It is an indie multiplayer platform fighter developed by Dan Fornace. Released on March 28, 2017, the game has become a standout title in the competitive fighting game community, praised for its deep mechanics, diverse roster of characters, and rich gameplay.
Combining fast-paced combat with strategic depth, Rivals of Aether is a must-play for fans of platform fighters, offering an engaging experience for players of all skill levels.
Development and Release of Rivals of Aether
Rivals of Aether was developed by Dan Fornace, with the game’s release building upon the success of his earlier platform fighter projects. Initially, the game was funded through a successful Kickstarter campaign, which allowed for the creation of its highly unique combat system and vibrant pixel art style. Over time, the game has seen continuous updates, adding new characters, stages, and mechanics while maintaining its core identity.
The game’s community has played a vital role in its growth, with constant feedback shaping updates, from balancing changes to new content. Since its release, Rivals of Aether has become a competitive staple, particularly within the indie fighting game community.
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Game Modes
Rivals of Aether offers a variety of game modes that appeal to both casual players and competitive enthusiasts.
- Versus Mode: The standard mode where players can battle head-to-head. This mode can be played with friends locally or online against opponents from around the world.
- Arcade Mode: Players battle through a series of AI-controlled fighters, testing their skills while unlocking rewards and exploring different character mechanics.
- Training Mode: For players looking to perfect their combos and techniques, this mode provides a safe space to practice moves without the pressure of a competitive match.
- Online Multiplayer: Rivals of Aether features both ranked and unranked online play, allowing players to compete with others globally. It also supports cross-platform play, making it easier for players to connect, regardless of whether they’re on PC or Xbox.
Gameplay Mechanics in Rivals of Aether
At its core, Rivals of Aether focuses on platform fighting, offering a range of movement and attack options that rely on precision and timing. Players must knock their opponents off the stage using a combination of standard attacks, special abilities, and strategic maneuvering. Each character has unique abilities, and mastering these abilities is key to succeeding in battle.
- Character Abilities: Each fighter in Rivals of Aether has a unique set of abilities. These special moves are designed to complement the character’s core strengths and offer a wide variety of playstyles, allowing for both strategic and aggressive play.
- Aether: The titular Aether system gives characters the ability to perform powerful attacks using a resource that charges during combat. This adds an extra layer of strategy, as players must manage their Aether carefully and time it for maximum impact.
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- Edge-guarding and Recovery: Similar to other platform fighters, Rivals of Aether emphasizes the importance of edge-guarding and recovery. Players need to anticipate their opponent’s moves off the stage and counter them while ensuring they can recover to avoid being knocked out.
Important Features of Rivals of Aether
Several features make Rivals of Aether stand out in the crowded platform fighter genre:
1) Free-to-Play with Expansions
While Rivals of Aether is not fully free-to-play, it offers a demo version and numerous expansions and DLC that bring new characters, stages, and gameplay mechanics, keeping the game fresh and engaging for players.
2) Expansive Character Roster
The game boasts a diverse cast of characters, each with unique moves and abilities. Fighters range from the Abyssinian, a power-based character, to Zetterburn, a fiery fox with advanced projectile techniques. The game continues to release new fighters, expanding its roster.
3) Competitive Community
Rivals of Aether has a thriving competitive scene, with regular tournaments held worldwide. The game’s deep mechanics and precise controls make it a favorite in the competitive fighting game community.
4) Custom Stages and Mods
One of the standout features is the ability to create custom stages and characters, a feature that gives players a chance to personalize their experience and create entirely new gameplay experiences.
5) Unique Visual Style
The pixel art design is charming and distinct, with vibrant colors and fluid animations that bring each character and stage to life. The visuals, combined with the detailed environments, make each match visually engaging.
Advanced Combat Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basics, it’s time to refine your skills with some advanced techniques:
- Wave Dashing: A technique that allows characters to perform quick, controlled movement across the stage. Wave dashing can be used to approach opponents, avoid attacks, or adjust positioning.
- Teching: When you are knocked against a surface, you can tech (or recover) by pressing the correct buttons to bounce off the stage or floor, preventing you from being knocked out.
- Shielding and Grabbing: Timing your shield to block incoming attacks or using grabs to counteract opponents’ aggression is critical for maintaining control of the match.
Why Rivals of Aether Stands Out
Rivals of Aether stands apart in the genre thanks to its precision-based gameplay and deep strategic mechanics. It’s a game that rewards players for their understanding of each character’s strengths, their strategic thinking in combat, and their knowledge of each stage’s unique features.
The free-to-play model, coupled with cross-platform play, makes it highly accessible, while the DLC content and competitive scene give it lasting appeal for more experienced players. Rivals of Aether is a game that’s easy to pick up but difficult to master, offering players an incredibly rewarding fighting experience.
System Requirements
To enjoy Rivals of Aether without performance issues, your system should meet the following requirements:
- OS: Windows 7 or later
- Processor: Intel Core i3 or equivalent
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: Intel HD 4000 or equivalent
- Storage: 500 MB available space
Rivals of Aether provides an exceptional blend of accessibility and competitive depth, making it a standout title in the platform fighter genre. Whether you’re a casual player or a competitive fighter, this game offers endless enjoyment with its dynamic mechanics and vibrant community.