Published by Degica Games
Reviewed on PlayStation 4 and PC
Senko no Ronde 2 is a thrilling one-on-one versus game that hybridizes shoot ‘em up and fighting game mechanics. The game consists of two mechs fighting for supremacy in an overhead arena. Players can unleash an arsenal of shot, laser, and assist attacks while using evasive and defensive maneuvers to survive. Each of the fourteen pilots and mechs have a distinct appearance, and their shot patterns are quite unique as well. Senko no Ronde 2 is an exciting new iteration in the long-running Senko no Ronde series that provides plenty of fun battling for newcomers and experienced players alike.
One of the game’s most endearing aspects is its story, which is told through multiple perspectives and modes. After Earth becomes uninhabitable, humanity adapts to living in outer space. They learn to move around using Rounders, which are streamlined personal vehicles that facilitate maneuverability. Though the Arria Federation maintains a tenuous sense of peace, its factions often have conflicts of interest. Amid such inter-faction conflicts, a few individuals have devious plans that threaten the status quo, which spurs the playable characters to action. These characters exchange plenty of banter with each other, and their interactions are frequently entertaining and relatable.
Senko no Ronde 2 provides entertaining twists on the simple idea of firing at the enemy while dodging incoming attacks. The goal is to deplete the enemy’s health gauge to win the round. To do so, players can perform melee attacks or ranged shots. Over time, each player also gains Charge Gauge stocks, which can be used to create a barrier, unleash devastating weapons, or transform into a hulking machine. While the game’s flow is relatively straightforward, its commands have a slight learning curve.
The game’s combat utilizes four buttons: Action, Main Weapon, Sub Weapon, and Barrage. Pressing the Action button without any directional input activates a barrier, but combining it with a direction will cause the player to dash. The Main Weapon typically consists of bullets and lasers, and the Sub Weapon deploys support weapons such as traps, missiles, homing lasers, and even teleportation devices. The Barrage Button’s functionality parallels traditional fighting games’ Super Moves. Pressing the Barrage Button depletes the Charge Gauge and unleashes a powerful attack that often occupies much of the screen. Pressing directional sequences with the Barrage Button can unleash additional moves. Pressing Main and Sub activates a Bullet Canceler that erases nearby shots, but it has a sizable recovery period. The combat is intuitive despite the slight learning curve, and unleashing dazzling bullet patterns empowers players and creates dynamic matches that are both fun to play and watch.
Senko no Ronde 2’s hallmark is the ability to enter B.O.S.S. Mode, which involves transforming into a giant mech reminiscent of shoot ‘em up bosses. While in B.O.S.S. Mode, a player’s mech occupies a sizable portion of the screen. It also has screen-spanning attacks and increased firepower. These transformations are thrilling and can turn the tide of battle in a dynamic way. While transforming temporarily grants extra health based on the Charge Gauge and stops the game timer, it can also be risky. Destroying a B.O.S.S. provides the opposing player with a lot of Charge Gauge to turn the battle back around.
Senko no Ronde 2’s characters, mechs, and supporting characters are derived from the preceding Japanese-only title Senko no Ronde DUO, but the streamlined support system is easier to understand. Each character has two selectable “Cartridges” that affect parameters such as mech stats, shot patterns, and amounts of ammo. Each different Cartridge also has an assigned operator that can deploy support abilities. These include regenerating health, deploying attack and defense units, and unleashing weapons that span the entire screen. These abilities’ recharge time and names are also clearly shown in the lower corners of the screen. This support system adds another layer of depth that encourages exploration and experimentation.
Senko no Ronde 2 provides plenty of replayability through multiple modes, an extensive library of unlockable gallery entries, and its diverse roster. Arcade Mode provides a straightforward experience comprising of ten matches against computer-controlled opponents. After defeating these ten opponents, players encounter a few end-game surprises that can test their abilities. The game also provides Online and Offline Battles, a Score Attack Mode, a recreation of Senko no Ronde DUO’s Story Mode, a Practice Mode, and Tutorials. These modes will feel familiar to anyone who has played versus fighters before, but experimenting with each character’s moves can lead to endless entertainment. The Story Mode is also full of twists and turns as players experience branching story trees and multiple faction perspectives. Furthermore, the Gallery Mode’s unlockable character entries are interesting to read, and the game provides plenty of lore and glossary entries to help everyone understand the game’s universe.
While the game provides a simple audiovisual experience, the visual direction and audio execution are quite compelling. Each Rounder’s visual design is elegant, and the mechanical design spans the gamut from humanoid machines to sleek ships. Furthermore, the bullets’ colors are vivid and easy to read. Senko no Ronde 2’s playable cast is a motley crew full of energetic characters, outlandish pilots, and over-the-top personalities. With all new portraits and cut-in images featuring stylish costumes, the game has plenty of visual flourishes. The music is also full of upbeat techno and rock-inspired tunes by Yasuhisa Watanabe. Players can select from multiple tunes before each battle, and it’s fantastic exploring the game’s audio library.
Whether one chooses the Steam or PlayStation 4 version, players can expect the same accessible experience, functional interface, and basic netplay options. Whether players decide to play Quick or Ranked matches, spend hours playing through the extensive voiced Story Mode, or simply duke it out with a friend, the game has plenty to offer for everyone. While the mechanics have a slight learning curve, they enable players to deploy an arsenal of empowering attacks. Senko no Ronde 2’s blend of shoot ‘em up and fighting game ideas leads to entertaining versus combat that caters to players of all skill levels.
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