River City Girls

 Switch
User Score
7.1

Mixed or average reviews- based on 77 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 53 out of 77
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 77
  3. Negative: 20 out of 77
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  1. GamesDoneRight
    Sep 10, 2019
    8
    With upbeat music and a great art style, River City Girls is a good beat em up style game. My biggest gripe with the game would have to be that sometimes the input wouldn't go through and it would lead into some game overs.
  2. JustJohnB
    Jan 7, 2020
    10
    Played it on the PS4. Absolutely loved every second of it. There's really nothing you could possibly fault with the graphics, gameplay, music, and story. All the bases this game tried to cover were covered perfectly. Multiplayer was perfect. Finished it with my brother, girlfriend, and nephew and all of them loved it almost as much as I did.

    And if you're worried that this game might    Played it on the PS4. Absolutely loved every second of it. There's really nothing you could possibly fault with the graphics, gameplay, music, and story. All the bases this game tried to cover were covered perfectly. Multiplayer was perfect. Finished it with my brother, girlfriend, and nephew and all of them loved it almost as much as I did.

    And if you're worried that this game might carry with it toxic feminism or progessism, let me put your fears to rest. There is none of that. It's just good, timeless entertainment.

    We need more games just like this,    … Expand
  3. thisisdot
    Sep 29, 2019
    3
    It's insane how much people let this game get away with. I tried playing this game but there's so many bad design elements that ruin the whole experience.

    1. Difficulty- this game is way too easy, enemies are extremely passive, taking forever to even initiate attack, essentially just standing there waiting for you to hit them. And if you do hit them, you're left with two options, doing    It's insane how much people let this game get away with. I tried playing this game but there's so many bad design elements that ruin the whole experience.

    1. Difficulty- this game is way too easy, enemies are extremely passive, taking forever to even initiate attack, essentially just standing there waiting for you to hit them. And if you do hit them, you're left with two options, doing long combos that are only there to make the game flashier, or waiting a million years for enemies to stand back up. Enemies wouldn't be that much of an issue if they either made more them more aggressive, or lowered their health bars so fighting would feel less like a chore, but the latter would never happen since this whole game revolves around the flashiness of their animations. Bosses are the only "difficult" part and it's only because of how unbalanced they made them, the difficulty in fighting them comes from invincibility frames and the fact that they just do more damage. A lot of these issues are exaggerated when you find out a basic combo pattern that essentially serves as an infinite/lock which I discovered way too early.

    2. Design oversights- Why is the regular attack button also the button that does every single action in this game? Enemy spawns near door and you prepare to attack, whoops you entered the next room and have to go in again. Doing a simple combo near a bat, whoops you picked up the item which is detrimental to comboing. Small stuff like this hamper the whole experience and make things more annoying to deal with. Why do shops not tell you what stats are affected when you use an item for the first time? The original Kunio game on the NES 30 years ago knew to tell you that stuff, it's kinda ridiculous.

    3. Story stuff- This story is awful, not even in a "haha it's so bad way" it's just awful to listen to. WayForward from what I know about them, gets a lot of praise typically for how great their dialogue is and I never really got that from their other games, and it's way worse here than it's ever been. There's so many "haha look at how self aware we are" types of jokes that aren't even handled well, either from how the joke is written or how it's delivered by the voice actors. The story is insulting at times with it's humor falling back on weeb humor, stuff that feels like crap that we made fun of back in 2007 like "i watch naruto, haha I'm such a weeb XD" types of jokes, and a lot of the humor is very based on weeaboo type crap, Kyoko makes a jojo reference by going ORAORAORA during one of her attacks but since they have to make weeb jokes she also does a "WHAT'S A MANGA?!?!?!?!?!?!" joke when some kid talks about comics. It's annoying crap like that which plague every aspect of the humor of this game, there are flash animations on newgrounds from 2005 that do a better job making jokes about this type of stuff.

    Presentation- Good sprite animations, but that's really about it. Music isn't bad, but I will say it doesn't fit this type of game at all, it's full of low energy vocal themes and basic beats that aren't bad on their own but when coupled with a beat'em up, it just feels kinda off. UI is fine, but it's kinda stupid since you have high resolution digital art being placed on top of pixel art, kinda jarring. Both elements work on their own but don't when put together, but the UI thing is typical of wayforward games so it's not that big a deal. Voice acting is pretty bad, you have some talented VAs like Cristina Vee, Greg Chun, Patrick Seitz and such, but the delivery of all their lines are just not good. This next part is kind of a personal thing, but I was kinda put off by the fact that so many voice actors in this game are youtubers, people like JackSepticEye, the Game Grumps, Cry, various youtubers voice characters in this game and what kinda bothers me about that is the fact that it comes across as hiring just because they're famous rather than hiring out of merit, I'm sure there are smaller VAs that have had trouble making a name for themselves that would've done a better job here but got pushed to the side because their youtube subscriber count wasn't high enough and that's extremely upsetting to think about.

    Final Thoughts- This game has a lot of issues. I mentioned a very basic overview of my issues with the game. The difficulty is non-existent, the design oversights hinder the whole experience, the writing makes the game annoying to sit through, and the presentation while not bad is just kinda off at times. I gave this game a low score because all these things combined with each other make the game unacceptable, but sometimes I feel like I'm the only one who thinks this seeing that reviews are giving this game 9/10s calling it the best beat'em up ever(though I bet most of them only think this because it's easy or because they like the flashiness), I can't convince anyone to not get the game but I hope whoever reads this thinks before they buy before they're left disappointed    … Expand
  4. Rgf
    Sep 28, 2019
    10
    Definitely one of my favorite games for the Switch. The gameplay is really fun and the art style and soundtrack are amazing (it's available on Spotify if you want to listen to it). I have also pre-ordered the physical copy that Limited Run is making available for both the Switch and the PS4.
  5. Spindot
    Sep 14, 2019
    7
    Fun - story and graphics are funny and enjoyable but combat feels off and that's the point of a game like this.
  6. Adonteon
    Sep 7, 2019
    6
    While the art style and music is good, its a pain in the ass to play on the Switch version. Talking about some janky input. We might as well be going back before double dragon with how unresponsive it is.

    Want to dodge, good luck. Want to run, good luck. Want to block an attack, you get the picture. I just wasted my money.
  7. MARUYAMA
    Oct 2, 2019
    0
    ウェイフォルワードわウェイフォルワードだ
    As expected, behind the beautiful visuals there's a very poorly made game
  8. WAH
    Sep 14, 2019
    2
    Trash game. I wanted to really like this game since Wayforward has good art design and the game does look great and has a good soundtrack, but that's it. The plot and humor is subjective but it is honestly just so cringeworthy what the characters are saying and doing.

    But that's not the real downside to the game, the gameplay is just so bad. Light attack is also your screen transition    Trash game. I wanted to really like this game since Wayforward has good art design and the game does look great and has a good soundtrack, but that's it. The plot and humor is subjective but it is honestly just so cringeworthy what the characters are saying and doing.

    But that's not the real downside to the game, the gameplay is just so bad. Light attack is also your screen transition and pick up weapon button, which causes a ton of gameplay problems mid combat. The money you earn is so **** low while penalty for dying makes you lose a lot since it is scaling based. The shops all sell overpriced healing items so good luck being able to heal when needed, and all abilities are outrageously overpriced at the rate you earn money. The combos themselves are inconsistent, sometimes they work sometimes they don't work on mobs. The bosses themselves are cheap, they will guard mid one of your combos and the hitboxes are wonky as all ****    … Expand
  9. Terragon
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    An absolutely amazing and fun beat em up with really good graphics/style, awesome voicework and sound and super fun gameplay
    I was hesitant on whether to get it or not at first because some initial reviews were mediocre, but it seems that it came from people that had something against this game. Maybe it's the fact that you play as two kick ass chicks that just beat everything around them    An absolutely amazing and fun beat em up with really good graphics/style, awesome voicework and sound and super fun gameplay
    I was hesitant on whether to get it or not at first because some initial reviews were mediocre, but it seems that it came from people that had something against this game. Maybe it's the fact that you play as two kick ass chicks that just beat everything around them to a pulp.
    Honestly, if you've ever played and enjoyed any beat em up similar to Streets of Rage, you're going to love this. It's such a huge improvement over any title in the genre I've played to date.
    I started playing this alone at first and it was really good, but the co op mode is where this game really shines.
    In a nutshell, you play as one of two delinquent teenage girls that have to escape school and the somewhat dangerous town they live in to save their boyfriends from whatever mischief they got into. On the way there, you will progress through levels of fun battles, learn new moves, level up and go through tons of very nicely designed stages with very unique style.
    All of the bosses are well designed and the fact that everyone has voiced dialogue, makes it very engaging as well.
    Honestly, initially I regretted of getting this over Astral Chain, but at 1/2 price, it's an incredible purchase and I don't think anything comes close to this in quality and design in this price range and genre.
    It's a must have for Switch owners    … Expand
  10. Kuma_torres
    Oct 23, 2019
    8
    Nice call back to the old school river city series. Fun for what it is aside some repetition but it is an old school brawler so it's to be expected. Would of liked better combos like streets of rage or even scott pilgrim which is much better than this game. Not for everyone but River city fans will have some fun with this one.
  11. Va2592yoshi
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    Awesome and fun beat em up game! I like the progression and leveling up. One of my favorite games!
  12. aZombieDictator
    Sep 6, 2019
    10
    Wayforward has done an amazing job making another great game! Beautiful animations, fun gameplay, and tons of replayability! A worthy sequel to River City Ransom.
  13. Mattocaster3
    May 18, 2020
    0
    So much of me wants to like this game, but it has mechanics that are so unfair, heavy stun lock for one, but I could live with that. You need money in the game to get better items to be stronger, but when you die you lose most your money, and the enemies still get stronger, making a hard game harder and harder as you progress, I don't understand why you couldn't lose less money if none atSo much of me wants to like this game, but it has mechanics that are so unfair, heavy stun lock for one, but I could live with that. You need money in the game to get better items to be stronger, but when you die you lose most your money, and the enemies still get stronger, making a hard game harder and harder as you progress, I don't understand why you couldn't lose less money if none at all. Guiding the player, I don't understand, I have to pull out a walkthrough every 5 minutes as the map tends to not display where to go most times (even funny when the walkthrough also gets confused where to go!) Dialogue for the next task is sometimes spoken while in battle,confusing the whole ordeal further.

    Now, the straw that broke the camels back, habari is a boss you fight about halfway into the game, stun lock, and what you would call a bullet sponge, not challenging, frustrating! Like the most unfun part of any game I've played, so unfair and boring I can't see myself playing it again, love the fighting in the game, but the bad aspects over shadow the game so much it just becomes frustrating to play, even in coop    … Expand
  14. LordCooler777
    Nov 4, 2020
    10
    The best returned of beat it up game is back baby I loving the best game ever masterpieces
  15. Trepadora
    Nov 8, 2019
    4
    The game has a nice soundtrack and pretty looking visuals, but the problem is the gameplay just is not fun. So many mechanics (most mentioned here in other reviews) are just so poorly designed that the game is better served to be looked at than played.
  16. GameCorp_Meyk
    Oct 30, 2019
    8
    Solid game with fun visuals, story and combat system.
    The game eases you into the combat and teaches players, who are new to the beat-em-up genre the essentials well. The combat starts out rather mundane but quickly evolves into a strategic brawler with new moves unlocked by leveling and learning them at the dojo.
    I'd definitely recommend you play this game with 2 players. If you're    Solid game with fun visuals, story and combat system.
    The game eases you into the combat and teaches players, who are new to the beat-em-up genre the essentials well. The combat starts out rather mundane but quickly evolves into a strategic brawler with new moves unlocked by leveling and learning them at the dojo.

    I'd definitely recommend you play this game with 2 players. If you're playing solo you should try hard mode as your standard option.
    The music is very nice and has bouncing tunes all over. The voices are rather hit or miss with some notable downs with characters voiced by "influencers"

    Movement feels a bit clunky as does the button layout and screen transition option but these are very minor details you learn to avoid after the first hour or so.    … Expand
  17. jln81
    Apr 20, 2021
    1
    I thought this looked SO cool as a co-op game, but the gameplay couldn't be more basic. We both lost interest within 10 minutes. What a waste of money.
  18. Bradaloop
    Jul 29, 2021
    8
    A frenetic, combo heavy, action packed, humorous experience. One of the best brawlers I've played on Switch, and given the reward for finishing the game I can most definitely see myself giving this multiple playthroughs. Filled with content, River City Girls is everything Scott Pilgrim wishes it was, and is a masterpiece of a game. Kyoko and Misako are endearing throughout, and while theA frenetic, combo heavy, action packed, humorous experience. One of the best brawlers I've played on Switch, and given the reward for finishing the game I can most definitely see myself giving this multiple playthroughs. Filled with content, River City Girls is everything Scott Pilgrim wishes it was, and is a masterpiece of a game. Kyoko and Misako are endearing throughout, and while the budget of the game often shows in certain scenes due to certain characters having stiff and forced voice acting, as well as certain issues with perspective in certain areas due to confused pixel art, River City Girls is a charming and wonderful game.… Expand
  19. Sijun
    May 16, 2020
    7
    I don't know why people give this game such a bad rating. It is a very good and enjoyable beatemup and if you like that genre, you will be entertained by this game.

    Pros: - beautiful graphics - likeable characters - good difficulty choices - very good music - fully voiced characters - overall style is great and the simple story is very well delivered in manga style - good amount    I don't know why people give this game such a bad rating. It is a very good and enjoyable beatemup and if you like that genre, you will be entertained by this game.

    Pros:
    - beautiful graphics
    - likeable characters
    - good difficulty choices
    - very good music
    - fully voiced characters
    - overall style is great and the simple story is very well delivered in manga style
    - good amount of different combat moves
    - neat rpg elements
    - diverse map structure

    Cons:
    - really annoying if you fight close to the "door"-symbol that leads to the next area because you can accidentally switch areas by pressing A to fight but instead you press A to switch areas
    - some moves are just so good that you skip all others

    All in all I really liked it. Had a great time. Loved the spergy dialogues and characters. Story is nothing you should judge since its more about fighting. The fighting itself is fun but like in all beatemups can feel repetitive at some point.
    I would buy it again and replay it from time to time.    … Expand
  20. Bellonintendo
    Sep 11, 2019
    10
    River city girls is among the best side scrolling fighting games. Great game I am loving it.
  21. Pete112
    Sep 4, 2022
    9
    A brilliant beat em up where you earn cash and can buy upgrades. Very difficult at first but the game allows you to grind and level up.

    The graphics are good and the controls are brilliant. There are loads of different moves so unlike some beat em ups, the game doesn't become too repetitive. My only slight criticism is that enemies do take a lot of damage before being beaten. This is one    A brilliant beat em up where you earn cash and can buy upgrades. Very difficult at first but the game allows you to grind and level up.

    The graphics are good and the controls are brilliant. There are loads of different moves so unlike some beat em ups, the game doesn't become too repetitive. My only slight criticism is that enemies do take a lot of damage before being beaten. This is one of my top three beat em ups on switch. The others being Shredder's Revenge and Street of Rage 4    … Expand
  22. lorimalron
    Mar 14, 2020
    2
    Other reviews have mentioned the issues in much greater detail than I'm willing to. It feels like an honest regression in a number of aspects to older parts of its own series and the less said about its contemporaries the better (for it). A simple game, not difficult but very cheesy both ways. I rate games based mostly on the game play and it is inferior to very old games.
  23. biomechzero
    Dec 19, 2020
    8
    Top quality pixel-art in this beautiful beat-em up game. The sound is nice too, but i wish they would have had more like that nice track with the vocals. Each enemy type has their own special gimmick like many beat-em ups, but the way some of these combine when attacked by large groups can make it very easy to get beat down without a chance to attack. The game is overall very good, andTop quality pixel-art in this beautiful beat-em up game. The sound is nice too, but i wish they would have had more like that nice track with the vocals. Each enemy type has their own special gimmick like many beat-em ups, but the way some of these combine when attacked by large groups can make it very easy to get beat down without a chance to attack. The game is overall very good, and even though it has it's weak points, I can't think of another game in the genre that is as good as this one in any aspect. I do wish it wasn't so hard when you first start, but after leveling up a bit, the game feels a lot more balanced.… Expand
  24. Alucarddalv
    Mar 11, 2021
    9
    This is the game 2020 Battletoads wishes it was. Be ready though because it starts slow. A few level ups and you start feeling like a real bad a$$. Freaking awesome music and hilarious writing. This is the best best em up I've played in forever. The reversed premise of the best best em ups of old is right in your face as your boyfriends are kidnapped and you and your best friend have toThis is the game 2020 Battletoads wishes it was. Be ready though because it starts slow. A few level ups and you start feeling like a real bad a$$. Freaking awesome music and hilarious writing. This is the best best em up I've played in forever. The reversed premise of the best best em ups of old is right in your face as your boyfriends are kidnapped and you and your best friend have to kick all the ass there is to kick to get them back. I swear that anyone that gives this game a bad review didn't give it enough time and didn't learn how to fight. I promise if you give this game an hour or your time that's all you'll need to be hooked.… Expand
  25. beeuwu
    Apr 27, 2022
    0
    Controls are really clunky and it can get pretty annoying with how unresponsive game is at times. Got it for the pretty arts, but honestly that's all there is to it, graphics. Can't recommend, glad that I at least got it on sale.

Awards & Rankings

95
#95 Best Switch Game of 2019
69
#69 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 10 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Apr 28, 2020
    95
    There's little I would change about the River City Girls. I just hope this isn't their last dance! [Issue #42 – October 2019, p. 22]
  2. IGN Japan
    Oct 8, 2019
    80
    As a combination between the River City and Downtown areas, River City Girls’ town warmly welcomes all fans of the long-running River City Ransom series. For new players, the cute, poppy characters and the over-the-top battles should feel entertaining enough. However, the story is not tightly plotted, and generally not interesting enough for someone not familiar with the genre.
    Read full review
  3. Vooks
    Sep 17, 2019
    80
    River City Girls could have just been a fun retread of some arcade-style fighting with some good new stuff and some bad new stuff. To a degree, it is - there are bits here like the money system and the co-op that could have been a little less unfriendly to deal with. But with a hearty dose of style and some great writing, it lifts itself up into a great little retro-styled treat for the beat-em-up inclined. Maybe not for everyone, and especially if you’re not up for a challenge, but I sure had some fun.
    Read full review
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