Vanguard Princess Hilda Rize is a 2D fighting game in the action, indie, and casual genres, available on PC. It centers on Hilda Rize, a character with cosmic abilities who was subjected to government experiments as a child before escaping and returning as an adult to seek vengeance. The title serves as an updated version of the original Vanguard Princess, allowing players to control the former boss character Hilda Rize while retaining core fighting mechanics with an all-female cast of fighters who each bring distinct weapons and abilities.
Gameplay
Matches unfold in a 2D plane where fighters use unique skills and attacks to reduce an opponent's health. Hilda Rize stands out with her cosmic powers that influence her move set, including abilities that create shockwave effects and long-range options. The playable and CPU versions of Hilda receive balance adjustments to fit alongside the rest of the roster. Combat emphasizes timing and positioning, with each character offering different approaches based on their weapons and special techniques.
Visuals feature bright, detailed sprites and animations that highlight the colorful cast. Sound design includes exclusive tracks tailored to Hilda Rize encounters, supporting the intense atmosphere of battles. The game runs in its original uncensored form, preserving the intended presentation of character designs and story elements.
Game Modes
Arcade Mode lets players progress through a series of matches as Hilda Rize, culminating in an alternate storyline ending specific to her background and motivations. This mode provides a structured single-player experience focused on her quest for revenge.
Two Player Mode supports local versus matches, enabling direct competition between two participants using any available characters, including the balanced Hilda Rize variant. The exclusive Hilda-themed battle stage appears in these modes, offering a distinct environment with thematic visuals and music.
Players can also access the full original Vanguard Princess content, which includes its unaltered systems and roster for additional variety in matches.
Story and Setting
The narrative follows Hilda Rize from her childhood captivity and experimentation to her cosmic escape and eventual return. Her path leads to a violent confrontation with those responsible, explored through her dedicated arcade path and unique ending sequence. The setting blends modern elements with supernatural cosmic forces, framing the fights as part of a larger personal vendetta.
Ten fighters populate the roster, each paired with partner elements that add layers to team-based strategies during battles. Hilda Rize integrates into this framework as both a new playable option and a rebalanced presence in CPU encounters.
Is It Worth Playing?
This title suits players interested in 2D fighters with an emphasis on character variety and straightforward local play. The addition of Hilda Rize expands options for those who enjoyed the base game or want to experience her specific storyline and moves. Availability of the uncensored original content provides extra value for fans of the series.
Reception highlights the visual style and character animations as strengths, though some note the gameplay can feel dated compared to modern fighters. It appeals most to enthusiasts of indie fighting games who prioritize single-player arcade runs or casual two-player sessions over online features. The included soundtrack bonus adds to the package for those who appreciate the audio elements tied to the new character.
