Nexus Heroes 2

NEXUS HEROES 2 (sometimes just called Nexus 2) is a 2024 Fighting Game developed by AlwaysDREGOL for Playstation 4, Playstation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC, and is a sequel to Nexus Heroes. Like the first game, Nexus Heroes 2 is a platform fighter inspired by the likes of Super Smash Bros., and the game carries on the theme of being a crossover game with numerous videogames characters guest starring to battle it out.
The game was first announced in August of 2023, and the game got its first reveal on October of the same year. The only release window given for the game is "Late 2024". 
==Gameplay==
The gameplay is mostly similar to that of the first game, with a few differences ; up to six players (two more than what was allowed in the previous entry) can engage in chaotic battles in stages of varying sizes and complexity, with the objective being to knock opponents out of the ring to get a KO or get a point, depending on the game mode. Accumulated damage is displayed on the bottom of the screen through a DDI (Damage Display Icon), and the higher a character's displayed percentage is, the easier it'll be to launch them off the stage with one's attacks. 
Like in the previous game, each fighter has access to a set of Normal Attacks and a set of Special Attacks, as well as the ability to Grab and Shield/Dodge. However, new to this game is the addition of a "X Special" move, performed with a dedicated button : these act much like a regular Special Attack, but are designed specifically to enhance and streamline each fighter's unique playstyle. This allows for more depth in a character's toolkit, as well as avoiding gimmicky setups to access certain abilities or taking away a Special Attack's slot. As an example, Geralt was previously able to enhance the potency of his attacks by drinking a potion with his Down Special Attack ; this has been moved to his X Special move, and he now has a different Down Special Attack. The same goes for Shovel Knight's Down Special or Aloy's ability to change her Ammo type, previously tied to a unique "Shied + Special" input. 
Another change is in how Strong Attacks work : while fighters could previously access three different Strong Attacks (like in the Super Smash Bros. series and similar titles like Rivals of Aether), Nexus Heroes 2 now only has one Strong Attack, called "Rush Attack". These are more functionally similar to Focus Attacks from Street Fighter IV or the Drive Rush from Street Fighter 6, as it's a single, powerful attack which can pass through most other attacks and projectiles and inflict a great deal of damage. It's performed by holding down the Normal Attack button, and unlike Strong Attacks, it cannot be charged for a variable amount of time, and is instead a more committal action, which makes it easy to be punished for overusing it.
Finishers also return, and this time there are two of them : what used to be called Finishers are now called Super Specials, and are powerful and flashy attacks that a fighter can perform after filling up their Super Meter. However, players are also able to unleash Finishers, which are now extremely powerful attacks that activate a cinematic cutscene, and automatically KO an opponent whose percentage is above 100%. However, while these are stronger than Super Specials, they can only be performed on a single opponent. So while Super Specials are strong and big attacks that can damage all the fighters on screen, Finishers are now cinematic attacks that can only be performed on a single opponent.
However, by far one of the more important additions to the game is the introductions of Gears ; these are similar to the Spirits of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate in concept, but also borrow elements from the Assists of the Marvel VS Capcom series or the Kameos from Mortal Kombat 1 : when selecting a character, players will also be asked to select five different "Gears", which take the form of collectible game cards that represents videogames characters, items, locations and more. The Gears can summon an assist character (effectively replacing the Nexus Shards from the previous game), apply a passive effect on the character or boost their attributes, depending on their typing. Collecting Gears and creating powerful combination by mixing and matching them with different fighters is a key aspect of the gameplay. It should also be noted that it's possible to play without them, and should a player want a more straightforward experience, they can simply collect Gears as they would with trading cards.
===Controls===
The controls shown below are the default ones, shown for each platform. However, remapping the buttons to the player's liking is possible in the Settings menu. Players are free to reassign buttons or even un-assign them entirely. If the platform on which the game is being played on supports other controller types, these can be used in the game as well.
Game controls 	Playstation	Xbox	Pc
Move 	 	 	W, A, S, D
Jump 	 	 	Space Bar
Normal Attack, Grab Item/Use Item	 	 	J
Special Attack 	 	 	K
X Special 	 	 	L
Grab 	 	 	P
Finisher 	 	 	0
Shield, Parry 	 	 	I
Dodge, Air Dodge 	+ 	+ 	I + W / A / S / D
Taunt 	 	 	9
== Game Modes ==
=== Arcade Mode ===
A classic Arcade route. Has 9 regular encounters plus a Boss fight at the end.
=== Bonus Stages ===
Mini-games which involve objectives different than defeating an opponent.
=== Versus ===
The standard mode to engage in battles, against a friend or the CPU.
=== Tournament ===
The standard Online mode, which allows players from around the world to compete in battle.
=== Tutorial ===
Learn how to play the game and character-specific mechanics, or practice freely with any fighter.
=== Shop ===
Buy Gears and other bonus items with an in-game currency.
== Playable Characters ==
The starting lineup of Nexus Heroes 2 counts more than 50 unique fighters, some of which are returning, while others are new. While some veterans are mostly similar to their previous appearances, others have been completely reworked, making them feel fresh and unique despite being returning fighters. Some newcomers also replace a veteran as the representative of their series. Other characters that were in the previous game have been scrapped entirely.
KRATOS
God of War
The former god of war himself, Kratos is a fierce warrior who earned himself the fearsome reputation of god-killer, after bringing about the destruction of both Olympus and Asgard.
PLAYSTYLE
Unleash devastating and satisfying combos with the Leviathan Axe and Blades of Chaos, with a fighter who is fit for beginners and experts alike.	
MASTER CHIEF
Halo
To his peers, he is the Master Chief. To his enemies, he is the Demon. To the entire universe, he is a legend. When rogue alien forces threaten mankind, John-117 is the man you call to fight.
 PLAYSTYLE 
Fire at your opponents from a distance, but keep your guard up ; Master Chief's shield is bigger and more resistant than the other's, but once it breaks you won't be able to use it for a while.
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==Trivia==
*Development of the game started in February of 2022.