The Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 has been launched just two years after the original and it feels nothing less than a miracle, given how good it is. Fair Play Labs decided to launch another Nickelodeon-based platform fighter and the developer has succeeded in taking a huge leap forward, as it boasts more vibrant character, a polished feel and the Slime meter. It takes you a few minutes to get used to it, but you will not be able to put it down.
The improvements
The most incredible part of the All-Star Brawl 2 is that it has managed to address every complaint and frustration that people had with the first one that was introduced in 2021. Multiple mechanics have been revamped, which leads to more fleshed out and deeper combos. The animations have been improved and sound design has also gotten a boost, so the hits feel more satisfying and substantial.
In addition, you will see a better balance between precision and speed where movement is concerned. But, the most exciting improvement of all is the great cast of characters that have been updated. They have better cartoony models and the voice lines are also well-acted, all of which helps them shine. All-Star Brawl 2 also wields nostalgia, as each animation of characters and their attack is a clear reference to something from the original show.
The diverse cast
One of the best things about the All-Star Brawl 2 is that each of the 26 characters has something interesting and unique to offer. Such a diverse cast is capable of taking a fighting game to the next level and this is exactly what has been accomplished here. Now a puppet character, Zim is able to control Gir with better accuracy, Plankton has become a weird combination of a zoner and grappler, while the Angry Beavers now work like a team of 2D fighters instead of Ice Climbers.
But, there have been some sacrifices in the cast as well. Some favorites from the previous game are no longer included, such as Toph Beifong and CatDog. This might frustrate some players, but you need to remember that more diverse playstyles have been given to the cast in the latest game. The returning cast also comes with something new and fresh. The developer has focused on rebuilding everything in the sequel, which means no character is the way it was in the last game.
The Slime mechanic
The greatest innovation of the All-Star Brawl 2 is the Slime mechanic, which is easy to manage, versatile and very well-balanced. It adds finesse and style to the game that was previously missing. It takes just one press of a button and a filled Slime meter for you to add additional power to any of your special moves, boost recovery, cancel out of freefall, boost the air dodge or cancel the ending animations of a move.
In fact, you can also escape enemy combos with this unique feature. No matter which character you decide to play with, Slime mechanic proves to be an effective tool.
The Verdict
The Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 has managed to live up to its name, as it has now become an all-star platform fighter and is undoubtedly a fantastic sequel.