Riot Games’ New Fighting Game Review: A Dream Come True… Almost

When Riot Games announced it was developing a fighting game, expectations immediately skyrocketed. This is a studio known for redefining genres, building massive communities, and supporting games for years. Naturally, players hoped this new title would do the same for the fighting game world.

Now that the game is finally here, the verdict is clear: it delivers excitement, style, and accessibility — but not without leaving some players wanting more.

The Long Road to Riot’s Fighting Game

This project has been years in the making. From early teasers to long periods of silence, the development journey built enormous anticipation. Fans imagined how Riot’s iconic characters would translate into close-combat action, and whether the studio could respect the depth of the genre while modernising it.

That anticipation became both the game’s biggest advantage and its toughest challenge.

Familiar Characters, New Perspective

One of the strongest aspects of the game is its cast. Instead of unfamiliar fighters, players step into the arena as characters they already know and love. Each fighter feels carefully designed, with animations and abilities that reflect their personality.

For long-time fans, this creates an immediate emotional connection. For new players, it offers a welcoming entry point into a traditionally intimidating genre.

Designed for Accessibility

Riot clearly wanted this game to be approachable. The controls are intuitive, and assist systems allow players to perform impressive moves early on.

This design choice lowers the barrier to entry and makes the game enjoyable from the very first match, especially for players who have never touched a fighting game before.

Why This Matters

Fighting games often struggle to attract new audiences. By prioritising accessibility, Riot opens the door to a much wider player base in the US and UK markets.

The Tag-Team Combat System

Unlike traditional one-on-one fighters, this game focuses on team-based combat. Players select two characters and switch between them during battles.

This mechanic adds strategy and creativity, allowing for unique combinations and playstyles. It also encourages cooperative play, making the experience more social and engaging.

Where the Experience Falls Short

Despite its strengths, the game is not without flaws. Some experienced players feel the mechanics lack long-term depth.

While the game is easy to learn, mastering it may not feel as rewarding as expected. The systems are polished, but they sometimes feel restrained rather than fully expressive.

Progression and Learning Curve Issues

Another common concern is the transition from assisted controls to manual play. The game does not always guide players effectively through this shift.

As a result, some players feel stuck between casual fun and competitive mastery, without clear tools to bridge that gap.

Monetisation and Player Perception

The free-to-play model relies heavily on cosmetic purchases. While optional, these elements are prominently featured.

For some players, this feels acceptable. For others, it creates frustration, particularly when pricing feels high for purely visual content.

In a game built around identity and style, monetisation decisions can significantly affect player satisfaction.

A Passionate Community Reaction

The community response has been intense and divided. Praise and criticism exist side by side, often in the same discussion.

This level of engagement is a positive sign. It shows that players believe in the game’s potential and want to see it improve.

The Future of Riot’s Fighting Game

This release feels like a foundation rather than a final statement. With future updates, new characters, and balance changes, the game has room to grow.

Riot’s history suggests long-term support, which gives players hope that current issues will be addressed.

Final Verdict

Riot Games’ fighting game is bold, stylish, and welcoming. It succeeds in making the genre more accessible while delivering high production quality.

However, it also stops just short of greatness, particularly for players seeking deep competitive systems.

Still, this is an important step forward — not just for Riot, but for fighting games as a whole.

This may not be the perfect fighting game yet, but it is a strong beginning.