This is my first article of the school year, I’ll keep the blurb short, but I hope you guys enjoy it and look forward to more! (Also, I’ve decided to add a proper rating system.)

Rivals of Aether is a 2D indie platformer fighter that has made a significant mark on the competitive fighting game scene. Developed by Dan Fornace, it draws heavy inspiration from the Super Smash Bros. series, particularly Super Smash Bros. Melee, but adds its own unique flair. Available on Steam, the game offers fast-paced, skill-based combat emphasizing strategy and precision.

Gameplay
At its core, Rivals of Aether is a competitive fighter that revolves around dynamic movement, aerial combat, and elemental-themed characters. The roster features a variety of characters, each representing one of the classical elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. Each character comes with a distinct set of moves, combos, and playstyles, giving players a wide range of options to experiment with. Whether you prefer the fiery aggression of Zetterburn, the deceptive tricks of Forsburn, or the defensive strength of Kragg, there’s a character for every type of player.
The game boasts tight, responsive controls that reward precision. While it’s easy to pick up, mastering the game takes practice, as advanced mechanics like wave-dashing, parrying, and combo chains become crucial at higher levels of play. This creates a perfect balance between accessibility for newcomers and depth for veterans, ensuring long-term engagement.

Multiplayer and Community
The heart of Rivals of Aether lies in its multiplayer. The game offers both local and online multiplayer modes, with a strong emphasis on competitive play. The online experience is relatively smooth, with rollback netcode ensuring minimal lag during matches, which is crucial for a game so reliant on precise inputs.
One of the standout features is the game’s robust Steam Workshop integration, which allows players to create and share custom characters, stages, and even entire campaigns. This modding community has created hundreds of unique characters and fan-made content, greatly expanding the game’s longevity and replayability. From adding beloved characters from other franchises to creating entirely original fighters, the creativity within the community is endless.

Single-Player and Content Variety
While primarily focused on multiplayer, Rivals of Aether also offers a variety of single-player modes. The Story Mode provides background lore for each of the characters and takes players through a series of fights, but it’s relatively short and simple. There’s also Abyss Mode, a roguelike-inspired survival challenge where players face waves of enemies, which adds a bit more variety for those looking to play solo.

Verdict
In summary, Rivals of Aether is an outstanding entry in the platform fighter genre, offering a blend of retro charm, competitive depth, and modding creativity. Its polished mechanics, distinctive characters, and thriving workshop community make it a must-try for fans of the genre. While it may not have the casual appeal of bigger titles like Super Smash Bros., its tight focus on skillful play and competition makes it a gem for hardcore players.
If you’re a fan of competitive fighting games, particularly ones with strong mechanics and room for creativity, Rivals of Aether should be on your radar. Whether you’re honing your skills for online play or diving into the endless stream of custom content from the community, the game has a lot to offer.

Pros:
Tight, responsive controls
Diverse roster with unique playstyles
Excellent for competitive play
Active modding and workshop support
Smooth online experience with rollback netcode
Cons:
Limited casual or story-driven content
Niche appeal primarily focused on competitive players
Windows only
Price (Though It is still completely worth its price, it can be off-putting for some.)
Overall Rating: 9.5/10