ARMS is an extension of something from the past, but it is not Punch-out. If you ever play, or played, a game from Taito, Sonic Blast Man, ARMS is a dream come true. As a kid, Sonic Blast Man, made it possible to watch individuals line up, drop quarters in a machine, and throw their strongest punches into a special punch pad, in order to be the hero of the game. You took on thugs, comets, buildings, and monsters to demonstrate your power. It was simple, but the game was fun. In fact, any game that requires a boxing aspect, and requires you to move, in the arcade, was unique and never forgotten.
It does not matter if you use the Joy-Cons, or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, this game requires a strategy, that has a closer connection to Capcom’s Street Fighter series, but adds a super powerful nature to the mix. The Joy-cons operate as left and right gloves, and act as the key to move, slide, and jump in the game. The reality is strategy is the most important aspect of this game. You fight in a ring, on a volleyball, or basketball court, or take on any number of situations. You have powers, but have to know how to use them in the space, and the situations given. For example, take Master Mummy in a one-on-one match. He is large, has a great reach, a healing factor, and carries any number of gloves that disable and pack a punch. He is slower than other fighters are. Master Mummy against a character like Helix, a pliable, quick, and hard to hit creature, can give you problems.
Helix’s level carries a series of DNA chambers. He can slip punches, use the environment, strike you, or toss you unknowingly, then knock you out before you throw the fifth punch. If you understand you have the ability to strike and can utilize an angular punch when necessary, but should make use of a throw in order to take an enemy like Helix, you have better chance in the fight. This is a tactical attitude you can carry into any battle whether it is with a Ribbon Girl, Spring Man, Ninjara, or Kid Cobra. Beware of Kid Cobra. He is just a fast character. The eleven characters designs allow you to enjoy Nintendo’s creative use of characters’ arms and styles. ARMS online is solid as long as everyone’s internet connection holds. Training levels prepare you for most situations you can face in real matches. You compete in Versus, Grand Prix tournament style matches, with final boss, and ranked online or party matches. Multiplayer in this game requires tact. Whether, it is the Pro Controller, or Joy-Cons, versus matches come down to the fighter with the best techniques.
I wish this game had a single player campaign after you complete your ARMS content. Take Master Mummy. You complete all the in-game challenges. They could create a hero, or villain campaign, in the vein of a light adventure. For example, Master Mummy decides he wants to be this villain character. He can go through an ARMS world and help criminals commit crimes, battle heroes who try to stop him, and help create some great evil plan to take over the world. I just would enjoy the arms ability outside of ring. ARMS is a great game to pick up. Just have your strategy ready before every fight, for real.
I wish this game had a single player campaign after you complete your ARMS content. Take Master Mummy. You complete all the in-game challenges. They could create a hero, or villain campaign, in the vein of a light adventure. For example, Master Mummy decides he wants to be this villain character. He can go through an ARMS world and help criminals commit crimes, battle heroes who try to stop him, and help create some great evil plan to take over the world. I just would enjoy the arms ability outside of ring. ARMS is a great game to pick up. Just have your strategy ready before every fight, for real.
