Rival Schools: United By Rivals! A Deep Dive into Capcom's 90s Brawler

Rival Schools: United by Rivals, originally released as “Rival Schools: Chikyuu no Kiki wo Yurusanai” in Japan, is a unique fighting game that blends traditional 2D combat with a captivating high-school setting. Developed and published by Capcom in 1997 for the arcades and later ported to the PlayStation and Sega Saturn, Rival Schools distinguishes itself through its intriguing story mode, diverse roster of playable characters, and innovative “Team Battle System”.

The game’s narrative revolves around a series of mysterious attacks targeting high schools across Japan. Suspicion falls upon the esteemed Gedo High School, known for its exceptional students and martial arts prowess.

To uncover the truth behind these unsettling events, you are thrust into the shoes of various students representing different schools, each grappling with their own personal motivations and rivalries:

• Taiyo High: The protagonists hail from Taiyo High, a school renowned for its friendly atmosphere and unwavering sense of justice. Leading the charge is Batsu Ichimonji, a hot-headed but ultimately good-hearted delinquent seeking to clear his school’s name.
• Gedo High: As the primary antagonists, Gedo High’s students are portrayed as ruthlessly skilled fighters with questionable ethics. Kyosuke Kagami, their charismatic leader, possesses extraordinary martial arts abilities and a thirst for victory at all costs.

Rival Schools weaves its story through an engaging “Story Mode” that unfolds like an anime or visual novel. You’ll engage in dialogues, interact with other students, and navigate branching storylines leading to different endings based on your choices and performance.

The core gameplay of Rival Schools revolves around 2-on-2 battles, employing the unique “Team Battle System”. Instead of relying solely on individual prowess, players strategically select two characters and can switch between them mid-battle. This mechanic encourages tactical thinking and synergy as you leverage each character’s strengths and weaknesses to overcome your opponents.

Each character boasts a distinct fighting style inspired by various martial arts disciplines. From Batsu’s fiery brawling techniques to Hinata Wakaba’s agile kickboxing, the diverse roster offers a wide range of playstyles to suit individual preferences:

Rival Schools also incorporates several innovative mechanics that differentiate it from traditional 2D fighters:

• “Tag Team” System: Seamlessly switch between characters mid-battle to exploit opponent weaknesses and create devastating combo attacks.
• “P.A.R. (Power Attack/Reversal)” Gauge: Accumulate meter through attacking and defending, unleashing powerful special moves when full.

The game’s vibrant art style, reminiscent of classic anime, adds to its charm. Character designs are distinctive and memorable, while the colourful backgrounds and dynamic animations further immerse players in the high-school setting.

Rival Schools’ soundtrack deserves special mention for its catchy techno and rock fusion tunes that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. Each character even boasts their own theme music, adding a layer of personalization to the experience.

Although originally released over two decades ago, Rival Schools remains a cult classic among fighting game enthusiasts. Its unique blend of story-driven gameplay, innovative mechanics, and captivating visual style continues to draw in new generations of players.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran seeking a fresh challenge or a newcomer looking for an exciting entry point into the fighting genre, Rival Schools: United by Rivals offers a memorable and rewarding experience.