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River City: Tokyo Rumble coming to 3DS this summer

Natsume, Inc., will show off the next installment in its long running brawler-RPG series at E3 2016.

David Craddock

April 21, 2016 1:15 PM

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Punch! Kick! Barf!

Those three words could mean almost anything in this crazy industry, but managers at Natsume, Inc. had something specific in mind when they posted a teaser image to Twitter yesterday. Fans speculated that a new localization of River City Ransom might be making its way stateside, and they were spot on. Natsume announced earlier today that River City: Tokyo Rumble, first released in Japan in 2013, will kick, punch, and barf onto 3DS systems this summer.

The game is the latest fruit to ripen in Natsume's relationship with Arc System Works, owners of the River City franchise. "River City: Tokyo Rumble follows the story of a hot-blooded high school student named Kunio and his good friends," according to a press release. "When a nefarious gang moves into Tokyo to try to take it over, it's up to this self-proclaimed 'fighter for justice" and his buddies to make sure the streets stay safe.'"

If you know anything about the River City Ransom series, which originated on the NES, you know story is perfunctory. You move your squat, squashy-faced pugilist to the right, fists bunched tightly against its chest, and you punch and kick ALL THE THINGS in your path. If that gets boring, there are a bevy of weapons like iron knuckles, bicycles, chains, and soccer balls to spice up the action.

River City: Tokyo Rumble throws RPG elements into the mix. As you brawl, you'll be able to take on odd jobs and level-up your abilities to grow even more proficient at breaking faces. Other features include four-player co-op via local or download play, and minigames such as dodgeball and a four-person rumble—perfect for when you need a break from the campaign.

David Craddock

Long Reads Editor

David L. Craddock writes fiction, nonfiction, and grocery lists. He is the author of the Stay Awhile and Listen series, and the Gairden Chronicles series of fantasy novels for young adults. Outside of writing, he enjoys playing Mario, Zelda, and Dark Souls games, and will be happy to discuss at length the myriad reasons why Dark Souls 2 is the best in the series. Follow him online at davidlcraddock.com and @davidlcraddock.