Continuing Arc System Works’ 35th Anniversary celebration, Arc System Works America, Inc. has announced that classic 2D action game River City: Rival Showdown will be digitally release in North America this October 12, 2023, for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 4® and PC via Steam. Steam pre-orders are available now!
The original 3DS version of River City: Rival Showdown was released in 2016 to wide acclaim.
Arc System Works is not only reviving the fan-favorite game for current consoles, but also giving
it a full power-up of modernization to bring players the ultimate 2D action game experience. The
updated 2023 edition includes all of the updates found on the 3DS version: the main game
loaded with a much larger volume of settings and storylines, improved graphics and operability,
and a brand-new prequel story mode to play through after you solve the main story’s mystery!
River City: Rival Showdown’s key features and new additions include:
● Action-Packed Story of Conspiracy and Mystery – “Hot Blooded Story” – Following a
mysterious evening attack on Kunio, he learns that Mami (girlfriend of his rival, Riki) has
also been kidnapped. Following the timeline from three days before Mami’s kidnapping,
Kunio and Riki band together alongside Kunio’s friends from Nekketsu High School, to
solve the mystery and find Mami. Their search brings them to the source of the evil,
Reiho Academy led by “Yamada”, where a heated battle begins…
● Free Scenario System with Multiple Endings – Players must search and battle through
different events to unravel the “Yamada” conspiracy and get to the truth. However, this
story does not follow one set scenario, but is experienced non-linearly through a concept
of time passing over a four-day period. This includes events scattered throughout the
map, where events played during the first three in-game days will dictate events on the
final fourth day and change game endings.
● Item Collection & Special Abilities – While unraveling the story, visit the game’s
“convenience stores” where recovery items can be purchased, “public baths” where HP
(stamina) and SP (willpower) can be recovered, and “thrift stores” to buy equipment with
special abilities. In addition, Special Moves have evolved to be more spectacular, while
experience gained in battle can be used to enhance your status!
● New Prequel Story Mode – “Cold-Blooded Hardcore Yamada-kun” – Enjoy an additional
mode that can be played after clearing the main story mode (“Hot Blooded Story”). Take
control of evil big boss “Yamada” and play the prequel to the incident. How did “Yamada”
expand his ambitions? And what is his purpose? Experience the dark machinations
behind the incident.
As a special add-on for fighting game fans, 2D action game Double Dragon Duel will also be
included as an extra game mode! This mode allows players to enjoy fighting game-like action
using a large number of characters, including hidden characters when certain conditions are
met. Network play is also supported, so you can play with friends far away.