A 2D fighter with angels and arcana
Arcana Heart 3 LOVE MAX!!!!! is a 2D fighting game from EXAMU Inc. with a cast of 23 playable Angels. Each Angel can be paired with one of 23 selectable Arcanas, so you pick a character and a separate Arcana to build your setup. The store text points to a wide range of strategies coming out of those combinations, so the same Angel can play differently depending on the Arcana you equip.
How the battle system works
The basic mechanics include the Arcana Combo, where you press the correct buttons in sequence, plus Homing Action and Arcana Burst. The more advanced options are Extend Force, Arcana Eclipse and Arcana Blaze, which the store text describes as spectacular ways to decimate your opponent. Learning the basic moves first and then layering on the advanced ones is the path the game lays out, and the store text notes that you discover new meta gameplan as you play.
Playing together
Online PvP is supported through Rank Match and Player Match, where you can test your skills against other players. Battle results and scores can be saved online, and the Leaderboard lets you compare scores with other players. Remote Play Together is also listed as a Steam feature, so a group can share a session that way. Versus Mode and Training Mode are on hand for direct matches and practice before you take things online.
Modes and extras
Beyond fighting, the game includes Story Mode, After-Story Mode, Survival Score Attack Mode, Trial Mode, Time Attack Mode, Versus Mode, Training Mode and Replay Theatre Mode. Every character has a Main Story and a special After Story in the Hotspring, both fully voiced in Japanese, along with extra Short Stories that are not voiced. Gallery Mode lets you unlock Event CG illustrations and Link-Animations and read the Angels' short stories. A purchase bonus includes a 144-page "Link Anime Drafts Collection" placed in the Steam folder under Digital Extras. The Steam tags list Sexual Content and Nudity, so keep that in mind before starting.