Rivals of Aether II

The main pros of the game

• Fluid Movement and Gameplay: Many users praise the game for its smooth and responsive controls, making character movement enjoyable.
• Visuals and Art Style: The transition from pixel art to 3D graphics is well-received, with players appreciating the character designs and animations.
• Diverse Characters: The game features a variety of characters, each with unique mechanics that add depth to gameplay.
• Active Development and Community Engagement: The developers are noted for their responsiveness to community feedback and regular updates, which players find encouraging.
• Monetization Model: Many users appreciate the lack of FOMO and the promise that future characters will be free, allowing players to earn cosmetics through gameplay.

The main cons of the game

• Poor New Player Experience: Many reviews highlight a steep learning curve for beginners, with matchmaking often pitting them against more experienced players, resulting in frustrating experiences.
• Lack of Singleplayer Content: The game is criticized for missing substantial singleplayer modes that were present in the original, such as Story Mode and Abyss.
• Balance Issues: Some characters are seen as overpowered or unfun to play against, leading to complaints about certain matchups and overall balance.
• UI and Menu Bugs: Users report that the menus can be cumbersome and buggy, affecting the overall experience.
• Online Connectivity Issues: Some players experience lag and connection problems, particularly in ranked matches.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

• Comprehensive Tutorials: There is a lack of in-depth tutorials to help new players understand the mechanics and character kits, making it hard for beginners to learn the game effectively.
• Casual Modes: Players want more casual gameplay options beyond competitive ranked matches, such as fun, relaxed modes for playing with friends.
• Workshop Support: Many users express a desire for mod support similar to the original game, which allowed for a wider variety of characters and community-created content.
• Story Mode: The absence of a narrative-driven mode is noted as a significant loss compared to the original game.

Summary

• Overall, while Rivals of Aether II has many strengths, particularly in gameplay mechanics and community engagement, it faces substantial criticism regarding its accessibility for new players, lack of content, and balance issues. The game's future success may hinge on addressing these concerns.

Summary generated on: October 30, 2025