Rivals of Aether

Rivals of Aether is a highly praised platform fighting game known for its fast-paced and skillful gameplay that sets it apart from typical Smash Bros. clones. Players appreciate its responsive controls, high skill ceiling, and unique elemental-themed characters, which offer diverse playstyles and balanced competitive mechanics. The game supports a robust Steam Workshop, allowing players to add a wide variety of creative custom characters and stages, dramatically expanding content and replayability. This modding community is often cited as a major reason for the game's enduring appeal. The pixel art style is well-liked for its charm, and the soundtrack is considered a masterpiece by many fans. While the base roster is small, the workshop content compensates with near-infinite variety. The game also features a tutorial that effectively teaches platform fighter mechanics, making it accessible to newcomers. However, some find the story mode enjoyable but somewhat "cringe," and the online experience can be inconsistent due to bugs and connectivity issues. Overall, Rivals of Aether remains a beloved indie fighting game with a passionate community and competitive depth.

Highlights

Players consistently praise the gameplay mechanics for being fast, fluid, and rewarding, with a strong emphasis on skill and strategy. The Steam Workshop support is highlighted as a standout feature, providing endless fun through custom characters like Steve, Sans, and even political and pop culture figures. The pixel art graphics are described as charming and visually appealing, complementing the game's competitive nature. Additionally, the soundtrack receives high acclaim for its quality and fitting atmosphere. The tutorial system is noted for its effectiveness in teaching new players, enhancing accessibility. Many consider it a superior alternative to other platform fighters due to its balance and depth.

Criticisms

Common criticisms include bugs and instability in online lobbies, which sometimes disrupt the gameplay experience. Some players find the base roster limited and the vanilla game less engaging without mods. The process of loading mods can be cumbersome, and the game may crash when many mods are installed simultaneously. A few users express frustration with the difficulty curve, finding it less casual-friendly compared to other platform fighters like Smash Bros. The story mode is occasionally described as "cringe" or underwhelming. Additionally, some players report the game feeling like a less polished Smash clone and express disappointment when custom characters are removed or mod support changes.