Rivals of Aether

Unleashing the Raging Storm
Rivals of Aether is a symphony of chaos, a dance where every blow sings its own brutal melody. The game, like a cyclone, pulls you in with its swirling mechanics borrowed and refined from the brawler legacy of Super Smash Bros. Melee. Here, damage is a ticking clock, a percentage that measures how far you'll fly when the next hit lands. Each clash on the platform is a promise of explosive momentum, a testament to the game's mastery of kinetic violence.
Diverse Arsenal of Mayhem
The character roster is a gallery of unique warriors, each with their own palette of moves that demand respect and study. From agile strikes to earth-shaking slams, every fighter in Rivals of Aether brings a different rhythm to the battlefield. The absence of a traditional shield adds a layer of tension, inviting players to time their parries perfectly or face the dire consequences of a misstep. The game thrives on this diversity, ensuring that no two matches ever feel the same.
The Symphony of Battle
Combat in Rivals of Aether is a rush of adrenaline, each strike a note in the symphony of battle. The fluidity of movement and the precision required for success mirror the best of competitive fighting games. However, beneath the beauty of its chaos lies the stark reality of its competitive focus. The steep learning curve can be daunting, a mountain of mastery that casual players might find too perilous to climb. Yet, for those who embrace the challenge, the rewards are nothing short of exhilarating.
The Competitive Edge
Rivals of Aether has carved a niche in the competitive scene, a testament to its carefully balanced mechanics and strategic depth. Every stage, every character has been meticulously crafted for high-stakes play, a playground where only the skilled can thrive. Yet, this focus on competition might leave those seeking a more casual co-op experience wanting. The absence of a broader range of content could be a deterrent for some, but for the dedicated, it is a feature, not a flaw.
A Call to Arms
In the end, Rivals of Aether stands as both a love letter to the past and a bold step towards the future of platform fighters. It is a game that demands your attention, rewarding those willing to invest their time with the thrill of the fight. If you revel in the dance of combat, if the clashing of fists and the strategy of the battlefield call to you, then Rivals of Aether is your arena. Step into the ring and embrace the chaos.
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Latest News
- Hotfix Patchnotes 1.2.3.1
GENERAL Babydash cooldown is now reapplied if you try to perform a babydash while it's on cooldown. Babydash cooldown is now reapplied if you perform a dash dance while the cooldown is already active. These changes prevent certain control schemes from bypassing the babydash cooldown, while keeping the functionality unchanged in most normal situations Babydash cooldown is now applied if you perform a backwards dash out of a pivot (i.e. Dash right, press left for 1 frame, then press right again to start a new dash) This action allowed players bypass the new 7 frame babydash cooldown without even starting a dash in the opposite direction MAYPUL Wrapped opponents will now have their ECB bottom frozen The addition of dynamic ECBs made it impossible to floorhug while wrapped, so we're fixing tha...
- Patch 1.2.3 Notes and May Mid-Month Update
We talked to the weatherman and it seems that Spring is here to stay… at least for a little while longer. Our mid-month skin for May is the brand new, (earthy?) take on the Fire Prince, Dandelion Zetterburn. Full disclosure, we think maybe he saw the lion part of the word and signed up for the job without reading the full terms & conditions… BUT hey! He’s here and he looks GREAT so let’s see what he’s got! Dandelion Zetterburn | May Mid-Month Bundle See the Fire's Roar get flowery with the latest bundle that includes the Dandelion Zetterburn skin, emote, icon, and the Dandypoof Death Effect. Bundle also includes 25,000 coins and 250 Aether bucks. This Epic level skin also features brand new custom themed SFX and VFX, including a custom sound for Flame Puddle, custom Fiery Grass hits, and a...
- Hotfix Patch 1.2.2.2
We've pushed a few small hotfixes since May 6th to this patch primarily focused on performance and menus. Those changes are collectively as followed: Miscellaneous localization UI tweaks. Etalus HUD offset fixes. Extra players no longer show up briefly in match results. Fixed a crash when tabbing out in Training Mode. Fixed a bug that would prevent inputs from being processed after quitting out of a replay. Fixed purple husky Fleet's empowered bow color The Frame Advance button was added back to the Replay pause menu (1.2.2.1). Fixed a bug that allowed Maypul to cancel a failed pummel into an Up Special (1.2.2.1). Fixed a bug that prevented Olympia from performing Gem Dash if the Special input was buffered more than 2 frames ago with a neutral joystick (1.2.2.1). Fixed a bug that allowed O...
Final Verdict
Rivals of Aether is a battlefield for the bold, a canvas where fighters paint their stories with fists and fury. It is a must-play for competitive enthusiasts who crave depth and challenge in their brawling experience.
Strengths
- Diverse and balanced character roster.
- Intense and rewarding combat mechanics.
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve for newcomers.
- Limited content for casual players.
Editorial Review

Rivals of Aether is a testament to the elegance of combat flow and timing. Each move is a brushstroke on the canvas of battle, where mastery is rewarded with the grace of a well-executed combo.

It's like stepping into a time machine and landing in the golden age of fighters—minus the CRT glow. The game's got that tight, competitive feel, but sometimes, I just miss the old-school charm.

This game is a wild ride! Rivals of Aether is all about the hype, the energy, the thrill of landing that perfect hit. Sure, it's tough, but that's what makes every victory taste so sweet!

Rivals of Aether stands as a meticulous study in balance and precision. The depth of its mechanics will challenge and satisfy those who appreciate the art of strategic combat.
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About the author

JoyReaper
They call me JoyReaper. I’m here for the crash of bones, the neon blood, the sweet sting of a failed parry. Violence, when honest, is beautiful.