Rage of the Dragons NEO: Review

This game was reviewed on the Xbox Series X.

Reviewed by: David Cameron

Rage of the Dragons NEO, now available on the Xbox Series X, is a throwback to the 2D fighting games of yesteryear, a genre beloved for its fast-paced action, pixel-perfect combos, and vibrant character rosters. Developed by the ever-ambitious developers at NeoGeo, this updated release aims to blend the nostalgia of arcade brawling with a modern polish. But does it manage to capture that lightning-in-a-bottle magic from the past while standing strong in today's crowded fighting game market? Here's what I found.

Graphics & Presentation: A Retro Revival

First off, let's talk about presentation. Rage of the Dragons NEO doesn't shy away from its pixelated roots; it embraces them with open arms. The character sprites are lovingly crafted, offering a crisp look that harks back to the glory days of arcade fighters. Stages are vibrant and detailed, featuring neon-lit backdrops, bustling cityscapes, and well-executed parallax scrolling that adds depth and dynamism to the fight.

The animation is fluid, which is critical for a fighting game, and it's clear that a lot of attention was paid to making each character's moves feel distinct and powerful. There's a nice touch of polish with special effects that pop off the screen, from fireballs to flashy supers that scream old-school charm.

Gameplay: Brawler at Heart, With a Few Speed Bumps

Now, let's dig into the meat of Rage of the Dragons NEO – the gameplay. Fans of 2D brawlers will feel right at home here. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for precise movement and combo execution. You can chain together punch, kick, and special move combinations that make you feel like an absolute king of the arcade.

However, while the core mechanics are sound, Rage of the Dragons NEO doesn't escape the pitfall of feeling a little dated in certain aspects. The AI, while not a pushover, tends to lean on predictable patterns that experienced players can exploit. And don't even get me started on the lack of innovative mechanics – there's no groundbreaking twist here; what you see is what you get, for better or worse.

The game's roster, though varied, leans a bit too hard on archetypes that can feel a bit clichéd. Sure, you've got your agile fighters, your powerhouses, and the token "mysterious guy with a dark past," but it's not as diverse or surprising as some might hope.

Multiplayer: Good, But Needs More

Multiplayer, the backbone of any modern fighting game, is a solid affair in Rage of the Dragons NEO. Online matchmaking works seamlessly, and I didn't experience significant latency issues during my matches. The lobbies are easy to navigate, and you can jump into a match with just a few clicks. However, the game misses out on some of the quality-of-life improvements we've come to expect in this day and age, like better tournament modes or in-depth player stats. It's functional but uninspired.

The Soundtrack: Classic and Catchy

Where the game shines brightest is in its soundtrack. The music has that classic fighting game vibe with upbeat, adrenaline-pumping tracks that make you want to keep playing. While the compositions aren't going to revolutionize the industry, they do a fantastic job of enhancing the nostalgic feel that Rage of the Dragons NEO strives for.

Final Thoughts: A Love Letter with Limitations

Rage of the Dragons NEO is a title that's easy to love for those who appreciate classic fighters. It's a game that wears its inspirations on its sleeve and delivers a genuine homage to the genre's golden era. But nostalgia can only carry a game so far, and Rage of the Dragons NEO ultimately feels like it's missing the extra "oomph" that would make it a modern classic.

With a solid foundation, striking visual design, and gameplay that'll satisfy the purists, it still falls a bit short in terms of innovation and depth. So, while it's a fun ride for fans of 2D brawlers, it's not the game that's going to push the genre forward.

Reviewed by: David Cameron