The anticipation has been building for five years, and the moment has finally arrived. The highly anticipated sequel to a doujin fighting game that first made waves on Windows PC in the early 2000s, Axel City 2, is set to unleash its action-packed battles in arcades thanks to the exA-Arcadia platform. This announcement has ignited excitement within the gaming community, with fans eager to delve into the intricate world of hand-drawn art and intense combat. With that said, let’s delve into what makes Axel City 2 an essential addition to the world of arcade gaming in this article.
But first off, an introduction to exA-Arcadia, for those who might be unfamiliar with the platform.
What is exA-Arcadia?
ExA-Arcadia is a company that primarily focuses on developing arcade hardware, with their principle platform operating like the classic Neo Geo MVS by SNK. The system board was designed to be installed into existing arcade cabinets (JAMMA or JVS style), with the company also offering their own ARC-1 cabinet. This and any exA system is designed to be modular, allowing operators the freedom to setup the monitor and control panel to their liking, while also being able to swap out games by changing cartridges. An exA board supports up to four games at one time.
For the software side, they develop and publish a variety of games which come from genres that used to be common in arcade venues. These include shoot ‘em ups (i.e. “shmups”), fighting games, platformers, and retro style action titles.
Consider this system like the arcade equivalent of a home console—you have a system with hardware capable of playing many different games, and then you have game cartridges that you can swap in and out to gain access to this varied game library. It’s also one of the most affordable options currently available in the arcade industry! Thanks to the new games that are constantly being released for this platform, there’s no shortage of fun to be had in the exA-Arcadia.
But with that being said, let’s talk about Axel City 2!
A Seamless Blend of Nostalgia and Innovation
Axel City 2 boasts a legacy that stretches back to its predecessor’s humble beginnings. Enthusiasts of the original game will revel in the continuation of the saga, while newcomers are in for a treat as they explore the vibrant world of 1v1 combat. This sequel, designed exclusively for the exA-Arcadia platform, embraces the charm of hand-drawn artwork and introduces a diverse cast of 40 fighters, each harboring their own gripping story and unique fighting style. And while we know story isn’t really the strong suit in most fighting games, the variety that this large roster affords us is more than enough to make this a standout title among arcade fighting games.
A Glimpse into the Gameplay
And speaking of fighter variety, the heart of Axel City 2 lies within its dynamic gameplay. With a captivating blend of “Grapplers, Zoners, and Hard Hitters,” players can immerse themselves in battles that transcend mere moves and combos. The game’s fully voiced characters inject anime-style drama into the experience, making the journey through Arcade Mode an engaging narrative in itself. However, the fun doesn’t stop in Arcade Mode, as there are also other game styles including Fighting Mode, where you can jump in and take on the challenge of overcoming 25 CPU-controlled foes, all while unraveling the intricate tales of the fighters.
Precision Perfected
One of the defining aspects of Axel City 2 is its commitment to seamless gameplay. The exA-Arcadia platform’s sub-1-frame response times ensure that every move, combo, and counter is executed with the utmost precision. This technological feat guarantees that players will never miss a combo or the opportunity to unleash a punishing blow, creating a gameplay experience that’s as exhilarating as it is immersive. Or at the very least, if you do miss a combo, you won’t be able to blame it on the sub-par controls!
A Multitude of Modes
Axel City 2 caters to a wide spectrum of players with its array of gameplay modes. Immerse yourself in the Story, Fighting, or Training modes to sharpen your skills and uncover the depths of each fighter’s journey. For those seeking a true test of skill, the Challenge mode pits two players against each other in an intense showdown. Brace yourself for the ultimate challenge as you face the intensity of the Fighting mode, tailored exclusively for the most dedicated arcade enthusiasts.
A Unique Vertically-Oriented Experience
One distinctive feature that sets Axel City 2 apart is its compatibility with TATE (Vertical orientation) mode. This mode enhances the immersion factor, allowing players to engage in battles that take full advantage of the vertical screen orientation. This innovation further showcases the commitment of exA-Arcadia to enhancing the arcade gaming experience.
As the gaming community celebrates the release of Axel City 2 on the exA-Arcadia platform, the excitement is palpable. The game’s blend of nostalgic charm, innovative gameplay, and unparalleled precision presents an arcade experience like no other. With a diverse roster, captivating narrative, and an unwavering dedication to excellence, Axel City 2 has emerged as a formidable addition to the exA-Arcadia library.
Thanks for reading! Here at PrimeTime Amusements, we like to keep ahead of the curve in arcade game rental and sales and pride ourselves in providing the best service in the country. If you’re looking for a game in particular, or have a few questions about the industry, feel free to give us a call at 1.800.550.0090 or to swing by at 5300 Powerline Rd. Suite 210, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, 33309.