ARMS Hands-On

Thanks to the Global Testpunch, which we remember being available from Saturday 27 May to Sunday 28 and subsequently during the first weekend of June, we had the opportunity to thoroughly test ARMS, the new Nintendo Switch exclusive IP coming June 16th. The title promises to be one of the most interesting for the line up regarding the first months of Switch's life, given its highly competitive nature. For good reason, before starting with the analysis, we inform you that the Global Testpunch can be downloaded for free from the Nintendo Switch eShop: the only requirements are obviously an internet connection and a Nintendo account.

ARMS it is basically an arena fighting game, where two players will have to choose their favorite character and literally give it to each other. In such a title, there is no doubt that the response to the commands must be impeccable, even if only to guarantee a space in the competitive genre: in this ARMS succeeds to the great, proposing, among other things, various ways of playing the title.. It will in fact be possible to hold the Joy-Con individually as a kind of boxing gloves (a bit like it happened with Wii Sports), even if the frenzy of the fight will lead to some mistakes. More precise and technical are undoubtedly the joined Joy-Con and / or the Controller Pro, even if the gain guaranteed by a few percentage points more precision is counterbalanced by a partial loss of identification, which ARMS relies on. The only discordant note for the Controller Pro is the parry, which is rather uncomfortable set by pressing the left analog.

To make the difference in combat, in addition to their personal skill, are the characters: each of them is in fact very different from the others, with peculiar characteristics ranging from speed to defense. Unique and interchangeable are the fists of the protagonists, also characterized by different effects and functionalities: some of them enjoy elements such as wind or lightning, while others are stronger but less rapid and vice versa. In the arenas it will be possible to collect power ups that will improve our fighter, as well as water bottles that will recharge our health and that will fill the special move bar. The variety of choice is therefore not lacking, as well as in the selection of modes: in this test it was possible to test the volleyball mode, which is however monotonous in the medium-long term. Rather confusing is the 2 vs 2 mode, which is however fun as a pleasant pastime.

During the test weekends it was possible to test some online games of ARMS: we are talking about a very simple instance in which our opponent is automatically assigned to us (or two, if we consider the 2vs2 mode). Everything happens very quickly, without any disconnections or netcode problems. The thing that left us pleasantly surprised is the total absence of any lag, fundamental in a title that makes the precision of the commands its strong point.

Technically, the game defends itself well, while not enhancing the important capabilities of the Switch. ARMS has a simple graphics, with no particular effects whatsoever, but which is impactful and functional. The glance of the various arenas is good, even if in the long run you notice how simple they are and lacking in particular details; the presence of some destructible element partly justifies some absent finishing, but on the whole something more could be done. Excellent animation sector and character design, really inspired and well done; instead the sound is good, with a particularly engaging main theme and a whole series of sound effects regarding punches and explosions made by the fighters.

In conclusion, our proof of ARMS it was more than satisfactory; the title enjoys excellent potential, focused on the depth of a combat system that convinces and that can be intriguing and fun even in the long run. Being a demo, the longevity factor cannot be evaluated at all, but it is fair to say that after about twenty games and having tested all the characters available, the monotony begins to take over. However, we are sure that, with the final version including all the characters and upgrades, ARMS can also have your say on this important side.