In the outrageous beat-’em-up River City Girls, players step into the shoes of fierce female fighters Misako and Kyoko as they pummel their way across town. With an eclectic mix of brawling action, anime flair and retro style, this game pulls no punches in delivering wicked fun.
The most appealing aspect is embodying these badass heroines as they use martial arts to rescue their kidnapped boyfriends. Misako and Kyoko have contrasting styles, but share an unrelenting drive that turns the damsel in distress trope on its head.
Beyond the main rescue plot, you can explore a sprawling city brimming with secrets, shops and side quests. As you gain experience and gold, you can customize combos, recruit allies for tag attacks, wield makeshift weapons like baseball bats or pipes, and unlock slick outfits. Leveling up your chosen heroine also unlocks new combat abilities to add more flair and power to your fighting repertoire.
Of course, pummeling thugs and villains with an expanding arsenal of punches, kicks and throws feels immensely satisfying thanks to responsive controls. Landing a devastating 15-hit combo elicits the same glee as any fighter. Between brawls, the gameplay pace slows with manga-style story panels and anime cutscenes fleshing out the characters.
With eye-catching pixel visuals, a catchy synth soundtrack and oodles of customization, River City Girls hits all the right notes for beat-’em-up fans. Playing as the street tough and cute, but deadly Misako and Kyoko is a refreshing take on the genre rarely seen. If you want to dish out some ferocious fisticuffs, this is a can’t-miss title.
