Skill-based one-on-one fighter with slow, strategic combat, abundant content, and frustrating energy-based progression
Skill-based one-on-one fighter with slow, strategic combat, abundant content, and frustrating energy-based progression
Pros
- Tons of Content
- Adequate Graphics
- Great Sound Effects
Cons
- Energy Meter
- Difficult Controls
Shadow Fight 2 is a fighting game for the Android mobile platform that gives players the opportunity to fight against opponents in a one-on-one setting. The game is similar to other side-view fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat, and it is entirely free to play. There are in-game purchases that can help players progress faster, but those purchases require real-world currency.
One of the first things players will notice about the combat system is that fighting is quite a bit slow compared to other games in the genre. This is actually something of a good thing, because it allows players to focus more on skill and less on button-mashing. The combat system for the game is pretty decent considering the slower pace, and many players will probably have to adjust their style of play to deal with it.
Players have to watch their enemies closely and plan attacks precisely if they want to do any damage since the game gives the player the chance to counter and play based on skill. Those who are accustomed to mashing buttons over and over to win will have to find a new technique.
Just like most fighting games, the story is a bit lacking as well. There is an attempt to create a plot, but it really has no bearing on the game itself. Players will find the story almost a distraction from the actual gameplay.
After a player wins a fight, they are awarded coins that can be used for buying items, weapons, and armor. More coins are awarded if the player incorporates effective combos and a smart fighting style. There's also a secondary currency that must be purchased with real-world money, and that currency is used to unlock certain special items.
Since the game requires touchscreen controls, a virtual analog stick provides the player with the ability to move the character around the screen. There are also two buttons for attacking, and those buttons represent punching and kicking. Combining these attacks with specific directional vectors on the analog stick will create different moves that are more powerful than standard attacks. Unfortunately, these combos are difficult to pull off because of the touchscreen controls. There will be many instances where players will accidentally block instead of attack, or vice versa.
The game also features an online mode that provides players with the opportunity to fight other human players. In Underworld mode, players will team up to attack powerful bosses in multiplayer battles.
Perhaps the biggest complaint with the game is the presence of the energy meter. The meter dictates when players can fight, and if it is empty, the only way to refill it is by waiting or by paying to refill it early. Players will find the best way to play the game without spending any real money is to play short bursts whenever a bit of free time comes around.
Pros
- Tons of Content
- Adequate Graphics
- Great Sound Effects
Cons
- Energy Meter
- Difficult Controls
Fight against others online who are playing the game.
This is an arcade-style game with a good bit of action. You can fight on the street or in buildings either against the computer or against those who are online. It's a game where you have to watch over your shoulder so that you use the best fighting techniques to defeat the enemy.
Pros
- Fun and playable in short bursts
- Progression is enjoyable
Cons
- Play time limited by energy meter
Shadow Fight 2 is an Android fighting game that delivers classic arcade battles.
Shadow Fight 2 is an arcade fighting game for Android in the vein of the Street Fighter series. Each battle is a best-of-two and pits you against another fighter. Each fighter is a shadow, so you’ll never quite know what to expect. This approach may bother arcade fighter purists, but it can be a lot fun and prevents the gaming from getting stale as you memorize opponent AI.
Each fight, you’ll earn coins. You earn coins even if you lose, but you’ll earn more coins for winning and even more for pulling off more advanced combos. Coins can also be purchased with real money, and you’ll use coins in-game to buy weapons, armor, more energy and other items.
The RPG-lite system is part of the allure here. Your character isn’t the best at the onset. Instead, you’ll purchase items and options that will make him or her more powerful. The game can be a bit grindy for those who choose not to pay with real money, but since this is a single-player experience, that’s never a big issue. The controls here aren’t as refined as you might expect from Street Fighter or Tekken. That lack of precision may be what keeps this game for something you play for an hour or more at a time, but for 10 minutes here or there, the controls don’t get in the way.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this game is its use of an energy pool. Each time you play a match, that pool depletes. When it’s empty, you can’t play more and have to wait for it to refresh. It’s a frustrating approach to selling you on microtransactions.
Pros
- Fun and playable in short bursts
- Progression is enjoyable
Cons
- Play time limited by energy meter
