Kill la Kill: If
A 3D fighting game with an alternate Kill la Kill story.
Kill la Kill: If is a 3D fighting game based on the Kill la Kill anime series, released in July 2019. Developed by A+ Games with Arc System Works and studio Trigger, it features a "What if?" storyline centered on Satsuki Kiryuin. The game received mixed reviews from critics.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- A+ Games
- Publisher
- JP/NA
- Arc System Works
- EU
- PQube
- Platforms
- PlayStation 4
- Nintendo Switch
- Windows
- Genre
- Fighting
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
- Release
- July 25, 2019 (JP); July 26, 2019 (WW)
- Director
- Hideaki Mizota
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
Combat in Kill la Kill: If revolves around short-range attacks, long-range attacks, and guard break attacks, supplemented by movement options and special attacks. Players can roam freely around the arena and perform an air dash toward the opponent. Dodging and guarding create a rock-paper-scissors dynamic: blocks stop attacks, guard breaks beat guards, and dodges avoid guard breaks. Special attacks require charging a special gauge through dealing or taking damage, and trigger a short cutscene animation. The base roster includes eight characters: Ryuko Matoi, Satsuki Kiryuin, Nonon Jakuzure, Ira Gamagoori, Houka Inumuta, Uzu Sanageyama, Nui Harime, and Ragyo Kiryuin. Two additional characters, Nudist Beach D.T.R. and Mako Mankanshoku, were added via free updates. Each character has a unique fighting style based on the core move set. For example, Gamagoori has a damage gauge that charges when taking damage in a special form, and can switch forms to replace his long-range attack. Inumuta's long-range attacks charge an analysis gauge that increases break attack damage or cancels opponent specials. Modes include story mode, local versus, online versus, practice modes, and challenge modes. Only story mode is initially playable; others unlock after the first few chapters. Story mode features 1v1 duels, three-way battles, and one vs. many brawls against Cover enemies. Versus modes are 1v1 duels.
Story
The story presents an original alternate version of the anime plot, written under the supervision of anime scenario writer Kazuki Nakashima. It splits into two chapters branching from the eighth episode of the anime. The first chapter follows a "What if?" storyline with Satsuki Kiryuin as protagonist instead of Ryuko Matoi. The second chapter follows Ryuko, exploring further alternate scenarios.
Development
The idea for a Kill la Kill fighting game originated when an Arc System Works producer tweeted about enjoying the show, leading to a meeting with the rights holder. The project stalled as Arc System Works worked on other projects, but a second meeting roughly a year later brought in A+ Games, who had previously worked with Trigger on Little Witch Academia: Chamber of Time. Mizota noted that working with both Arc System Works and Trigger was about 100 times more difficult than Little Witch Academia, with Trigger requesting highly detailed changes. The first announcement occurred on June 16, 2018, following a countdown website by Trigger. More details, including a trailer, were revealed at Anime Expo in July 2018. The final release date was announced on March 20, 2019.
Reception
The Nintendo Switch version received "mixed or average" reviews on Metacritic. Critics praised the visual style and animations, with IGN's Mike Epstein noting an elegant cel-shaded artstyle and animation that feels like watching an anime. However, the fighting mechanics were commonly criticized for lacking depth. Nintendo Life's Lewis White called it one of the weakest fighters in some time, especially compared to Arc System Works' other fighting games. Additional criticism targeted the lack of content, including a short story mode, small character roster, and few arenas. Reviewers also noted camera problems during group battles in story mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who published Kill la Kill: If?
Kill la Kill: If was published by JP/NA, Arc System Works, EU and PQube.
When was Kill la Kill: If released?
Kill la Kill: If was released on July 25, 2019 in Japan and on July 26, 2019 in worldwide.
What platforms is Kill la Kill: If available on?
Kill la Kill: If was released for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Windows.
Who directed Kill la Kill: If?
Kill la Kill: If was directed by Hideaki Mizota.
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