Rise of Incarnates was a fast-paced, arcade-style fighting game developed and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment for PC. Announced in early 2014 and showcased at E3, the title entered Steam Early Access in February 2015 before its official launch in July of that year. Built by veterans behind major franchises like Tekken, Soulcalibur, and Mobile Suit Gundam: Extreme VS, the game quickly carved out a niche by emphasizing cooperative combat over traditional one-on-one duels.
Rise of Incarnates Gameplay and Mechanics
At its core, the experience revolves around 2v2 arena battles where execution and coordination are equally important. Instead of a conventional round-based structure, matches utilize a stock-style life system where a team’s overall survival depends on strategic character management. Combatants possess distinct kits, specialized roles, and varying attack ranges, allowing players to build compositions that complement each other. The controls are intentionally accessible for newcomers, but the depth emerges through spacing, timing, and cancel mechanics. A defining element is the Awakening System, which lets fighters temporarily transform into mythic figures or channel deity-like powers to dramatically shift match momentum. Tag Combos enable synchronized assaults, making team synergy the primary path to victory.
Story and Setting
While the title does not focus heavily on a traditional narrative campaign, the world-building is woven directly into the combat environments and character designs. Fighters hail from different factions engaged in a sprawling conflict, with each combatant tied to mythological or supernatural themes. The battlegrounds are rendered in shattered yet accurately detailed real-world cityscapes, providing a dynamic stage for high-speed brawls. The lore supports the gameplay loop by explaining how warriors unlock their awakened forms through ancient powers, reinforcing the arcade-focused spectacle over plot-driven progression.
Platform and Availability
Rise of Incarnates was developed exclusively for PC and distributed through Steam, with its initial release occurring in February 2015. The title later transitioned to a full commercial launch in July 2015 before being pulled from Steam in October 2015. All online servers were permanently shut down in December of that same year. As a result, the title is no longer available for purchase or online play, leaving its legacy preserved in community archives and historical fighting game discussions.
Notable Features
- 2v2 Cooperative Combat: Matches are built around duo coordination, shared offense, and synchronized pressure tactics.
- Dynamic Awakening System: Fighters can trigger temporary mythic transformations that alter pacing and create decisive momentum swings.
- Accessible Yet Deep Mechanics: Simple input requirements allow quick entry, while spacing, timing, and tag setups provide competitive depth.
- Full Roster Access: The entire character lineup becomes available to new players within their first 24 hours of gameplay.
- Strategic Stock Management: More powerful fighters cost additional lives upon defeat, encouraging thoughtful team composition and tactical retreats.
Who Rise of Incarnates Appeals To
- Team-Oriented Fighting Fans: Players who enjoy coordinated gameplay and strategic pairings over solo-focused duels.
- Arcade Combat Enthusiasts: Those drawn to fast-paced, high-momentum matches with flashy special abilities and quick round structures.
- Free-to-Play Experimenters: Gamers looking for a rare free-to-play entry in the 3D fighting genre during the mid-2010s.
- Bandai Namco Veterans: Longtime followers of the developer’s fighting game lineage and those interested in the studio’s collaborative design experiments.
