Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch Version Review: A New Height for Fighting Games, A New Handheld Experience

Hello everyone, I'm Lao Wang, a player with over ten years of fighting game experience. Today, we're going to talk about Guilty Gear -Strive-, the acclaimed fighting game that has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch platform. As a seasoned fighting game enthusiast, I can't wait to share my comprehensive review of the Switch version of Guilty Gear -Strive- with you. We will delve into the game's performance on the handheld, analyze its advantages and disadvantages, and compare it with versions on other platforms.

1. Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch Version: A Highly Anticipated Port

Since its release, Guilty Gear -Strive- has won the love of players worldwide for its exquisite graphics, unique character design, and deep fighting system. It not only inherits the traditions of the Guilty Gear series but also innovates in many ways, making it a shining star in the fighting game genre. Now, this game has finally come to the Nintendo Switch platform, which is undoubtedly exciting news for players who like to enjoy fighting games anytime, anywhere.

When porting to the Nintendo Switch platform, the most concerning issue is performance. After all, there is a gap between the Nintendo Switch's hardware capabilities and those of PC and PS platforms. So, how does Guilty Gear -Strive- perform on the Switch? Let's take a closer look.

2. Visual Presentation: Compromises and Optimizations in Visual Effects

There is no doubt that Guilty Gear -Strive- is a very beautiful game in terms of graphics. However, in order to run smoothly on the Nintendo Switch, the developer had to make some compromises. In the Switch version, the resolution has been reduced and the texture details have also been simplified. Compared to the PC and PS platform versions, the Switch version's graphic details are obviously lacking. This difference is even more apparent in TV mode.

However, the developers have also made great efforts in optimization. They retained the game's art style and colors as much as possible and adjusted the lighting effects, making the Switch version still visually appealing. In handheld mode, the lack of graphic details is masked to some extent due to the smaller screen size, making the overall viewing experience acceptable.

If you are looking forward to the future Nintendo Switch 2, the visual performance is expected to have a qualitative leap. After all, with the improvement of hardware performance, developers can more easily port high-quality games to Nintendo's handheld. There are also rumors that Nintendo will launch an upgrade service for older users after the release of Nintendo Switch 2 to enhance the graphics processing capabilities of the old consoles.

3. Control Feel: Still Smooth, But Requires Adaptation

The control feel of Guilty Gear -Strive- is very important, especially in this fast-paced fighting game. The Switch version's Joy-Con controllers differ from traditional arcade sticks in terms of button layout and feel, which requires players to take some time to adapt. However, once you are familiar with the controls, the Switch version's control feel is still quite good.

Of course, if you are not satisfied with the feel of the Joy-Con controllers, you can also consider purchasing a Pro controller. The Pro controller has a more comfortable grip and better button feedback, which can enhance the gaming experience. If you are a fighting game enthusiast, the Pro controller is definitely a must-have accessory for the Switch.

For players who pursue the ultimate control experience, perhaps they can look forward to the new Joy-Con controllers of the Nintendo Switch 2, whether they can be closer to the arcade stick in terms of feel. After all, control feel is crucial for fighting games.

4. Game Content: Complete Port, Full of Sincerity

In terms of game content, the Switch version of Guilty Gear -Strive- almost completely ports the content of other platforms. Including single-player mode, multiplayer mode, story mode, practice mode, and so on, everything is available. This means that you can experience almost the same game content as other platform versions on the Switch, including all characters and DLC.

For players who like single-player mode, the story mode of Guilty Gear -Strive- is definitely not to be missed. It tells the story of the Guilty Gear series in the form of animation, which is very engaging. The practice mode can help you familiarize yourself with the characters' moves and combos, and improve your fighting skills.

5. Performance: Smooth Operation, But There Are Fluctuations

In terms of performance, the Switch version of Guilty Gear -Strive- is generally satisfactory. In most cases, the game can run at a stable 30 frames per second. However, in some complex scenes or when there are more special effects, the frame rate may drop. Especially during multiplayer battles, frame rate fluctuations may have a certain impact on the gaming experience.

Although frame rate fluctuations are inevitable, the developer has tried its best to optimize the game, so that the Switch version can maintain smooth operation overall. If you are very sensitive to frame rates, it is recommended to play the game in handheld mode, because the resolution of handheld mode is lower and the performance requirements are relatively lower.

Considering the potential performance improvements of the Nintendo Switch 2, games ported to that platform in the future should perform even better. We can look forward to experiencing a smoother and more stable Guilty Gear -Strive- on the Nintendo Switch 2.

6. Sound Effects: Authentic, Still Shocking

The music and sound effects of Guilty Gear -Strive- are one of its highlights. The Switch version basically maintains the original sound effects. The fierce battles combined with the explosive rock music make people feel excited. You can choose to use headphones to get a better sound effect experience and immerse yourself in the world of fighting games.

Of course, if you use TV mode, it is recommended to connect speakers or headphones to get the best sound effect. After all, the music of Guilty Gear -Strive- is definitely worth listening to carefully.

7. Online Battles: Stable Connection, Challenge Global Players

The online battle function of Guilty Gear -Strive- is very complete. The Switch version also inherits this advantage. You can conduct online battles with players from all over the world. During the testing process, I found that the Switch version's network connection is very stable and the latency is relatively low. Of course, the network environment has a great impact on the gaming experience. It is recommended to use a stable network connection to play the game.

For players who like challenges, online battles are the best stage to showcase their fighting skills. You can learn from players from all over the world and improve your skills.

8. Comparison with Other Versions: Each Has Its Own Strengths and Trade-offs

Compared with the PC and PS platform versions, the Switch version of Guilty Gear -Strive- has certain gaps in graphics and performance. This is due to the limitations of hardware capabilities. However, the biggest advantage of the Switch version is its portability. You can pick up the Switch and enjoy the fun of fighting games anytime, anywhere.

In addition, the price of the Switch version is also relatively low, which is a good choice for players with limited budgets. If you are looking for the ultimate graphics and performance, then the PC or PS platform is more suitable for you. If you value portability and price more, then the Switch version is definitely worth considering.

Regarding the future Nintendo Switch 2, perhaps it can better balance graphics, performance and portability, bringing players a more perfect fighting game experience. nintendo switch2 first look

9. Beginner's Guide: Get Started Quickly and Become a Fighting Expert

For novice players, Guilty Gear -Strive- may seem a bit complex. However, as long as you master some basic skills, you can quickly get started and enjoy the fun of fighting games.

• Familiarize yourself with basic operations: Mastering the character's movement, attack, defense and other basic operations is the first step to getting started.
• Learn the move list: Each character has a unique move list. Learning these moves allows you to better master the character's characteristics.
• Practice combos: Combos are the core skill of fighting games. Practicing combos can improve your output ability.
• Watch tutorial videos: There are many tutorial videos of Guilty Gear -Strive- online. Watching these videos can help you master the game skills faster.
• Participate in community communication: Joining the Guilty Gear -Strive- community and exchanging experiences with other players can help you improve your skills faster.

10. Advanced Techniques and Strategies: The Road to Advancement, Becoming a Fighting Master

After you have mastered the basic skills, you can start learning some advanced techniques and strategies and move towards the goal of becoming a fighting master.

• Spacing: Spacing refers to the technique of maintaining distance in battle and looking for opportunities to attack.
• Pressure: Pressure refers to the strategy of restricting the opponent's actions through continuous attacks, preventing them from counterattacking.
• Mix-up: Mix-up refers to the technique of making it difficult for the opponent to judge your attack method when attacking, thereby improving the hit rate.
• Resource management: There are various resources in Guilty Gear -Strive-, such as Tension Gauge, RISC Gauge, etc. Rationally using these resources can give you an advantage in battle.
• Character Matchups: There are character matchups between different characters. Understanding these matchups can help you choose the right character in battle.

11. Best Equipment and Skill Combinations: Create Your Exclusive Character

In Guilty Gear -Strive-, you can create your exclusive character by unlocking different equipment and skills. Different equipment and skill combinations can bring different effects. You can choose according to your game style.

For example, some equipment can increase the character's attack power, some equipment can increase the character's defense power, and some skills can increase the character's mobility. Choosing the right equipment and skills can make you more comfortable in battle.

12. Speedrun Skills and Hidden Elements: Explore More Fun of the Game

In addition to the regular game content, Guilty Gear -Strive- also hides many speedrun skills and hidden elements. Exploring these hidden elements can allow you to experience more fun of the game.

For example, you can quickly clear the story mode by mastering some specific skills. You can also unlock new characters and equipment by completing some hidden tasks.

13. Player Interaction and Question Answering

As a seasoned game player, I am very happy to interact with you and answer the questions you encounter in the game. If you have any questions about Guilty Gear -Strive-, please leave a message in the comment area, and I will try my best to answer them.

14. Game Recommendations and Purchase Suggestions

Overall, Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch version is a fighting game worth buying. It has exquisite graphics, unique character design and a deep fighting system. Although there are certain gaps in graphics and performance compared to the PC and PS platforms, its portability and lower price make it a good choice.

If you are a fighting game enthusiast or like to enjoy the fun of the game anytime, anywhere, then Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch version is definitely not to be missed.

For players with limited budgets, the Switch version is a very cost-effective choice. Of course, if you are looking for the ultimate graphics and performance, then the PC or PS platform is more suitable for you. You can pay attention to the price trend of the old version of Switch after nintendo switch2 price is released.

15. Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch Version Score

Considering the above factors comprehensively, I give the following score to the Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch version:

Overall Score: 8.5/10

• Advantages:
  • Completely ports the game content of other platforms.
  • Online battles are stable and smooth.
  • High portability, you can enjoy the fun of the game anytime, anywhere.
  • The price is relatively low.
• Disadvantages:
  • There are gaps in graphics and performance compared to the PC and PS platforms.
  • The control feel of the Joy-Con controller needs to be adapted.

Reference Score:

• IGN: 9/10 (Reference Link: https://www.ign.com/articles/guilty-gear-strive-review)
• Metacritic: 85/100 (Reference Link: https://www.metacritic.com/game/playstation-5/guilty-gear-strive)

Reason for Scoring: Guilty Gear -Strive- Switch version is an excellent fighting game. It successfully ported this acclaimed work to the handheld platform. Although there are certain compromises in graphics and performance, its complete content, stable online battles, and portability make it still have high value. Highly recommended to players who like fighting games.

Hope you like today's review. In the future, I will continue to bring you more game reviews and strategies about Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, so stay tuned! The nintendo switch2 compatibility is also very important, let's look forward to more news.