GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- Smash the wall, win the fight

Fights move fast and hit hard. You pressure, launch, and chase your rival across the stage, and if you push them far enough you break the wall and carry the battle somewhere new. The fundamentals are simple to pick up, with room to get creative once you learn Roman Cancels, tension, and each fighter's tricks. Rounds turn on reads and nerve, and a well-timed counter can flip the whole match.

The starting roster has 15 characters, led by Sol Badguy and his rival Ky Kiske. Each one fights differently, so finding a main is half the fun. One match you are trading heavy blows up close, the next you are dodging projectiles and oddball set-ups. Local and online multiplayer let you test friends or strangers, which is where the roster really opens up.

The story heads into the final confrontation with That Man, the figure behind the world's ruin, and closes out a plot 20 years in the making. Expect an over-the-top alternate future full of style, fantasy, and cinematic drama. You can follow the plot in story mode, which plays more like watching a long anime than grinding fights, a good breather between bouts.

The 2D/3D hybrid cell-shaded graphics are a highlight, with bold color and animation that makes every super look sharp. The soundtrack is a highlight too, with thrashing heavy-metal tracks written by series creator Daisuke Ishiwatari. Casual-friendly on the surface, competitive underneath, and welcoming if this is your first anime fighter.