ARMS Keeps On Swinging Thanks To A Group Of Dedicated Fans

ARMS is completely underappreciated. Coming from someone who normally dislikes fighting games, I seriously enjoy ARMS!
Now if only I could find more time to play it...

I really cannot decide if it's for me or not? Does anyone play it just pro controller or handheld? Can't be bothered with motion controls of any kind these days. Does it play ok controller wise?

@Lukeim64 Most people use controller, and it works like a charm You don't really get much advantage by playing Motion.

You should totally rebind your buttons though. Default has L3 as guard, so most players just rebind that to either L or R

As a fighting game, it's a tour-de-force as far as market penetration is concerned (this isn't the 90s*). Believing it has to move Mario Kart numbers to be relevant and/or a success is a pretty massive fallacy.

*Which, having been there as an adult, was a mixed blessing, mainly because it became so all-encompassing that it basically 'destroyed' the NeoGeo platform (for those of us that actually grew up in arcades, it was a nightmare of sorts).

Maybe I would be better at this game if I played without motion controls. I haven't touched the game since it came out.

@Wolfy76700 Really? Most people use a controller? That's a shame. The motion controls seem like the lifeblood of the game...

I only use the controller, have to say I love this game, easy to get into and so much fun to play, having just checked, I have more hours on this than Zelda and I am so not a fighting game fan

I think it’s a fantastic game and a lot more can be done and added with the characters and engine.

It is my favourite fighting game of 2017 so every time I get an excuse, there I go throw some punches.

This makes me want to play more ARMS.

@NinjaAceTrainer Well if you're thinking that, you're being misguided.

The lifeblood of the game is its deep and intricate gameplay, its various modes and its very un-Nintendo-like online structure (Lobbies? Ranked Battles? Spectator Mode?)

More seriously, it's all mindgames and mixups and getting to read and outplay your opponent, learning how to punish accordingly, how to use the stage to your advantage... It is as deep a game as you want it to be, just like Smash Bros. or Tekken.

Love arms definatly a top game! Would possible say in my top 4 on switch!

Oh, if I only had a switch...

Just too many fish in the Switch pond. If this had launched on Wii U, it would have been loved much more (Since there isnt much on Wii U) but we've been spoiled by Nintendo, 3rd party and indies on Switch.

Good game, but I have no time to 100% it. At this rate, I can only really beat games then complete them the way the Switch is going...

I want the competitive scene to grow, because it’s interesting seeing people master a game and push it to its limits as far as skill. Also I’m dying for a Tier list.

I'd read that Kotaku article already. Interesting how ARMS has obviously really clicked with some people. I kind of want it, but I doubt I'd put in enough hours to get my money's worth. If it had been the same price as Ultra SFII, around £30, I might have gone it instead. Now, I don't know. Looks cool, though.

@NinjaAceTrainer the lifeblood of this game is NOT a gimmick. Motion controls are certainly novel in this case (they admittedly work better than motion controls in most games), but this would have no future as a franchise if it relied on motion controls, they don’t have a lasting power. Fighting games take a lot of practice and motion controls cause fatigue. If this wants to become a series that gets taken seriously as an e-Sport it can’t rely on that, players need to practice for extended periods.

Don’t get me wrong, the motion controls are fun and there are a couple strats you can pull off with them, but almost everything can also be controlled via buttons and the buttons are more precise. I turn on motion controls to goof around but if I seriously want to do some tough matches I’m thankful buttons are an option.

@Lukeim64 I’d say buttons are superior here. They’re more precise and I think all they miss out on are curving arms individually... but the benefits outweigh that. Most competitive players use the buttons and the controls are really tight, if anything you’re missing out if you stick to motion, I mean the motion works great but it’s not perfect and when it misreads movement that really stinks.

@StupidName64 there’s tier lists, do a few quick searches online. There’s been a few patches since I last checked so anything I say would be inaccurate.

I keep meaning to come back to this, haven't played since Max Brass was added. I hope I don’t have trouble finding matches now. I really want this to become a series, I never have enjoyed a fighting game this much (aside from Smash but that’s due to all the familiar faces and the more casual gameplay of items and crazy levels).

Me still playing ARMS frequently.
Springman, Max Brass, Ribbon Girl, Twintelle are my favorite characters.

Well....
If only 3rd party developers can make proper Classic Boxing games like during PS1 / PS2 / Wii era, i'm sure i will pay attention as long there is a Cartoonish Boxing games with Power Up meter and Cool looking shirtless male boxers + Customization.

I am fairly sure it has sold nearly as many units as Street Fighter 5 and probably more than MvC Infinite. A lot of people act like this is a niche game struggling for a userbase but in the actual fighting game market scale it has been a massive success.

PS I dont even own the game yet!

I never could get into it. The game constantly kicked kicked my butt

Isn't low attendance to be expected of a brand-new fighting game? Developing a scene never happens overnight.

Dedication from the fans is all that is needed for that to happen. It's all Smash Bros. (Melee) needed, not once getting sponsorship to help, yet look at it now.

This game needs another review. The game is almost nothing like how it was on release, the roster is up 50% and have a lot more features now. As it seems to be the last major content update, I think it's time for a revisit.

For myself, it's my most played game clocking at 500 hours at least and have been playing competitively (I'm in top 100 in leaderboard). I enjoyed the game a lot and this year, I'm going to start supporting the competitive scene even more, especially in Asia and Australia.

@Matthew010 Yeah, I couldn't agree more. Over the decades, there were less than a handful of fighting games that really appealed to me (think like way back when with games like Bushido Blade). Still, ARMS really drew me in right away, like few other fighting games ever before. It's easy enough to grasp what's going on, although it takes some time to really master it, but most importantly, it's all about mastering the game itself. It's decidedly NOT about mastering the controls or any kind of combo-list or anything else like it.

It was actually a major part of what compelled me to get the Switch that early on - at least as much as Zelda, and more so even than Splatoon, if you can believe it ^^

I haven't played it in a while though. First, all my time was consumed by Zelda, and now, I'm still going at with Xenoblade ... too many great games, to little spare time =(

ARMS is a fighting game made by geniuses. It is smart, deep and great to watch as well as play. If Street Fighter is great fast food, ARMS is gourmet.

People keep trying to prop this up because it is from Nintendo - but it is just a meh fighting game at best.

Hopefully with the popularity of the Switch we will get some exciting fighting games from 3rd party in 2018.

@Agramonte Please tell what fighting game is like Arms and Wii boxing doesn't count

I'm still playing this pretty regularly online and with my daughter in local play. It's tons of fun, and I'm glad that a community is forming around it even if I lack the skills or the drive to get competitively good at it. It's still one of my favorite Switch games and my #1 local multiplayer game.

A lot of people seem to feel like it bombed. I don't think that's true. From what I understand, it did pretty good numbers considering it's a brand new fighting game IP. That's an uphill battle all the way, but ARMS lobbies are still pretty busy no matter when you log in.

@ShadJV I’ve seen those, but most of them seem to be made before any tournaments (some even before launch) and don’t include the new characters, so I just disregard those.

I keep jumping back in and then before I know it have spent 3 to 4hrs playing. Probably play it more if some of my mates had bought it. This is one IP which I love and hope they make a 2nd one.

As great as it is I always feel like there is something missing. Motion controls were great for punching but not so hot for moving around the stage. They also seemed to discourage people from trying the game which is a huge shame.

Wasnt really sure about Arms at first had some fun in Grand Prix and enjoyed getting to grips with the mechanics but when my wife started playing the game became ten times better. She's always enjoyed watching me play and the occasional platformer but this and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe are the first games we've really been able to play together were she can play and enjoy while still being competitive. The Switch has really helped her get more in to my gaming hobby and it's nice to be able to share that with her. As for motion controls I don't use them but my four year old daughter does for this and MK8D and shes doing really well. I applaude Nintendo for making some titles really accessible for wives/children without compromising gameplay for seasoned gamers.

@Wolfy76700 It’s unfortunate that so many people think of it as just a motion control game. The game is superbly designed and probably was the 3rd best Nintendo game of 2017.

Personally, I prefer to play the game standing up and using motion controls. I think that is the most natural way to play it. Using motion controls while sitting down is a little awkward.

@Videogameguru50 No idea where you going with that - there is a reason for it. The formula did not really work - there is no reason to repeat it elsewhere.

The switch needs other options - not more ARMS.

@bliquid couldn't recommend it enough for guys in our situation. Enjoy!!

ARMS is arguably the best fighting game ever made. Tight, deep controls and fighting mechanics, totally unique style and game play, cooperative local and online play with up to 4 players, basketball and volley ball mixed into the fights... there's nothing else like it. I've clocked over 100 hours of game play and still go back almost every day.

This coming from a huge fan of all the classic fighting games, MK, SF, Injustice, KoF, SS, UFC, etc. ARMS stands alongside the best of the best. If you don't grok this then you probably haven't played it enough.

K

@bluemage1989 That's the greatest thing about ARMS. It's easy for a complete gaming novice to pick up, and one of the best games ever for local multiplayer. All you need is for one other person in your immediate circle to get into it, and the game takes on a whole new personality.

@Lukeim64 It's great with a pro or handheld. I prefer it, but I can totally see that learning the motion controls would give one an advantage. On the flip side of that, most of the people I encounter online rely on grabs....still... Not motion controls, it's rare that I get a good player that uses them.

@Wolfy76700 I agree with everything you said. My only gripe is that the over abundance of stage gimmicks like columns and moving stuff IMO detract from being a pure skill-based fighting game. I seriously hate Ribbon girl's stage

I'm still playing Arms. Not sure why some are salty. Though this past week I've discovered Stardew Valley & have been playing that nonstop.

I'm still playing this gem of game, especially the Party Crashes. Gotta get those badges.

I still play regularly, especially during the Party Clash events. I’ve got just about all the arms unlocked for every fighter, too. I only need a few more for Misango and Dr. Coyle.

Arms is a million dollar seller and that is real good. I actually played it more that ultra streetfighter 2 and my kof 98-2000

@Ralek85 Yeah, I'm playing Odyssey, Sonic Forces, Mario + Rabbids, FE Warriors, Snipperclips plus, but need to make time for ARMS

Make it 30$ I'll buy!

@BensonUii o/

@JasmineDragon absoloutly a fine example of accessiblity done right.

I love the local multiplayer but do wish the single player Grand Prix had a little more story. I don't know if I missed anything out of game but we don't know much about the characters. A few cut scenes here and there per character to give them some depth might have helped and made the Arms world a bit more characterful.

The game looks amazing, although I don't really like fighters. Probably not buying it since there isn't a story mode. I don't have a lot of time for another multiplayer game (too busy with Overwatch).

@nab1 I mean, the problem is less so the true gimmicky stages like Ribbon Ring, Cinema Deux or [NAME REDACTED] and more so the fact that they appear in Ranked (Thank God they at least removed Snake Park) Gimmicky stages can be a lot of fun in a casual environment.

Hence why the community (Or at least the occidental community, that is not influenced by Nintendo) narrows the stage list to somewhere between 5 and 7 stages, just like in Smash Bros.

@NinjaAceTrainer "The motion controls seem like the lifeblood of the game..."

Which is exactly why it wasn't more successful than it is.

@AlexOlney OPINIONS!

ARMS is something I'm really looking forward to playing.

Though I'm waiting for a bit to see if all the updates will be included on future cartridge print runs.

@Matthew010 I'm also "supposed to" play Nier Automata, Persona 5, Cuphead and Forza Horizon 2 - "supposed to" ... as in I've bought the games, and I want to play them.

@ShadJV @Wolfy76700 Ok, sure, I understand that the game is good with buttons (used buttons for a while during the testpunch) but I personally felt that the motion controls were a perfect fit for the game, which complemented a good concept, and game, and because of how well they fit the game, I felt that they were integral to the experience. If you disagree, that's fine, each to their own.

@aesc PSA - It's a pretty widespread term, actually, and it goes back decades, but only became rampant as popular slang in the last couple of years. Salt=tears, so salty means bitter, angry, and/or disappointed.

@Ralek85 I have bought LEGO Worlds, too, but really think I prefer Minecraft, even if people do call it a "kids" game.

@NinjaAceTrainer I haven't been to any competitions, but I know many who prefer motion (myself included). It boils down to preference; there's a bit of an edge for character manoeuvring with pro (which is still fine with motion with practice), but the curving of punches - especially the more curvy ones - is much better on the joy cons (for me at least)

@Matthew010 To be fair, "kids' game" is something that most of Nintendo's output gets defamed for at one time or another. Although, I tried a handful of Lego games, and I have to admit that I found them quite dull, to the point where I'd say that they are probably great for younger kids, but ... not much else.

it was kinda fun and what I played during the test beta thing was pretty cool. I just don't see myself play for very long afterwards. Good on them though.

Just got this a week ago. I finally figured it out, lol. I was punching with elbows at my side and couldn’t connect. I finally raised my fists higher to align them with my line-of-sight and started aiming at the opponent on the screen rather than just punching air. I’m really impressed with the accuracy of the motion controls and how natural it feels. Really cool, it takes some self-discipline to coordinate yourself and gives quite a workout. I still need more discipline and control when it comes to blocking. I keep imputing the wrong gesture inadvertently and getting left wide open during an opponents special pops off.

@Wolfy76700 @nab1
I like those sorts of stages in competitive. They add extra strategies that are available to both players.

ARMS is a really good game, but i got the impression, that there are not that many people playing it online in ranked mode. I tend to get the same 6-10 opponents quite a lot lately ...

It's a fun game, but there just wasn't enough there for me. A simple fighter with no context or story (or story mode) just lacks the appeal to me. I am not really a big fan of fighting games, this is only interesting to me to pick up and play with a friend on occasion.

I was pulled in by creative and colorful characters, but I can barely remember any of them because they have no development at all.

I like playing it with motion controls, though most of my friends tend to prefer controller. My friends don't play too often with me so I haven't played in a while, but I had fun recently playing with a new friend at new year's and playing online

@Ralek85 I agree, except for LEGO City Undercover, which is actually above average for a LEGO game.

@Heavyarms55 The "story" mode was definitely the most disappointing aspect of the game, no doubt that. It was obvious the game was rushed as far as the content goes. Still, the mechanics, presentation and smooth online (so it's not that Nintendo is incapable, they are just mostly unwilling ...) were enough for me to have a good time with the game.

Having said that, I would definitely like to know more about those characters. Seeing as the game is 3D, there is plenty of potential here to make a really compelling story mode in ARMS 2, way beyond just having a basic 1-on-1 fight, followed by some cutscene, followed by another basic 1-on-1 fight - and so on and so forth.

As far as the characters go, I would still love a Min-Min amiibo. I just really liked that character.