I have played quite a few fighting games on mobile and they have for the most part felt really rough. You're usually working with a screen joy stick that is non-responsive. This sucks because I am really into fighting games and most of the classics aren't demanding graphically and can be supported by a mobile device. Skullgirls by LINE Corporation took a different approach. Using the phones ability to read taps, hold, and swipes they created a fighting game that works surprisingly well. I also have to say its a lot of fun.
The Game:
Skullgirls is a simple 2d fighting game in which you use swipes and taps to perform certain moves. There is no joy stick to move back and forth but the attacks move you forward a little and you swipe toward the enemy to dash forward. You are also able to chain together combos, which feels actually pretty fluid. The characters have strong moves that have buttons on the screen that you can push. These go into a cooldown when used. Some fights allow you to tag in allies, which will perform their attack as they are coming in. This also adds on to the combos.
There is an auto attack button, which sends your character into an aggressive mode and they will attack without player input. You can still tap your power moves and block if you so wish so there is still a level of control if you choose to use it.
The characters each have energy that recharges over time, which gets used upon entering a fight. They also gain XP from each fight they win. Like a lot of mobile games, you can also power up a character by sacrificing other characters into the one you want to increase their level. Once a character levels they gain character tokens. For some coins and character tokens, you can upgrade their damage, health status, and unlock abilities. To move further into their trees you need to use keys you acquire through the game.
Each character also has one of five elements. The elements fire, water, and wind work in a paper scissor rock type fashion while light and dark are each other's counter. They also have customizable move sets, where you can equip skills that you have found. The skills are upgradeable as well.
The game comes with a full story mode, a PVP mode, and a shop where you can buy crystals for real money or coins for crystals. The pricing on the game feels fair for what you are getting. You also get relics to unlock which hold coins, characters, and moves.
My Thoughts:
One thing this game uses that I loved in Soul Calibur is having a character that you level up. I am a huge fan of fighting games and will play it on repetition without end. Having the game variation between combat makes it that more fun. Its fun to me to be able to go grind and come back to easily topple a fight that was giving me trouble. Whats even better is if you have enough skill you are able to take on characters that are much stronger than you. This though, isn't where this game shines.
The whole atmosphere of this game is great. Every character fits into this cartoon early 1900s vibe. The animations are smooth and well done and you truly feel like you have control of your fighter. The move set and timing feel complex enough to where you are feeling you are in a fighting game and not some gimmick. The characters feel fun, quirky, and each has a personality that comes through on the fighting screen. I also enjoy the more mature nature of some of the characters because boobs are great.
This game has taken over my phone. I really like it. The games are quick and satisfying. It's simple yet elegant and even though they give you quite a bit in compensation for going through fights I want to spend money just to support this game. I personally haven't had any of the loading issues that some players say they experienced so I could see how other could be affected by it. All in all, I think this a pretty good product and does a great job of tapping into what mobile gaming has to offer.
TL;DR:
Skullgirls is a solid fighting game for a mobile market. While it may not have the full move sets that some fighting games have it uses the device that is on well. If you are fighting game fan and looking for one that doesn't disappoint on your phone, try this one out.
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