters, Ranno also has moves that give a lot of range such as a tongue attack that traps enemies in bubbles and throws poison blades in a spread, which he can charge up for additional damage. The bubble that he summons can be controlled and act as an effective buffer to being launched.
2Shovel Knight
The blue-armored pixel hero’s reputation precedes asShovel Knightfinds himself in another universe in order to defend his honor. Not adhering to any of the four elements, Shovel Knight brings his unique fighting style to the arena. He’s on the slower side when compared to other characters, but makes up for it with strength and resilience.
Many of his attacks are singular, but when they land, they deal solid damage and will likely knock opponents back a fair distance. He’s also able to collect treasure during the fights, which he can then spend at the shop that spawns with his taunting. He can use it to buy armor to change up his performance and use a range of relics to cover ground and deal with faster opponents.
1Clairen
Anything goes among the rivals, which is why Clairen has no problembringing a swordto a fistfight. She’s one of the later fire characters and brings pain with blazing strikes. Though her sword slows her down a bit, it also gives her one of the longest melee ranges in the game as well as some of the most power.
Her abilities are tailored around dueling, which gives her greater control and balance, especially in one-on-one fights. The moves let her cut and move through opponents while also hitting hard enough to disrupt their rhythm. She’s also decently hefty to resist being knocked around.
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