Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R (2012)

Accent Core Plus R is the epitome of the 2D Guilty Gear games. Everything after this point is pure 3D, and this, for more bad than good, continues the rising complexity of the game while not really adding too much in terms of extra story or even interesting characters, but manages to remain an enticing fighter nonetheless.

Happening a short time after the end of regular XX, Accent Core continues storylines in new directions, though not necessarily with a solid plot or introduction. The two new characters are unique all their own, but aren't necessarily the most fun to play or entertaining. As an excuse to put in Sol's past self, I-No concocts a scheme to make Sol destroy his past self (Order-Sol), and another character from back in Isuka, A.B.A., stumbles with her demon ax onto the scene without interacting with any other storylines all that well. Order-Sol's charge mode and A.B.A.'s special Moroha mode makes for entertaining play, but that's about it for additions.

Mechanics wise, a few new things have been added (Slash Backs, wallsticking, Throw Breaks), but the big winner is Force Breaks, a way to use a more powerful, EX-like version of a special by substituting the attack button with the Dust button. Characters have been given tweaks and feel a little more rounded out, along with such improvements as expanding Force Roman Cancel windows. However...it's at the same time not enough and too much. Accent Core doesn't feel set to reinvent itself, but just pile on more stuff to work with, making it incredibly unwelcoming compared to previous entries like GGX.

All in all, that's it - Accent Core, Plus, or its R version doesn't reinvent the series as much as it rehashes XX for what feels like the sixth time, and reminds us that constantly updating a game into mediocrity isn't necessarily a great thing. Still, it does its job and remains the most played 2D version to date, in case you look for tournaments.