A new entry in the classic River City Ransom series will premiere for the Nintendo 3DS in North America this summer, publisher and localization studio Natsume announced today.
Known as Nekketsu Kouha Kunio-Kun SP: Rantou Kyousoukyoku in Japan, the localized River City: Tokyo Rumble marks the return of series stars Riki and Kunio for a side-scrolling brawl across the streets of Tokyo.
“We know there’s a loyal fanbase of the River City series in North America who have been asking for more of these addictive games to play!” said Natsume president Hiro Maekawa. “Whether you’re a longtime River City fan or new to the series, there’s plenty of side-scrolling action to love.”
Originally released for the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, River City Ransom is a beat-’em-up in which gameplay unfolds across a sprawling city filled with alternate paths and hidden areas. Throughout the quest, players can use the money they’ve collected from fallen foes to buy new equipment and power-ups, boosting their damage output.
River City Ransom also featured a two-player co-op mode, which will return for Natsume’s upcoming Tokyo Rumble alongside a collection of competitive multiplayer options. In addition to its story mode campaign, River City: Tokyo Rumble includes a fighting-game-styled tournament mode for up to four players, along with a dodgeball mode inspired by the 1989 River City Ransom spinoff Super Dodge Ball.
River City: Tokyo Rumble‘s multiplayer modes are playable over a local Wi-Fi connection and via the 3DS system’s Download Play feature.
“River City its celebrating its 30th anniversary in Japan in 2016, and we’re excited to be part of the celebration,” said Minoru Kidooka, CEO of franchise owner Arc System Works. “We’re very excited to be continuing our partnership with Natsume, which included Gotcha Racing and Brave Tank Hero in 2015.”
