The game uses a side-view 2D one-on-one fighting format. Each character has normal attacks, special moves, EX attacks, and unique movement options, with Chain Combos allowing light-to-heavy attack strings into specials. Air offense and defense are important, and some fighters can fly, transform, or alter movement patterns dramatically. Arcade mode has players defeat a ladder of opponents to reach character endings, while versus play emphasizes spacing, anti-airs, pressure, and meter usage.

Demitri Maximoff

An aristocratic vampire and one of the series' signature fighters, known for projectile and rush attacks.

Morrigan Aensland

A succubus noble with strong air mobility and versatile projectile control.

Felicia

A cheerful catwoman whose close-range pressure and rapid chains are very effective.

Talbain

A fast werewolf fighter with excellent mobility and aggressive rushdown.

Anakaris

An ancient mummy pharaoh with unusual hitboxes and strong space control.

Victor von Gerdenheim

A hulking artificial monster who relies on heavy damage and electrified attacks.

Hsien-Ko

A dark Chinese spirit fighter using oversized claws and tricky pressure tools.

Donovan Baine

A new half-vampire hunter with balanced tools and solid control.

Huitzil

A new ancient robot guardian focused on mechanical zoning and unusual attacks.

Bishamon

A cursed samurai armor spirit with long reach and dangerous offense.

Sasquatch

A powerful snow beast with throws, ice techniques, and strong fundamentals.

Rikuo

A fish-man combatant with slippery mobility and tricky mid-range attacks.

Pyron

A cosmic boss character who presents overwhelming offensive pressure.

Beginners should start with balanced characters such as Morrigan, Demitri, or Talbain to learn jumping attacks, crouching defense, anti-airs, and special cancels. Chain Combos are central, so practice reliable light-medium-heavy strings before adding special move enders. Anti-airing is critical against aggressive jump-ins, whether with standing normals, rising specials, or air-to-air checks. Since several fighters have unusual movement or body size, learn matchup-specific ranges and combo timing. Against the boss, avoid reckless offense; observe recovery windows and punish with consistent confirms.

Tips and tricks

Learn a basic Chain Combo first, then add special cancels for safer damage.

Tips and tricks

Do not ignore air defense; many matches are decided by jump control.

Tips and tricks

Combo timing changes on different character sizes and hurtboxes.

User Reviews

The animation remains one of the game's most celebrated features.

User Reviews

Chain Combos make it faster and smoother than the first game.

User Reviews

Its monster theme gives it a unique identity among 1990s fighters.