ARMS (game)

''This article is about the Nintendo Switch game. For other uses, see ARMS (disambiguation).''

ARMS is a fighting game developed by Nintendo EPD exclusive to the Nintendo Switch. The game features professional boxer-like fighters who can attack each other from across an arena using weapons known as ARMS, which are attached to the ends of the fighters' extendable limbs, also known as ARMS.

ARMS was released on 2017-06-16 in North America, Europe, and Japan.

Gameplay
Each player controls one fighter from an over-the-shoulder third-person point of view. The game optionally takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers' built-in motion controls, allowing players to throw punches, block, and move around the arena by flicking or tilting the controllers. Using traditional button controls with a Pro Controller, Joy-Con Grip, a single Joy-Con held sideways, or the Switch in handheld mode is also an option. The game is playable locally by up to 4 players on one system, up to 8 players and systems per lobby in local wireless, and up to 10 systems with 2 players each in an online lobby. The game includes online party and ranked battle modes, and local wireless mode.

In-game
* -The plural form of Joy-Con is the same as its singular form.

Game Modes
There are several gameplay modes in ARMS. All modes are listed here.

Grand Prix
In this single-player or co-op mode, players compete against ten consecutive AI opponents with random options. The final match is fought against an unknown boss character with at least two phases. Grand Prix has seven difficulty levels. After beating level four, Ranked is unlocked, and the title theme changes to an alternate version sung by Ribbon Girl.

Versus
A local multiplayer mode for up to four players which allows players to choose between five types of multiplayer matches, one single player challenge, and two training modes. In each multiplayer mode, players receive points for winning a round. A match can result in a draw if multiple players tie for points.

Versus includes the following game modes.

Fight
A match between two to four players or COMs. The last player standing is the winner of each round, and receives one point.

If two fighters KO each other at the same time, the round ends with a Double KO, giving neither player a point. An Extra Round will be played at the end if the Double KO prompted more rounds than usually needed. If the time limit is reached when players are tied for the most HP, no one wins the round and an Extra Round could be needed.

Team Fight
A two on two match in which teammates are tethered to one another, causing both members to be affected by throws and explosions. Team Fight also includes friendly fire, so players are required to throw punches carefully to avoid hitting teammates. The same rules for points in Fight apply to Team Fight.

V-Ball
Players compete in a volleyball match using a large, explosive ball. Players are allowed to hit the ball over the net. If the ball hits the ground in a player's court, it will explode, and the other player will receive one point. If time runs out during a match, the ball will pop, and the bomb inside will drop onto whichever court it was over when the match ended.

Hoops
Players compete in a short game of Basketball, in which the goal is to grab the opposing player and throw them into the net. Each dunk within the three-point line will give a player two points, and a throw from outside it will give them three points.

Skillshot
A multiplayer target breaking mode, similar to the ARMS Getter. Players receive points by breaking targets, earning more depending on how many targets are broken at once. Players can still attack or grab their opponents, which gives them points as well as temporarily stunning their opponents.

1-on-100
A single player mode in which the player must defeat 100 enemies one after another.

ARMS Test
A training mode in which a player can test out a randomized combination of ARMS against a stationary COM fighter.

Training
A second training mode containing various drills to teach players fighting techniques. * - Items can appear randomly in this mode.

Rules
Players can set rules and options for any match including each of the following (some options are only available in some modes, or can't be changed in some modes):
 * Style (Solo, Team, Singles, Doubles)
 * Team (1 2 VS 3 4, 1 3 VS 2 4, 1 4 VS 2 3)
 * Time (99, No limit, 60)
 * Winner (First to 2, First to 3, First to 1)
 * Items (On, Off)
 * HP (Normal, Infinite, 1-punch KO)
 * Rush gauge (Normal, Full, Full (players only), Off)
 * COM players (1 COM, 2 COM, 3 COM)
 * COM skill (Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, Level 7 (strong), Stationary (won't move), Evasive (evoids damage), Level 1 (weak))

Party Match
The main online mode in ARMS. Players are placed in a lobby with up to 20 players on 10 systems where they are randomly matched with other party members in a random multiplayer Versus mode. While waiting for a match to begin, players can change their character, and warm up against multiple enemies holding targets. By participating, players can earn tokens which can be spent on the ARM Getter stage.

Ranked Match
This mode matches up players of the same rank for intense 1 on 1 battles. It is unlocked after beating a Grand Prix at difficulty level 4. Winning a match will result in a players rank increasing, and a loss will cause it to sink. While in queue for a Ranked Match, players can spend time in any other mode, and will be taken straight into the match once it is found.

Get ARMS
Main article: ARM Getter

This training stage lets players unlock new ARMS. The player is given a certain amount of time to break as many targets as possible. Players can spend their to set how long the timer will run. When a certain number of points is earned, Item Drones will appear carrying a box containing a random set of ARMS. If the player punches this box, they will unlock the arms inside. If an ARM is unlocked more than once, it will receive a 10 point damage buff, notated by a "+" at the end of its name.

Reception
ARMS received generally positive reviews. Critics praised its simple, straightforward gameplay and its creative twist on the fighting genre, but some criticism was directed at its lack of content on release and its learning curve.