INTRODUCTION
Meet Kunio, the paradox of a high-schooler who’s a bit of a shady figure yet an athletic star who’s racking up trophies for his alma mater like nobody’s business. He’s not just the poster boy for the student council; he’s practically its mascot. But life’s been getting messy for our lad, thanks to an assortment of characters lying in wait for him. And not to offer him a congratulatory high-five. Kunio begins to suspect something fishy is happening—a clandestine organization seems to be taking over high schools.
KUNIO: THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF A STUDENT BODY
Ah yes, Kunio! Imagine the love child of Al Capone and Michael Phelps, and you’ve got Kunio in a nutshell. On one hand, the guy’s practically a criminal overlord. On the other hand, he’s a school hero, shattering sports records faster than you can say “Nekketsu High School” (that’s his school, by the way). So, it’s no surprise he’s become a beacon for the student council. But lately, the lad’s been bumping into more than just fame. Some mysterious folks are taking an unusual interest in him, but not the kind that lands you on the cover of a cereal box.
SIDE-SCROLL THROUGH A PIXELATED WORLD OF FUN
In “River City: Rival Showdown,” you don’t just play Kunio; you BECOME Kunio. We’re talking vintage graphics that are as comforting as grandma’s apple pie but pack a punch like grandpa’s moonshine. The game employs side-scrolling gameplay, which is as nostalgic as fun. Traverse various mini-locations throughout the city that flash on your bottom screen. It’s like a GPS for beating up bad guys!
FISTS, FURNITURE, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN
Now, Kunio’s not one to restrict himself to knuckle sandwiches. The game takes ‘use what you’ve got’ to a new level. You can pick up various objects in the gaming environment and hurl them at your enemies. Is that a trash can? Now, it’s a weapon. A mailbox? Bonk! It’s all fair game. This adds layers to the combat strategy and keeps things fresh. After all, there’s nothing like the surprise on an enemy’s pixelated face when you whack him with a parking meter.
NAVIGATION AND MISSIONS: THE WHERE AND THE WHAT
As you scroll through, your mission—if you accept it—pops up on your screen, sending you to specific locales in the city. It’s like a pizza delivery gig, but you’re serving up a knuckle plate instead of a pepperoni pie. Mission objectives are usually pretty straightforward: Go here, fight these guys, and no, you can’t use diplomacy. The map on the bottom screen serves as a handy guide so that you’re not just beating up random people; you’re beating up specific random people.
PAYDAY! SHOPPING WITH THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR
But what’s the point of all this virtual violence, you ask? Well, upon the successful pummeling of your foes, you are handsomely rewarded with in-game currency. And what does any good high school criminal/athlete do with money? Shop! Use your hard-earned cash to buy gear and items. Maybe get yourself a new pair of boxing gloves or a lovely bouquet for the student council president; it’s up to you.
IN CONCLUSION: A CITY OF RIVALS, A SHOWDOWN FOR THE AGES
To sum it all up, “River City: Rival Showdown” for the 3DS is a mashup of old-school fun, strategy, and a storyline that’s as layered as an onion—or an after-school special on steroids. You’re in it for the graphics, the gameplay, and most certainly for Kunio, your not-so-average high schooler with a penchant for trouble. So why not unravel the mystery behind the shadowy organization trying to take over the high schools? After all, with Kunio, it’s always a hit!
