Mini Review: The Rumble Fish 2 (PS5) – Cult Arcade Fighter in Barebones Port

Beatrice flogger.

One of the industry’s more positive movements right now is the preservation of cult classics on the PS Store. While there’s still a long way to go, we’re gradually beginning to see publishers dig deep into their catalogues, and resurrect releases from yesteryear for a whole new audience to enjoy. The Rumble Fish 2 is a particularly deep cut: an uber-hardcore fighting game from 2005 originally designed by Dimps to take advantage of Sammy’s Atomiswave arcade hardware.

Unlike its predecessor – which was ported to the PS2 in Japan only – this sequel has never received a console conversion, only adding to its overall mystique. And it’s easy to see why it’s so well-regarded: its flagship Smooth Model Animation system can look a little odd from a contemporary perspective, with each limb seemingly animated independently, but it makes for a creative combat palette that’s a joy to explore. Two distinct power gauges – Offense and Defense – unlock a staggering array of depth, although the complex gestures mean you’ll be better off playing with an arcade stick than a traditional d-pad.

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