Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Vanguard Princess stands out in the crowded field of doujin fighters by placing an intense emphasis on its combo system. Each character boasts a wide array of normal attacks, special moves, and throws that can be strung together with precise timing. Rather than relying on flashy super moves alone, the game rewards players who master the art of linking attacks into seamless strings, allowing for temporary stuns or push‐backs that open up further follow‐ups. This mechanic evokes the strategic depth of classic 2D fighters, encouraging experimentation and practice to uncover each character’s most devastating sequences.

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Adding a unique layer to the standard one‐on‐one formula, Vanguard Princess implements a two‐on‐two battle system. Before each match, you select a main fighter and a support character who hovers at the edge of the screen. These support fighters can be called in with an Assist meter to extend combos, apply pressure, or create safe mix‐up opportunities. Managing both the Super meter (which unlocks the character’s Liberty Art) and the Assist meter becomes a key part of strategic play, as mistimed calls or wasted resources can leave you vulnerable at a critical moment.

Defense in Vanguard Princess is anything but passive. Blocking drains a Guard meter (dubbed “Calcium Break”), and if that meter depletes, your guard is broken, leaving you open for punishment. Meanwhile, taking too many consecutive hits fills a Stun meter that eventually forces your character into a helpless state. These systems keep matches dynamic and high‐stakes, since both offense and defense require careful meter management. Overall, the depth of the combo system combined with support mechanics makes every round feel tense and rewarding for those willing to invest time in learning its intricacies.

Graphics

The visual presentation of Vanguard Princess is a vibrant celebration of anime‐inspired artistry. Each of the ten playable characters is rendered in colorful, hand‐drawn sprites that capture personality with expressive poses and fluid animations. When characters perform their Liberty Arts, the screen bursts into a flurry of dynamic effects—flashing overlays, dramatic zooms, and bold color contrasts—that heighten the sense of impact and spectacle.

Background stages range from urban rooftops to laboratory interiors, each illustrated with enough detail to convey atmosphere without distracting from the action. Subtle animations—swaying neon lights, drifting clouds, or flickering computer screens—add life to the arenas. Combined with crisp sound effects and a spirited soundtrack, the presentation never feels static, keeping matches visually engaging from start to finish.

Performance is generally solid even when the screen is filled with simultaneous character actions and support calls. The Fighter Maker engine handles multiple onscreen elements with surprising smoothness, though extremely long combo sequences or high‐intensity Liberty Arts can occasionally push frame‐rates. Still, most players will find the balance of style and technical stability more than satisfactory, particularly given the game’s indie origins.

Story

At its core, Vanguard Princess weaves a sci‐fi revenge tale around the sole survivor of a mysterious plane crash. This young girl—subjected to government tests and deep personal trauma—awakens strange powers that eventually manifest in a select group of girls across the globe. Each Princess harbors her own motivations and backstory, from seeking justice to uncovering the truth behind the fatal incident.

Players can explore these narratives through the game’s Story mode, which features brief cutscenes before and after key battles. While the dialogue and art remain economical, they effectively establish each character’s emotional stakes and foster a sense of progression. Three difficulty levels ensure that newcomers can enjoy the unfolding drama without feeling overwhelmed, while veterans can tackle higher settings for tougher fights.

Though not the primary focus, the story adds flavor and context to the fierce combat. Unlocking each girl’s ending provides a modest reward loop, motivating players to revisit Story mode with different teams. Fans of character‐driven plots will appreciate the opportunity to learn about the science experimentation behind the powers and how it binds these heroines together in the ultimate showdown.

Overall Experience

Vanguard Princess delivers a surprisingly deep and polished fighting experience considering its indie roots. The learning curve is steep—particularly if you aim to master advanced combos and support techniques—but the payoff is immense. Each match feels like a chess match in motion, where meter management, spacing, and timing converge into high‐octane skirmishes that can turn on a single well‐placed move.

Local versus play is smooth and immediate, making it ideal for couch co‐op or friendly rivalries. For those seeking online competition, the integration with LunaPort opens up a worldwide player base, though setting it up can require a bit of technical know‐how. Regardless of how you choose to play, the robust character roster and varied support pairings ensure nearly endless strategic possibilities.

In the end, Vanguard Princess is a labor of love that punches well above its weight class. Its distinctive combo system, striking visuals, and character‐driven story make it a standout title for aficionados of 2D fighters. Whether you’re drawn by the anime aesthetics or hungry for a deep, skill‐based brawler, this game earns its place in any fighting‐game enthusiast’s library.

Retro Replay Score

null/10