Rivals Direct 3 Breakdown from the guy that wrote it

[@blip7882]

Gotta love how Adam is a part of all these meetings and might as well be a dev

[@67kingdedede]

Social dev

[@jackawaka]

@@67kingdedede pr guy

[@Pre-Omniscient]

As far as I know he doesn't really make suggestions to the games, he just helps create the content delivery.

[@Jarekthegamingdragon]

I'll have you know I voted fish and to grab the folder. I'm here for scripted chaos. Also announcements, most importantly announcements.

[@ej2u545]

FISH

[@ej2u545]

FISH

[@ej2u545]

FISH

[@ej2u545]

FISH

[@ej2u545]

FISH

[@joshstaples]

As someone who initially didn’t know how to feel about shields in the next rivals, your explanation definitely made me shift my perspective. The lack of shields was actually one of the things I liked most about rivals, having played smash my whole life. I thought the way it influenced neutral was fresh and fun having to rely solely on spacing, attacking and parrying. But I have confidence in Aether studios and I’m excited to see where they take the franchise. Plus the old games will always be there :)

[@NinjarioPicmin]

yeah exactly, im the same way as you. i always loved how different rivals felt through their unique take on not having shields and grabs etc., but i'm also really excited to see what they can do WITH the introduction of shields, and i already know they wouldn't include them if they couldn't make them work as perfectly as they've done everything else.

[@PigsSSBM]

This direct was SO GENIUS

[@pebbleknight174]

Yoooo it’s pigs

[@iknowwhereyoulive618]

hi pigs

[@lilfox1512]

George: *managing the direct* Twitch chat when it broke: "FIX YOUR GAME DAN!" Can confirm I screamed like a little girl looking at Zetterburn and the rest of the cast with voice acting and visuals. Specifically Zetterburn!

[@gameb9oy]

I mean, hearing Alpharad’s voice come out of the lion was all kinds of bizarre, especially because it kinda fit... also weirdly makes his crush on Clairen in the lover of aether playthrough he did feel kinda in character

[@frigomaniac]

i think the main thing that was jarring about shields in 3d rivals was the fact that many people picked up rivals BECAUSE of a lack of shield, or at least having the experience of playing something different. I have no doubt the team will do a good job, it's just weird seeing this game that has a unique take revert back to a staple to the genre but still adding more depth

[@mranxiety9995]

I wasn't paying attention. 3d rivals is happening right? And is the steam workshop coming with it?

[@frigomaniac]

@@mranxiety9995 not sure what the plans are for steam workshop for the 3d project. but there are going to add those four workshop characters still yes

[@mranxiety9995]

@@frigomaniac wait so 3d is happening

[@Nwordsoup]

@@mranxiety9995 Yep, the 3d rivals is coming. Probably not for like, well over a year, but that's still hype.

[@alvin_row]

@@mranxiety9995 wtf just watch like the first five minutes of the video

[@CrispyGFX]

Olympia getting in is huge for me.

[@turndownforwalt]

Oh Adam, how I've missed you

[@peedel7717]

Really interesting insight on the development, idk why I didn’t just assume that this is expensive but now I know.

[@Prinz_Kasper]

You guys absolutely knocked it out of the park. Funny presentation, hype announcements and 50 minutes long?!?! I have no idea how this could open up career opportunities for you, but I really hope it does!

[@ListlessWither]

I'm dying at the fact that the music at the start is Christmas like.

[@Gabriel_Oliver]

I think that people are upset about shields cause it removes some of the uniqueness Rivals has over the other platform fighters, at least thats why I'm not huge on the idea, still exited though dont get me wrong, when I get out of my crippling debt I'm 100% buying this next game.

[@Dirtboy37]

The thing is though, changes from smash shouldn't just be different for the sake of being different; they should have their own level of complexity that matches or surpasses whatever their replacing. I feel like parries are just a straight up downgrade to shields and throws and make the game less interesting.

[@Gabriel_Oliver]

@@Dirtboy37 Yeah I know and agree but that doesn't invalidate my statement. Some people maybe don't like shields and throws and like Rivals for being a simpler game on paper. This is removing that simplicity

[@Gemini_Hero]

@@Dirtboy37 I disagree; I think removing shields and grabs inherently changes the flavor of neutral in a very positive way for platform fighters. Grabs and shields encourage weirdly grounded gameplay and make a lot of aerial approaches feel really bad. At least with the timed parry system you can stagger the timing of your approach or empty jump, but good oos options can just invalidate strategies like that. As someone who specifically played Rivals to get away from grabs and shields in platform fighters, I'm definitely one of the disappointed that they're sliding backwards like this.

[@Dirtboy37]

@@Gabriel_Oliver my issue with your original statement is that it seemed like you just liked the parry system for being different for the sake of being different. If you like it for gameplay reasons, i.e. making the game simpler, then I take no issue with that.

[@Gabriel_Oliver]

@@Dirtboy37 I didnt say that was my reason I said it was the internets reason and one I slightly empathise with. So your problem with my statement is invalid lol

[@hideokojima9090]

The reason some people might not like shields in smash Ultimate is because there is a problem with out of shield options. A lot of characters just have really obnoxious like frame 4 options out of shield options which are extremely broken. Personally I enjoy shields because it’s one of the interactions that I enjoy the most.

[@donovanjoseph737]

We don’t even know the name of the game yet and people are already bring out technical terms.

[@evilweevil_]

Yes Adam we are the hostile audience

[@weewoo314]

it’s kinda funny that you say that people are only there for the reveals, because i honestly only really have the incentive to tune in live because i just love what you do with them

[@Malak-qr8bf]

The true reason people complain about the introduction of shields, is coz shine oos is gonna be a thing to worry about

[@neki_7258]

That should be frame 2? Whot

[@wish7540]

Thats not really even a concern. I don’t even think that passes through most people’s mind. But also pretending that it’s even an issue, it’s not, but pretending that it is, shine can be slowed to frame 3 or something:

[@happyducky9872]

@@neki_7258 where'd you come up with frame 2

[@neki_7258]

@@happyducky9872 cancel shield by jumping and you can shine in jumpsquat, the same that happens in melee

[@happyducky9872]

@@neki_7258 Oh lol for some reason I thought he had to exit jumpsquat

[@Ecksplisit]

Absolutely genius work. The way you basically won over twitch chat is honestly an amazing feat and you should be extremely proud of that fact.

[@user-gr9kh2jv2f]

On the sheilds thing, I think its mostly just like “oh thats just one more thing that makes rivals more like smash”

[@LyndanTylor]

Well done, Adam and everyone involved!! 🍾 This Direct was indeed more amazing than I think anyone expected. It's really crazy that you guys were able to come up with something of such quality and intricacy for little old us. I'm really excited to see the Aether Universe expanding like it is and I hope the fan base just continues to skyrocket from here! Also excited to get more Adam videos now that you're done with the Direct! 😄

[@hitboxcameron1416]

It was a fantastic direct, and I am proud to simply participate with it when it was live. You did awesome Adam, and so did the rest of the team.

[@Omla33]

In regards to the issue us younger heads have with shields can mainly be attributed to how the "meta" was run up and shield. Like watch any smash 4 match and you'll see a lot of overreliance on shield in people's approach and movement, to the point where they got nerfed in a major patch, which is why shields aren't as popular among them. Shields in ultimate are fine honestly, outside of many a projectile being safe on shield close up, which is a whole other argument.

[@ethangamer1600]

it was so much fun to watch and be a part of, i really enjoyed it

[@Saxdude26]

Absolute genius! I loved this Direct, huge undertaking, and not only did you guys pull it off, it was perfectly ON BRAND. 100/10

[@ShadeVial]

One thing I am gonna miss is just the pixel art artstyle. Mechanically I get it I can trust itll be fun mechanicly. I just hope people still play 2d rivals as I feel they will be different enough for pne to not fully replace the other and honestly modern pixel art is just my favorite artstyle personally. Like all my favorite games happen to be in that style and it would prob not have nearly the same ease of modding. Super glad to be seeing more rivals stuff, but again I just hope people don't just forget about rivals when the new one comes out even though there are reasons someone might prefer one or the other like what happens with other fighting games.

[@RikuoTanaka]

You and George worked really hard on the direct, and it shows. I and many others in the chat enjoyed it.

[@ListlessWither]

I'm also very curious if we're going to get a shield breaker character like Sephiroth in 3D Rivals. imo He's one of the most interesting smash archetypes that I've seen and I really hope more characters in more than just ultimate are able to have as interesting a game plan as Sephiroth.

[@FabschOblivion669]

Kragg

[@ListlessWither]

@@FabschOblivion669 You're saying that as if he's not going to just be a grappler.

[@FabschOblivion669]

@@ListlessWither Grappler you say? We have Etalus

[@ListlessWither]

@@FabschOblivion669 Simple fact is Etalus was based Bowser and Kragg DK. Both are grapplers to some degree.

[@FabschOblivion669]

@@ListlessWither they only have one move that’s basically the same for their respective characters. Etalus is far more of a grappler than Kragg. Kragg has no grappling capabilities as of now to begin with.

[@Xion_Toshiro]

I'm a simple person. I see a Rivals Studio game, like Rivals of Aether; I become immediately interested. I trust you guys with your next project. As a long time Smash player, since Smash 64; the idea of Shields in a Rivals of Aether game doesn't bother me at all. Honestly; what I'm really hoping for in this new Rivals game; is all the characters from Rivals 1, the Workshop, & a deep story; that explains things - the story in Rivals 1 left me more questions than answers: so many things happen in Rivals 1, that I see referenced in other Aether titles. This leads me to speculate & theorize the story... Any which way; I'm looking forward to seeing project come to fruition.

[@Xion_Toshiro]

The side story of Rivals Direct 3 was pure genius.

[@gameb9oy]

Can’t believe you were talking down the showmanship of the directs you guys do. That stuff makes the content evergreen, and I love it

[@Goldenleyend]

Lmao the little Stephan on your backpack

[@Twisted_Logic]

Was disappointed that I'd just started a new job and didn't get to watch live, but it was so cool! Thanks for all the passion and effort you and the rest of the team put in for this!

[@diegocorvalan5435]

My only problem with shield is actually in aggresivity in the game, i really like how the game is more about hitting and calculated parrys, I know shield is not going to kill the game, but if I have to grapple constantly because my enemy is shielding constantly its more boring for me, even if I win the match, I like the action and pase of the game now

[@diegocorvalan5435]

The direct was great btw

[@mistake1197]

I agree.

[@mistake1197]

Lack of shields also made rivals unique in my opinion. Less offensive options make spacing and timing more important. shields are complex but they very much do stop the flow of a match. Even if they are very limited.

[@serialchiller9183]

It was so fun to watch, great job.

[@thatazazelfire]

The Effort and Quality of Rivals Direct 3 is absolutely enormous and it had no reason to be like this the fact that y'all ALWAYS play it serious enough on April Fools day of all things makes me always look forward to my least favorite day in the year. the humor, the art, like everything is so well done and it has no reason to be. well done Adam, now get some rest before you wear yourself out attempting to continue the Rock Yoshi thing.

[@DrDoom-bl1sk]

You, and everyone else involved, should certainly be proud! The Direct was extremely enjoyable, and the announcements were hype. Also, the dialogue was absolutely hilarious. I laughed out loud far more times than I was expecting. Thanks to you and the rest of the team for all your hard work!

[@letzplay8869]

That direct was amazing Adam, seriously. Great job from you and the rivals team

[@moshimeshowu747]

Just wanted to let you know, you did an amazing job on this and I loved participating, didn't really care how perfect it was, I will always enjoy what you put out

[@ignap]

Thank you for sharing your perspective :) The direct was really fun

[@photograph6908]

It's really nice to listen to you explain how you "keep getting away" with making something amazing for us to watch :D stay safe Adam

[@FlagpoleGlitch]

That was a great job in this direct!

[@archytas3115]

The direct was fantastic - You guys did an amazing job on it!

[@sunnybear5181]

i REALLY LIKE what u guys did this year! u guys should be PROUD what u guys have done for this year direct.

[@AxoReuni]

That direct made me want an actual sequel to Lovers. Mostly because I wasn't aware of that direct's existence until recently and I couldn't play it.

[@jugohayashi2389]

in smash 4 people would run up shield, then roll away in neutral

[@marquezrobinson7492]

Bruh people do that in every smash game though.

[@patroka]

The direct was really good. Even better than I was expecting. Thanks!

[@TheDuoDesignNathan]

Great job man. One of the best announcements I have seen.

[@Vika-xc6wt]

You did such an amazing job writing that direct! thank you for doing so much for this community

[@termineitor828]

You alwais do an amazing job at the directs Adam, youre the best man

[@isuckatgaming1873]

Is this paid actor Dan fornaniel

[@leprofDtri]

Adam Capybarra is now my favorite Adam Carra

[@marquezrobinson7492]

Hot take: adding shield is just going to expose all of the scrubs. Baiting parry has always been super easy. I hope they do shielding similar to how melee does it. Just without all the jank. Wave dashing out of shield should be universal timing on all characters. Shield cross ups in melee allowed for some sick mix ups.

[@LGSweets]

Thank you for explaining

[@micahrobbins8353]

Anyway, I gotta get back to my taxidermy class

[@zirkq]

WAS WAITING FOR THIS

[@edu_inacio621]

The 3d rivals folder was the friends we made along the way

[@chucklesticmccormick5828]

watching this live was absolutely magical, even if i couldnt actually chat 😔 i feel like the common thought process on rivals 3d is skepticism about the

[@chucklesticmccormick5828]

new mechanics, but trust that itll work out so i wouldnt worry abt it too much!

[@ClexYoshi]

I am honestly kinda gobsmacked at how fun of an idea it was. I sadly caught it late and had to rewatch the twitch vod to get the first 2/3rds of it, but dang is it cool, and I'm super glad that so many INSANELY talented people have rallied to Dan's side, yourself included, Adam. the revelation that this was literally just a bunch of OBS scenes is kidna nuts, though. YIKES! I love Rivals, but I'm such booty bungus at it. I'm hoping I get more out of Dungeons or Creatures when it drops on steam and I'm not put in a position where installing Bluestacks is the play.

[@Massamom]

The RoA Direct 3 was fantastic. I started making dinner early on the day so I would not miss the direct; ended up eating while the Direct was starting. I think it struck a great balance between humour, story and revealing new information. It was clear how much time and love went into making everything come together so huge props to everyone involved.

[@dyll_pyckle]

Honestly, this was a genius idea and it was so well implemented!!

[@marquezrobinson7492]

Having the option to shield or parry seems objectively better than just trying to react to Ranno dash attack into die

[@disbelievepapy8551]

what an awesome direct loved it

[@SendoPLUS]

the direct was one of the best pieces of content I've seen all year. really cool insight

[@kaedman]

I think that Rivals of Aether has thrived so long because it has a unique style, and does a few things you really don't see in other fighting games. By going the 3D route, Rivals loses its art style, gameplay style, and simply does what every other "knockoff" smash game has done, and failed miserably at. I think the new game needs some pizazz or some kind of gimmick to give it style and set it apart from other platform fighters, otherwise I think people will just try it out once and maybe play it more just because of the characters, then switch back to Rivals because this game looks like (At least with the information we have) that it's just a smash clone.

[@Yami_Soryu]

This was super entertaining, and im excited for all the reveals in this, plus 3d rivals looks AMAZING, but im wondering if Ori & S.K will return in 3d rivals

[@Max78000]

I’m so happy that johnny direct finally uploaded

[@ayjay5157]

Imagine watching the direct just for lovers of aether 2 to be announced 😂 By the way... All the directs should be like this.

[@kitkat1851]

POGGERS

[@Fizz-Q]

CATTERS

[@SamWeltzin]

Gotta be honest, I started with Smash 64 and have played hundreds of hours in every Smash game, but one of the reasons I like Rivals more is because it doesn't have shields. It's one of the things that separates it from other platforming fighters, making you commit to that button instead of just being a panic button that works in 80% of situations. It's not a dealbreaker, but I'm one of that tiny percent that would prefer shields not go in. Regardless, the rest is good enough that that tiny gripe will likely fade into the background.

[@psiseven]

I really think it would've been hilarious if we got denied the results if chat failed, ESPECIALLY for the 3D Rivals

[@nidunha14]

Yay, more Adam

[@szymonkieta3907]

My guess for hitfalling on shields is that you won’t be able to do it at all. It’ll probably stay as a mechanic but if your aerial hits the opponents shield, you won’t be able to hitfall it.

[@liampeterson8299]

truly hype for the roguelike

[@Radical-Red-Head]

Rivals Direct 3 was a highlight of 2021. I was genuinely upset when the option to hang out with Zetterburn was removed and the game ended.

[@shymera]

this looks/ed hella cool, i dont follow aether but definitely checking the vod out after

[@alvin_row]

I don't think you're being fair with the arguments against shields. In my opinion: 1.- The lack of shields make rivals different from Smash. There's things that make rivals unique from other platform fighters like the lack of ledge, the inclusion of hitfall, well designed and unique characters, and of course, the lack of shields and grabs. The team is amazing, I'm sure they could make the BEST smash clone in existence, but I don't want that. I don't want Rivals to lose one of the things that set it apart. 2.- The implications in the neutral game. Rivals doesn't have many defensive options. It's just rolls that you can follow or a parry that's hard to pull off and leaves you open to attacks if you miss. That forces the neutral game to be much more agressive, and makes movement the best defensive option. Even if you love playing RPS and shields add lots of depth to every approach, it's a new defensive option that will make a more defensive playstyle more viable, and that's just not what I love about Rivals. Also OOS options and up throw combos are boring lol. 3.- Change is scary. Especially change of something that works and you love. Rivals doesn't have shields or grabs or ledges or even 3D animation. It's a pixel art game that has the biggest competitive scene of any platform fighter besides Smash. Hitfall isn't something Dan planned, and it singlehandedly makes the Rivals combo game. Parrying isn't what Dan wanted, but it makes the Rivals neutral. What does it matter that Dan initially wanted PM mechanics? The competitive scene has been alive for years and the game is recognized as "the most fun platform fighter" by many many people. I hope I'm wrong, the team has pulled off amazing stuff before. I just think the response against shields is justified. For me, Rivals is perfect, and it's hard to believe they'll improve perfection. Also how is Orcane supposed to grab people? With his tail? Is he going to just stand up?!

[@AdamCarra]

Rivals character design is what makes it different from smash, not the core mechanics. Rivals takes like 99% of the core mechanics from Smash, and thinking that these few mechanics makes it too much like Smash just shows how much people just don't understand how the games work. If you don't have shields, the main defensive option in Rivals is to run away. No shields makes Rivals MORE defensive and encourages LESS interaction as a result, again people who don't understand how the game actually works, they just look at the surface. People see that shields block moves and think it must be more defensive, but they actually allow for more complex aggressive play, since it makes all your attacks safer than not having a shield. And really there's way more to it than that, people like making broad assumptions from their small personal experiences. I think a lot of the people that complain probably just never learned how to deal with shields, or came from games like Smash 4 and Ultimate, with crazy out of shield options, and with those games the movement and attacks are so much worse, that it makes dealing with shields really difficult.

[@bdown_hbunz]

I barely play rivals anymore but I STILL keep up with the announcements! EDIT: AND SINCE 2016 TOO

[@brightglow]

Shields in smash 4 were super important. Neutral relied heavily on getting around shields. That’s why you saw people put their shields up when they were right next to each other rather than attacking. In ultimate it’s a matter of how good your out of shield game is. There is no shield grabbing either so shields are super weird I think those two games having a TERRIBLE shield system give people the wrong idea on how shields should be. I guess people forget that this game is being made for competitive play and not party play like smash is

[@pids11]

I am someone who expressed concern/discontent about shields. If that's the design choice, I really have no issue - I'm not putting the work in to make the game, and I'm not owed anything. But I just thought it worth mentioning that the lack of shields (and basic grab mechanics as a counter) is a key difference between rivals and other platform fighters and places emphasis on a more offense-driven game. This is a trade-off, and I'm just hoping - with humility Adam! - that the gameplay of 'Rivals 2' will capture the same uniqeuness and satisfaction as the original.

[@SoftwareNeos]

Its not really that I hate shields or grabs. It just changes the dynamics when adding them in. Usually how I play rivals I either parry or I gotta move out of the way and I like the feeling of doing that. With shielding that adds the idea that you can just deal with projectiles by holding a button. And of course grabbing is the way to counter shielding... which is different. I just hope its implemented well.

[@sirsnipesyas2743]

He back

[@raghavchari]

Awesome!!!!!!

[@FiatNyx]

Wait, people chose becoming friends? I swear I saw people choose "Grab the folder" at the end. Am I crazy?

[@AdamCarra]

We did 2 runs, and chat did the other choices the 2nd time, so you might have missed the first run.

[@FiatNyx]

@@AdamCarra Oh, I see . Thanks

[@jacklantz7535]

I thought it would've been funny if they made Adam the capybara a Rivals character, also on the topic of characters, I thought that it was cool that there are going to be workshop characters coming to the actual game, especially for switch players who don't have workshop.

[@Guilmon35249vr]

I just love the thought that shields weren't included in Rivals because Dan just "didn't feel like it"

[@EonWhite]

I like that RoA doesn’t have shields. It makes it unique to other platform fighters. I also like platform fighters with shields, but having one that doesn’t have shields is cool. So even if shields are a cool mechanic, it’s not what I really want for RoA. I would like RoA to remain the shieldless platform fighter. And for the devs to try and innovate, create or use other mechanics.

[@damocleas]

Just praying my boy shovel knight is still in the 3d game tbh

[@gameb9oy]

Adam is channeling the spirit of Dan by not touching on the one thing we all want to hear about, is that capybara sona of his going to show up in rivals in the future or not?

[@dmfyre]

One good thing about shields is that defensive play will be a lot *easier*, hopefully. It's definitely hard for newer players to know their defensive options; parries are hard to learn, and so you always hear about newer players getting steamrolled because they have no way to defend

[@ikatulo_yt]

Coming from a smash u background I do really like shields, but indie platform fighters have shown that shields arent necessary to make a good game, I understand the disappointment with adding shields because the lack of shields is so core the the identity of rivals the same way removing wave dashing was harmful cause it became part of the identity of melee. I still ofc trust that the rivals team will do well, but I dont think the disappointment is unwarranted

[@rva3f1]

the A in aether lookin like the among us imposter ngl

[@JinjoJinjoJinjo]

God, please, make it stop

[@TiltEV]

get out of my head get out of my head get. out. of. my. head.

[@RenTully]

Honestly, I like the first Zetterburn model they showed over the new one, it feels way more like rivals with the old one.

[@HyenaFox]

Personally I feel like shields and grabs themselves are fine, I feel like the art style has less personality than the 2D one (looks like Icons) but it's not terrible.

[@sighyawn6378]

shields were really nice for reducing how annoying disjoints are cause they usually have terrible frame data on block. also your defense against projectiles can be more relaxed. dont have to parry them every time. block punishment could be a thing? that or blocking will be weak and just protect you but not give you a turn. depends on how you guys are implementing it. im down for whatever.

[@GmNdWtchr96]

Presentation of Aether

[@anneprocter]

I'm cool with shields but I really hope we still get parrying

[@AdamCarra]

Parrying is in the that trailer

[@Eichro]

I think the shield rants come from a place of those who like how that makes Rivals play differently from Smash, giving it an identity. I personally think ledgeless recovery does that way more and I personally hope that is still in the new Rivals, but I don't mind shields.

[@EduSolsa]

That was an amazing video. And if the idea worked, so it wasn't stupid XD

[@goodrus7204]

Adam Capybara

[@evilweevil_]

Adam capybara With drip 😳

[@technicolormischief-maker5683]

My biggest concern is whether there are ledges or not, honestly. I love what rivals does now with its recoveries, the extra walljump ties perfectly into the emphasis on movement and opens up tons of possibilities for both offense and defense. Ledges feel really arbitrary in comparison and I hope they stay gone. Also, I’d like to see more polish in the visuals. In development, yeah, but the animations, the look of the shields and the lighting really take me out of the experience. I also don’t understand why they changed the mane of the Zetter model compared to how it looked in the last direct. Overall rivals 3d currently looks to be a huge step away from the beautiful look of current rivals, and I can only hope that that gets fixed in development.

[@Shroobi]

For those who didn't see it, they added grabs AND shields but they also still retain parry but can they grab ledge tho?

[@oojclops8694]

Shields in smash ult and smash 4 were a "get out of jail free card" or sorts. No matter if you were in advantage of disadvantage, if one person picked up shield it became an instant 50/50 or you were forced to back off. Unlike melee, shield pressure doesn't really exist since most characters have DPs or can just roll away However, melee shield was cool because you still had to pay attention when you put it up