UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II Sys:Celes – Nintendo Switch Review

Overview – developed by FRENCH-BREAD in collaboration with Arc System Works, Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes is the latest entry in the fast paced anime style fighting game franchise. Engage in fast paced battles with a colorful and diverse cast of 24 characters, including new additions to the series in this numbered sequel. This release is available for Steam, PlayStation 4/5 and the Nintendo Switch, with a link to each version of the game available at the bottom of this review.

Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank Arc System Works for providing the copy of Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes that was used of this piece, via the keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own.

Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting off with the review. Please note I will be referring the game as UNI2 during the review, as this is the commonly used way to shorten the title. I will also be talking about the most basic core mechanics of this release, as there are many advanced elements to the game and its systems.

Story – taking place after the defeat of Hilda the Paradox, peace seemed to return to the world, but another threat was lurking within the shadows, Kuon the Eternal Re-Birth. The event called the Hollow Night is upon the chosen few again, with Kuon wishing the pierce the Veil between worlds. If this malevolent force succeeds, the world will be plunged into darkness. Now the chosen rise to battle Kuon, as the fate of the world hangs in the balance.

Gameplay – UNI2 is a mostly traditional 1 on 1 fighter, where battles take place in two out of three round matches by default, with all of the typical mechanics of fighting games. However, this title has several mechanics that are unique to it, as well as features shared with its sister series Melty Blood, also developed by French-Bread. First, the game uses a 4 button input system, going from A-D with light, medium and heavy attack, as well as EXES Action.

All characters have access to an auto combo, which can be activated by tapping the light attack button repeatedly if contact is made. Then there are the more advanced combos which utilize all attack inputs, allowing for more varied and damaging attacks, as well as aerial and crouched strikes to be used. Alongside the standard strikes, there are also command moves allowing for more powerful attacks, with all characters having their own unique special moves.

Next is the EXES action, which serves several functions during a fight. There is the shield that is activated by holding back and pressing the EXES button. If the player presses forward, down forward or up forward the player will perform an evasive maneuver. Alongside the standard attacks, special moves and EXES actions, there are special combo skills used by pressing two or more normal buttons, including throws and character specific skills.

Moving onto the other battle mechanics, there is the EXS System. This bar at the bottom of the screen fills up during a battle, with different effects being available when the bar reaches 100% and 200% respectively. When the bar is at 100% or more, players can use enhanced versions of special attacks. At 200% the player is able to perform special variants of auto combos, culminating in that characters ultimate Infinite Worth move for huge damage.

At any time if the bar is at least half full, the player can activate an effect called Veil OFF. In this mode the player is given more power for their attacks, as well as the ability to use enhanced EXS attacks and Infinite Worth attacks regardless of the energy they have. Please note that the Infinite Worth attacks have two variants, both can be activated in both Veil Off and if the bar is at 200%. However, the ultimate version has special restrictions to use.

Then we have the GRD system, which consists of a bar in the middle of the screen with a timer attached. This feature has a tug of war style system, where actions that players take will affect it during battle either positively or negatively. When the timer in the middle does a full cycle, the player with more energy in the bar will enter a powered up Vorpal State. When this happens the character can add the energy to their EXS bar with the EXES button.

Now onto the game modes that are featured in UNI2. This release has a nice variety of options when it comes to single player, which are available for all characters in the roster. The modes available for solo play are Arcade (story mode), Score attack, Time Attack, Survival and Mission. The Arcade, Score and Time modes all have the same flow, with the player going through a set number of opponents. Survival mode has endless battles and Mission features combo challenges.

Going a little more into the Arcade mode, this mode features narrative segments for all of the characters. These scenes have a visual novel style of presentation, with voiced dialogue for the character interactions. There is also a set of characters that must have their stories played through, with the ability to unlock the final boss when the requirement is met. Please note that the season pass unlocks the boss character immediately, with three new characters coming in the future.

Then we have the in depth tutorial, where players can learn all of the basic mechanics of the game as well as advanced techniques. These lessons feature on screen inputs, as well as explanations of the mechanics and demonstrations for players to see how they look in motion. This gives all players an entry point for the game, regardless of their skill level and makes this an accessible fighter for new players. There is also a free training mode along with the tutorial.

Last to talk about is the online and multiplayer features for UNI2. In this title there are both online and local battles, with players able to battle all over the world or in the same room. The network mode has Casual, Ranked and Player room matches, with leaderboards for multiplayer and challenge modes, alongside replay features. Then there is the offline VS modes where players can battle people in the same room, challenge CPUs and also watch A.I. battles.

Now with the core features of the game covered, it is time to move onto the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.

Controls – UNI2 uses a rather simple 4 input system, allowing for players to jump straight into the action. The combined input skills and moves can be done by pressing the required buttons, but there are also hot keys that can be used to make it easier to use these inputs. The game plays well with all controller styles, but I personally recommend using a controller with a good D-Pad or a dedicated Arcade stick.

Difficulty – there is an adjustable difficulty setting for the arcade mode and offline VS against the CPU, but there are no options for the other game modes. In general the difficulty that players will face offline is going to be tied to overall skill level, but players will be able to use the training mode to practice. The tutorial is a good way for players to get used to the mechanics, preparing them for the game and this along with the arcade difficulty options make this accessible for all.

Presentation – visually UNI2 looks phenomenal, the sprite work and art used for the characters has that distinct anime look which the UNI and Melty Blood games are known for. This gives the game its trademark style, with the clean character designs that are accompanied by fluid animations and vibrant environments. There are also cinematic attacks that knock it up a notch, with all characters having their own unique special cutscene attack.

The sound is as good as ever, with new and returning music tracks from long-time French-Bread collaborator Raito. The music features a mix of electro, synth and heavy rock with all character themes fitting the look and style of them. In the story mode, there is voiced dialogue entirely in Japanese with the voice work being performed well. Included as an extra feature in the gallery, where players can unlock art, music and voice lines.

Final Thoughts – I have played previous UNI games as well as the Melty Blood series, so there was a lot of anticipation for this release. The new characters, mechanics, expanded move sets and improved balance make this a natural evolution of the series being the first numbered sequel. I had an excellent time with this title, putting a lot of time into the different offline game modes. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get a great deal of time with the online multiplayer.

I am happy to recommend this title to everyone, as there is a lot of content for players to sink their teeth into. During play, the action is smooth with little issue in terms of performance when it comes to the Nintendo Switch, with the game playing well in either docked or handheld play. The in-depth tutorial makes this game accessible for players of all skill levels, being a good way for new and returning players to get into the action.

In the end, I give Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes a final score of 5/5. This is a perfect follow up to the previous Under Night In-Birth and its updates, with an expanded roster, enhanced move sets and new features that breathe fresh life into the series. All wrapped in the signature French-Bread Style. If you want to check this title out for yourself a link to the different version of the game are below.

Link to Nintendo Switch version (HERE)

Link to PlayStation version (HERE)

Link to Steam version (HERE)