: Characters earn XP to level up stats, and players can buy equipment and food from over 40 shops. Unlike the first game, shops now explicitly list what stat bonuses each item provides before you buy.

(Build 10180717) is a larger, more polished sequel that doubles down on the colorful, anime-inspired brawling of the original. Released worldwide in December 2022 by WayForward Technologies , this specific early PC build corresponds to one of the first post-launch updates. Core Gameplay & Mechanics

: The chunky pixel art and silky-smooth animations are a highlight, described by reviewers at IGN as standing shoulder-to-shoulder with modern genre leaders like Streets of Rage 4 .

: Fighting feels "beefed up" with improved aerial juggles and a new guard-crush mechanic. While early levels can feel slightly sluggish, unlocking moves at the dojo eventually creates a "robust palette for violent self-expression".

: Composer Megan McDuffee returns with a high-energy, genre-bending score that features lyrical tracks sung from the perspective of various bosses.

: You can play as six distinct characters: returning favorites Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki, joined by newcomers Marian ( Double Dragon ) and Provie (River City Ransom: Underground).

Reviewers generally praise the game as a significant improvement over the first entry, though it is not without minor flaws.

: Defeated enemies can be recruited as "hired heavies" to perform assist attacks mid-combo. Presentation