Simplicity is a term usually not associated with fighting games. The modern fighter dives deep into versatile characters and complicated combos, allowing for competitive gameplay across the board. While this type of gameplay creates a competitive community, the old feel of classic arcade fighters with three buttons and one joystick has been lost.
“Dive Kick” has brought back the feel of classic fighting games. With only two buttons and a focus on timing, the one-on-one fighting feels more organic than modern fighters, taking out a focus on constant combos. One-hit knockouts in matches allow short round times, and the art style feels like a classic two-dimensional, side-scrolling fighter with smooth movement with a great art style to pull it together.
The real character of the game comes from the humor. Each character plays on characters from well-known fighting games with a satirical twist. The voice acting matches each persona believably, and the banter between players in the ring is organic and hilarious. Many subtle nods at classic fighters are found in the backgrounds and environments.
“Dive Kick” is the kind of game to sit down with a couple of friends and make a night of. The well-oiled gameplay and the perfectly-timed humor is well worth a play from veteran fighting gamers to ones who have never picked one up in their life. “Dive Kick” is currently available for PC and soon for all current consoles.

lkenney@mavs.coloradomesa.edu