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River City: Tokyo Rumble (熱血硬派くにおくんSP 乱闘協奏曲, Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-Kun SP: Rantō Kyōsōkyoku in Japan, which roughly translates to "Hot-Blooded Tough Guy Kunio SP: Brawl Concerto") is a beat 'em up role-playing game in the Kunio-kun franchise released on August 8, 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS in Japan. It was developed by Aplus Co., Ltd. and published by Arc System Works. The localized versions, released on September 27, 2016 and September 29, 2019 in North America and Europe, respectively, where published by Natsume.

The game acts as a direct sequel to Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun Special and its prequel, Riki Densetsu. Like both of those games, the story was written by Yoshihisa Kishimoto, the creator of the series. The game uses the same graphical style from Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, which was also used in Special and Riki Densetsu. Kazuo Sawa, the composer of the original game, also returned to compose the game's music.

This is the fifth game in the Kunio-kun series (since Super Dodge Ball for the Neo Geo) that uses the established Kunio-kun names for most of its characters instead of creating new names, while using the River City brand. Like River City Ransom EX, the graphics in-game are not altered.

Development[]

Story[]

A mysterious organization known as the Kanto Lion Alliance is making a move to conquer Tokyo, the prefecture where Kunio of Nekketsu High School resides. Together with his friend and rival Riki, Shinji of Yokohama and Taiyō Academy's Misuzu, Kunio fights to put a stop to the takeover.

Gameplay[]

Before starting the game, the player must select from two different save files before they can access the game's 5 modes. These five modes are Story (すとーりー乱闘協奏曲, Story Melee Concerto), Rumble (かちぬきかくとう, Winning Fight), Dodgeball (くらぶかつどう, Club Activities), Gallery (ぎゃらりー) and Options.

Story[]

The player gets to play through the story of Kunio and his allies fighting the Kanto Lion Alliance (Tokyo Lion Alliance in River City: Tokyo Rumble). Gameplay is similar to Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun Special, but this time the player can recruit allies, travel by train and have a rematch against previously defeated bosses.

Progress through the game's story mode is linear. The player has access to some of Tokyo's cities, which they can travel to by train once they are accessible. Each city has a number of areas with shops, restaurants and the train station. Each area also has a a hidden Mystery Store like in River City Ransom and Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki da yo Zen'in Shūgō!. One area of the city will have a boss from the Kanto Lion Alliance, which is fought after a scene. The player must visit each area of Tokyo and defeat the current boss until they finally gain access to the airport, where they travel to Hong Kong for the final battle.

While in peaceful areas of the city, the player will come across various NPCs whom they can interact with by pressing the A button. The player can hit them (either accidentally or on purpose) and depending on the NPC, speaking to them again will trigger a random fight with some enemies or with the NPC.

Rumble[]

A battle royal mode similar to the event of the same name in Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundōkai and Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu. Up to four players can play together through local play or download play using many characters from the series. These characters are unlocked by playing through the Story Mode.

Most characters have a set of fixed Special Moves, with a maximum of two listed for each characters. The player can select six different arenas, set up the time limit (infinite, 1 minute or 3 minutes) set the difficulty level of the CPU and choose which music they want to play. A match will end if all human players are defeated if there are still CPU players standing.

The game's control scheme remains the same, but the number of moves are limited. The player cannot perform any of the moves introduced in Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun, such as straddling and running hooks, but it is possible for some characters to grab a stunned enemy if they have a throw special moves.

Dodgeball[]

Up to four players can play a dodgeball game together in the style of the Club Activities Mode in Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu (Bean Ball in Super Dodge Ball). The same characters used in Rumble are used in this mode.

All characters have two Super Shots, one performed by running and the other performed by running during a jump. The mode uses the same stages and settings from the Rumble Mode. Similarly to Rumble, a match will be declared over if all human players are defeated while CPU players are still standing.

When a match starts, two balls are left on the ground for the characters to use. If players do not have a ball, they can pick one up from the ground by pressing the A button. The character crouches to dodge a thrown ball with the B button. Pressing A will have characters attempt to catch a thrown ball. When players have the ball, they can throw it by pressing either the A or B buttons.

  • Gallery: Includes a Character Database with information on each character once they are met in Story Mode, as well as a Sound Test with music unlocked once its heard during Story Mode.
  • Options: Players can increase the volume of the sound effects and music, toggle voice overs ON or OFF, change the game difficulty from Easy, Normal, Hard or Brutal, and change the game's controls. Only which buttons are used for punches, kicks and jumping can be changed. This options can be changed at any time during gameplay.

Pause Menu[]

The game's pause menu is accessed on the bottom screen of the Nintendo 3DS. The map of the game is displayed at all times during gameplay. The player can pause the game by pressing either the Start or Select buttons, and gives players access to a menu with the following items (the L and R buttons are used to switch between them):

  • Map: Displays the player's current location along with the location of the next objective.
  • Items: Shows the players inventory, including Items (includes scrolls with special moves and consumable food items), Badges that are dropped by enemies and Special items related to jobs and events (key items).
  • Status: Displays Kunio's stats and those of his allies, along with what items they are wearing. Pressing the Y button displays their special moves, which can be toggled ON or OFF.
  • Jobs: Shows a list of the part-time jobs that are currently in progress. When a job is completed, this option in the menu will be highlighted in green.
  • Options: The same settings screen found in the mode select screen. The player is free to change settings as they wish during gameplay, just like River City Ransom, Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki and River City Ransom EX.
  • Save: Has two options. Save allows players to save their game (the game has no auto save feature). The other option returns the player to the Main Menu and Mode Select Screen. The player is warned beforehand to save the game first, lest their progress be lost. Players can save at any time, but cannot save the game during specific events, such as boss battles.

Money[]

Just like in River City Ransom and its sequels, the player receives money (Japanese yen, Japan's official currency) after defeating enemies. Enemies also drop badges which can be sold for yen at shops. Money is used in these different kind of shops:

  • Restaurant: Includes restaurants, curry shops, cafeteria and sushi restaurants. The player can recover Stamina and Willpower for their character an ally here.
  • Tech Burger: A fast food joint, the player can take food to go and have it in their inventory.
  • Drug Stores: Sells drugs that allows the player and ally to recover together.
  • General Store: These stores sell equipment such as shoes, knuckles, belts and undershirts that increase character stats.
  • Bookstore: Players can purchase scrolls that teach Special Moves.
  • Mysterious Store: Hidden shops that sell expensive equipment and special moves which cannot be found in regular stores.

Some areas have vending machines, like in Shodai Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun. The player can interact with them to purchase items.

At an specific point early in the game, the player will be given access to a store which offers Part-time Jobs. These jobs range from defeating a number of specific enemies, fighting specific bosses, and other missions, which reward the player with money, items, and characters to use in Rumble and Dodgeball.

If the player is knocked out and has no remaining Stamina and Willpower, they will lose half of their money. The game will briefly return Kunio to Nekketsu High School, promising revenge, but the game will then return the player back to the same area where they were knocked out. If the player is defeated during a boss battle, they will be returned to Nekketsu High School. The game has an item that removes the loss of money penalty.

Stats[]

Like Shodai Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun, characters have levels and gain experience by defeating enemies. The status screen has an experience meter and when full, the character goes up one level. This increases their stats slightly, with the exception of Agility, which can only be increased by consuming items. Some consumable items can grant stat boosts while equipment improves stats as well. Unlike River City Ransom but like in Downtown Special, food items purchased in stores only replenish Stamina and Willpower.

The stats are the same from River City Ransom:

  • Punch: How much damage characters make with punch attacks.
  • Kick: Determines the strength of kick attacks.
  • Weapon: The higher this stat, the more damage a character makes when using weapons.
  • Strength: This stat determines the frequency at which a character can break an enemy's guard.
  • Agility: Character's moving and running speed.
  • Defense: The character's chances to block, performed by pressing an attack button when attacked.
  • Stamina: The character's health meter. If it is empty and the character is knocked out and has no Willpower, they will be knocked out and lose half of their money.
  • Willpower: If the character's Stamina is depleted and they have some Willpower, the character will get back up from the ground and recover a little Stamina.

Controls & Moves[]

The game's control scheme is the same from Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, the A button is used to punch and the B button to kick. The player jumps by pressing the Y button. Once the player acquires an ally, the X button is used to change their AI behavior (become aggressive, assist the player, stay away from the player, or to do whatever they want). The L button switches between 3D and 2D modes, while the R button zooms the screen in.

Pressing the directional pad Left or Right twice allows the character to run in that direction. Unlike Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, characters will continue running into walls instead of knocking themselves out accidentally. The A button is used to pick up and attack with weapons while the B button is used to throw them. Hitting enemies multiple times will have them stagger, at which point they can be knocked out with an uppercut or high kick by using the A or B button, respectively. Attacks can also be performed in midair, such as the jump kick.

Moves used in Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun and Shodai Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun can also be done by the player from the start:

  • Grab: When an enemy is stunned and groggy from a beat down, the player can hold the directional pad towards them to grab them by the collar. Pressing the A button, the character performs a Shoulder Throw. Pressing the B button will make the character Knee the enemy, which can be done multiple times until the enemy escapes the player's grasp. Holding the directional pad towards the enemy and pressing the B button will make the character switch position behind the opponent, and pressing the button again allows the character to perform a Suplex.
  • Straddling: When an enemy is knocked out, the player can sit on top of them, allowing them to punch them with the A button.
  • Running Hook: While running, characters can throw a hook that knocks enemies down by pressing the A button.

In the event that the player gets grabbed from behind, pressing the B allows them to defend themselves with a kick. They can break free with the A button.

Just like in Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, the player can use additional moves by purchasing scrolls in bookstores. Only Kunio can learn moves this way, Riki, Shinji and Misuzu learn new moves as they gain levels:

  • Mach Punch: Stone Hands in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Mach Kick: Dragon Feet in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Mach Strike: Grand Slam in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Diving Punch: Power Punch in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Diving Kick: Power Kick in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Screw: Acro Circus in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Human Torpedo: Javelin Man in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Whirlwind Kick: Chopper Kick in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Dragon God Kick: Rhino Kick in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Dragon God Punch: Monkey Fist in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Bōjutsu Special: Spin Slash in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Headbutt Special: Headbutt in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Big Bang:
  • Giant Swing: Cylcone Swing in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Fireball Spike: Meteor Flip in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Tornado Attack: Heelstorm in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Back Breaker: Backbreaker in River City: Tokyo Rumble
  • Penetrating Shot: Rat-a-Tat in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Full Swing: Phat Bat in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Overhead: Power Throw in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Transformation Technique: Doppelganger in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Human Drill: Buzzsaw in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Nitro Attack: Haymaker in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Hell Wheel: Hotwheel Hurl in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Hammer Swing: Orbital Swing in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Dunk Special: Nasty Dunk in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Stomping: Fatal Steps in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Tomoe nage: Judo Throw in River City: Tokyo Rumble.

Weapons[]

While travelling through areas of the game, the player will come across many weapons in the ground which they can use against enemies. Characters can grab them and use them to attack, throw them at enemies, or hit and collide with them to use them for collateral damage. Most of these weapons are returning ones from previous games, with some new ones.

Fallen enemies can be grabbed by pressing the B button. They function just like a heavy weapon.

  • Rock
  • Brass Knuckles
  • Bokken
  • Chain
  • Tire
  • Crate
  • Trash Can: Like in Downtown Special and River City Ransom EX, it can be thrown onto someone's head, making it impossible for them to attack. However, to remove it, the character must take damage from another character.
  • Basebal Bat
  • Soccer Ball
  • Bycicle

Areas[]

  • Ikebukuro: The game's starting area, the location of Nekketsu High School. When Kunio and Riki join forces, Misako will be in front of the school's gate, allowing players to switch characters. Later in the game, Kōji will appear near the school and players can initiate a dodgeball minigame by speaking with him. After completing the game and starting again with clear save data, Kyoko will appear with Misako in front of Nekketsu High School, which gives players the option to switch Kunio with one of his allies.

The shopping district is to the left of the school, the player can get to the train station by going north from the district. To the right of the school is a residential area and a vacant lot to the north of it. The residential area can be reached by going left from the shopping district. The mystery store can be found in the shopping district, on top of the Tech Burger and moving to the right near the Part-time Job store.

Attacking Nozomi in the shopping district will have Yuya and Toshio appear. They were Nekketsu High School students who bullied Hiroshi in Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun Special.

  • Shinjuku: The turf of Riki and the Hanazono High School students. The player starts at the station. To the right is the shopping area, the player can get to Kakubicho to the north of it. Kakubicho is where Misuzu tends to be, it has a game center and to the right of it is an office district that leads to the station. The mystery store is found in the shopping area, which has a partially open door next to the Tech Burger, near the entrance to Kakubicho.

Attacking the police officer at the station will make Kunio run back to Nekketsu High School to avoid an arrest. If the player attacks Machiko (a Hanazono High School student), Tatsuzō will appear with a group of yakuza thugs to attack the player. These thugs are highly resilient and can deplete a character's Stamina almost instantly with their icepicks.

  • Yokohama: The home turf of Shinji and the Blue Emperors. Going right from the starting point, the station, takes the player to the shopping area. North of this area is Chinatown, which has the other half of the shopping district. To the right of the initial shopping area is a warehouse, where Shinji can be found. Outside the warehouse there is a crack in the fence, which leads to the mystery store. The player cannot circle back to the station from outside the warehouse, they must back track to go to previous areas.

Mikoto, Shinji's second-in-command, makes a cameo appearance at the station. Tatsuzō will show up again with his yakuza thugs if the woman to the left of the station is attacked and then spoken to.

  • Ueno: The area under siege by Majishi. Starting from the station and heading right, the player will reach a residential area. To the right of it is the park, where Majishi awaits the player. After being defeated, Majishi can be fought here whenever the player wishes. There is a statue of the character from Nekketsu banchō fīa-hen in the park, approaching it leads to Ueno's mystery store. To the right of the park is the office district, a shopping area. North of it the player can enter a basketball court. Speaking with Tatsuhiro here will begin a minigame where the player can shoot some baskets. The player returns to the station by going to the right of the shopping district.

The player can receive a Tech Burger from the woman to the left of the station by attacking her then speaking with her. Tatsuzō will appear with his thugs if the player attacks Masato, a soccer player for Hanazono High School. The Principal of Nekketsu High School is also in the station.

  • Shibuya: The area that Benijishi is trying to take control of. To the right of the station is the shopping area. The 893 Shopping Mall is located to the right of it, Benijishi is fought here. To the right of the mall the player reaches the office district, which leads to the station. There are some shops in the office district, and the Cruel Court Ladies are fought here first before they join Benijishi for her first fight. Both the stores in the office district and mall will not open when first visiting the area until the enemies are defeated. The mystery store is found in the office district, to the left of the roof of the restaurant.

Attacking the woman at the station will have Tatsuzō show up yet again with more thugs. Momoko, a follower of Misuzu is also at the station.

  • Asakusa: The area under control by the Twin Lions, the player starts at the station. There is a sign pointing to the right next to the stairs, moving towards it leads to the mystery store. To the right of it is the shopping district, followed by the residential area. To the right of both of these areas is the Kaminarimon Gate, where the Twin Lions await the player. The player must run back to the left to return to previous areas, they cannot circle around through Asakusa.

Tatsuzō will attack with punks if the sukeban to the left of the station is attacked and then spoken to. The player can fight Tsurumatsu by attacking him and then talking to him. Maezawa is at the station, but he does not fight back if attacked. Instead, the player can fight him by taking on a part-time job.

  • Akihabara: The player begins at the station and cannot circle around Akihabara, the player must move to the left to return to previous areas. To the right of the station is the electronics mall district. To the right of it is an electronics store with two floors.

If the player is on their first run of the game, once they reach the second floor of the store, they will meet Kinjishi? before Kunio fights Shirogane in the mall district. On their second run of the game, the player can enter the office on the second floor, where they will face the real Kinjishi.

Attacking then speaking to the woman in the station will have Tatsuzō and his thugs show up for a fight. Attacking the man in the station triggers a chain of events that lead to the player receiving his wallet, but this does nothing. Takaoka, the captain of the Akiba College team in River City Super Sports Challenge, makes a cameo at the station.

  • Shinagawa: The player is led to this area by Wataru after Shishio sends his corps after Kunio and his friends. The first area is the station, with the shopping district to the right of it. To the right of the district is Shinagawa Bridge, where Shishio awaits. Past the bridge is the office district, which leads to the station. There is a huge gap in this area, but the center of it has a ladder. If players attempt to go down this ladder they will enter the mystery store.

Attacking the man near the entrance to the station will have him sic Tatsuzō and his goons on the player. Kunio will be scolded severely by Megumi (a teacher from Hanazono High School) if he attacks her and then talks to her.

  • Airport: This is the location where the game's final battle takes place. The only locations are the airport itself and the final area.

Characters[]

Playable Characters[]

  • Kunio: The main character of the series, a thug with a heart of gold who looks out for his friends and fights for justice. He is a sucker for pretty girls, which sometimes leads to heartbreak. Kunio is the character controlled by the player during the game. He starts with no special moves, the player must purchase scrolls from shops to teach him moves. In Rumble mode, Kunio's special moves are the Mach Kick (Dragon Feet in Tokyo Rumble) and the Chopper Kick. In Dodgeball mode, his Super Shots are The Stinger and The Spear.
  • Riki: The banchō of Hanazono High School, Kunio's friend and rival. Just like Kunio, he fights for justice, but when his anger reaches the boiling point, he snaps and goes berserk. He is the first ally to join Kunio in the game.
  • Shinji: Leader of the Blue Emperors, a bōsōzuko gang in Yokohama. His friends trust him since he likes to help others and pitch in. He was Riki's senior in Hanazono High School and due to being older, he expects to be respected. He is the second ally to join Kunio.
  • Misuzu: Taiyō Academy's giant sukeban. She is physically huge and intimidates people, with a tough personality to match. She does have a girly side, however. She is the final ally to join Kunio.

Gangs[]

When entering areas of a city, the player will be attacked by four enemies of each gang simultaneously. Once they are all defeated, the player is free to explore the area for awhile before the enemy gang shows up again. The gang the player faces depends on the current city the player is located in. However, once Shishio gets involved and decides to actively pursue Kunio, only his Lion Alliance Corps will show up in all cities. Once Shishio is defeated, the thugs from the respective cities will return, while Shishio's thugs will only appear in Shinagawa.

  • City Delinquents: The gang fought in Ikekuburo. They drop 40 yen. They might drop the common Local Punk Button badge or the rare Local Punk Jacket badge. They are renamed Local Punks in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Hanazono High School Rogues: A group of Hanazono High School delinquents loyal to Sakata located in Shinjuku. They drop 30 yen. They might drop the common Hanazono High Button badge or the rare Hanazono High Jacket badge. Renamed to Hanazono High School Delinquents in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Delinquents of Yokohama: This local Yokohama gang does not belong to Shinji (they can be distinguished by the fact that they wear pink, while Shinji's Blue Emperors wear purple). They drop 50 yen. They might drop the common Biker Pin badge and the Rare Biker Patch badge. They are named Yokohama Hoodlums in River City: Tokyo Rumble. The Blue Emperors are fought during training with Shinji and they drop the same amount of yen as the Yokohama delinquents, but their common badge is the Emperor Pin and the rare badge the Emperor Patch.
  • Majishi Corps: Majishi's soldiers trying to take over Ueno alongside him. They drop 70 yen. They might drop the common Demon Pin badge or the rare Demon Patch badge. They are renamed Demon Lion Crew Thugs in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Benijishi Lion Alliance Corps: A gang of girl delinquents, followers of Benijishi trying to take control over Shibuya. They drop 90 yen when defeated. They might drop the Rouge Pin badge, which is common, or the rare Rouge Patch badge. These corps are renamed Rouge Lion Crew Thugettes in River City: Tokyo Rumble. Before fighting Benijishi, the player has to face the Cruel Court Ladies of the Red Lion Guard: Sanbou, Chousi and Nagae (known as the Cold-Blooded Teen Queens in River City: Tokyo Rumble, renamed Sassy, Cheeky and Catty). They drop 300 yen and might drop a common Rouge Button badge or a rare Rouge Satchel badge. They are fought again the first time the player faces off against Benijishi.
  • Renjishi Legion Corps: A gang wearing kabuki make-up, they are led by Twin Lions and are trying to take over Asakusa. They drop 120 yen. They might drop the common Twin Lion Pin or the rare Twin Lion Patch. Known as the Twin Lion Crew in River City: Tokyo Rumble. Before facing the Twin Lions, the player has to face The Four Heavenly Kings of Renjishi: Narita, Yorozu, Narikoma and Harima (known as the Four Horsemen in River City: Tokyo Rumble, and appropriately renamed Death, War, Plague and Famine). They drop 350 yen, and they might drop either, the common Twin Lion Armband badge or the rare Kabuki Ticket badge.
  • Strong City Delinquents: These thugs in Akihabara are palette swaps of the City Delinquents in Ikekuburo, but are much tougher. They drop 150 yen and they might drop the common Local Punk Badge or the rare Local Punk Satchel. They were renamed to Serious Punks in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Shishio Lion Alliance Corps: Before facing Shishio, these goons will attack the player in every city. Once Shishio is defeated, they become local to Shinagawa. They drop 180 yen and might drop the common Ultra Pin badge or the rare Ultra Patch badge. Known as Ultra Lion Crew Goons in River City: Tokyo Rumble.

Antagonists[]

  • Wataru: Riki's second-in-command in Hanazono High School. Though loyal to Riki and Hanazono, he is also a wild card with his own agenda. He wishes to be the strongest in Tokyo and does whatever is necessary to gain advantages for himself. Wataru is the first boss of the game and is fought three times.
  • Sakata: A student of Hanazono High School with a big mouth, which he uses to lie and bluff. He was the original banchō of Hanazono High School, a position he talked himself into acquiring, before Riki took it from him. Sakata is fought three times as well during the game.
  • Ginjishi: The boss of the Kanagawa Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance. His real name is Shirogane. A cool pretty boy and quick-thinker who always finds a logical solution to a problem. His passion is motorcycles. Ginjishi is fought multiple times during the game. Named Silver Lion in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Majishi: Boss of the Tochigi Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance. His real name is Oda. He is the giant of the Alliance, hides his face behind a hockey mask and is not much for words. He has drawn many followers due to his macho charisma. Majishi is fought once as a boss, but the player can return to the location where they fought him for a rematch whenever they wish. Named Demon Lion in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Benijishi: A sukeban and boss of the Ibaraki Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance. Her real name is Benibayashi. An idol level beauty with a fan following, she is the only female member in the Alliance. She was formerly in a volleyball club and as a deadly spike move. Benijishi is fought once, but the player can fight her again after the first fight by returning to the area in which they fought her. Named Rouge Lion in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Ukyo: The older of the Twin Lions, one of the bosses of the Chiba Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance. His real name is Azuma Ukyo. He fights in sync with his brother and they have a devastating team attack. He can be distinguished from his brother by his facial scar. Ukyo and his brother are fought once, but after defeating them the player can return to the area where the fight took place and fight them again.
  • Sakyo: The younger of the Twin Lions, his real name is Azuma Sakyo. While his brother has a preference for basketball, he likes playing baseball.
  • Shishio: The boss of the Saitama Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance and arguably, their leader. His real name is Shigematsu. The full package, he is legendary for his fighting skills and charisma. Shishio is fought once, flanked by two giant toughs: Fujin and Raijin. Named Ultra Lion in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Sabu: The boss of the Sanwakai (三和会 "Sanwa Gang"), a yakuza organization based near Nekketsu High School. The organization was nearly destroyed by Kunio previously, and after his defeat to Kunio, Sabu promised to keep his hands off Tokyo. However, Sabu has been planning to get revenge against Kunio for this humiliation, and orchestrates the Kanto Lion Alliance's conquest of Tokyo. Sabu is the game's final boss much like the previous game, this time he is fought together with Lee.
  • Lee: Sabu's biological older brother and the head of the Red Snake Triad organized crime syndicate. He was in Japan originally, but traveled to Hong Kong, where he found success. He assists Sabu to get revenge against Kunio. While Sabu fights using a handgun, Lee is a martial artist with knowledge of many fighting arts.
  • Kinjishi: The boss of the Gunma Crew of the Kanto Lion Alliance, his real name is Kaneda. Though at a young age, he is already the president of a startup company. He has no interest in conquering Tokyo and simply joined the Alliance for the thrill of the fight. Kinjishi does not appear in a normal playthrough of the game. When the player starts a new game with clear save data, Kinjishi will appear and can be fought. Named Gold Lion in River City: Tokyo Rumble.

Supporting characters[]

  • Hiroshi: The top student in Nekketsu High School and Kunio's best friend. His specialty is getting in trouble, which tends to get Kunio involved. He is a fan of yakuza films.
  • Misako: A beautiful Nekketsu High School student with many admirers, even from other high schools. She frowns on delinquents, the sole exception being Kunio. After Kunio allies with Riki, Misako can always be found in front of Nekketsu High School, which allows the player to switch their allies or choose to travel alone.
  • Madoka: A teacher in Nekketsu High School, she is Kunio and Hiroshi's homeroom teacher. She is kind and always looking out for her students' best interest. She has her hands full trying to get Kunio out of a life of fighting.
  • Kyoko: A sophomore student in Hanazono High School and Riki's girlfriend. She is younger than Riki, but she keeps him on a tight leash with her firecracker personality. She is close friends with Misako. After completing the game once and using clear save data, Kyoko will join Misako in front of Nekketsu High School, allowing players to switch Kunio with one of their allies (this turns Kunio into an ally).

Guest characters[]

The following characters are not involved in the game's story. They can be unlocked for use in Rumble and Dodgeball by meeting certain conditions in the game, such as completing part-time jobs which requires the player to defeat them. They hail from previous games in the series.

  • Tobiyama: From Ike Ike! Nekketsu Hockey Bu: Subette Koronde Dairantō, the captain of the Daisetsuzan High School's Hockey Club in Hokkaido. Named Skates in River City: Tokyo Rumble. Tobiyama is unlocked after completing a part-time job which requires defeating Heilman, Mordov and Njomo in a game of dodgeball.
  • Njomo: From Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu, the captain of the erroneously named African team (later releases change it to Kenya, as Africa is a continent). Named Yemi in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Okada: From Riki Densetsu.
  • Maezawa: From Riki Densetsu.
  • Tsurumatsu: From Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki da yo Zen'in Shūgō!, a role played by Sonokawa of Senridai High School in a period drama. Tsurumatsu is playable from the start.
  • Nizaemon: From Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki da yo Zen'in Shūgō!, a role played by Matsudo of Reiho Academy in a period drama. He can be unlocked by defeating him in a part-time job.
  • Sugata: From Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundōkai, the vice-captain of the Nekketsu High School team for the athletic meet. He is playable from the start.
  • Saotome: From Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundōkai, the vice-captain of the Hanazono High School team for the athletic meet. He can be unlocked by defeating him and Sugata in a part-time job.
  • Kumada: From Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundōkai, who joined Gōda's team in the athletic meet. He can be unlocked along with Hayami by defeating them together in a part-time job. Named Swole in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Hayami: From Downtown Nekketsu Kōshinkyoku: Soreyuke Daiundōkai, another character who joined Gōda's team in the athletic meet. Named Rip in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Raphael: From Bikkuri Nekketsu Shin Kiroku! Harukanaru Kin Medal, the vice captain of the Oklahoma State High School team and its strongest athlete. Named Crush in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Toraichi: From Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu, one of the final bosses together with his brother Toraji. He can be unlocked along with his brother by defeating them in a part-time job. Named Tigerfang in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Toraji: From Nekketsu Kakutō Densetsu. Named Tigerclaw in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Gōda: From Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, the boss who was guarding the gate of Reiho Academy. He and Godai can be unlocked together after defeating them in a part-time job. Named Ivan in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Godai: From Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari a student from Tanibana High School and a close friend of Gōda. Named Tex in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Ryūichi: From Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari. The older of the Dragon Twins, he and is brother can be unlocked together by defeating them in a part-time job. Named Randy in River City: Tokyo Rumble.
  • Ryūji: From Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari, the younger of the Dragon Twins. Named Andy in River City: Tokyo Rumble.

Localization[]

Natsume released the game in North American and Europe, in the latter region it was only released digitally. River City: Tokyo Rumble is the fight game in the Kunio-kun series that is localized using the names of that franchise, with few alterations. It was first done in Super Dodge Ball for the Neo Geo, then became the norm with Super Dodgeball Brawlers. Like in River City Ransom EX, no alterations are made to the graphics, the game uses the River City name (much like the previous River City Super Sports Challenge and River City Soccer Hooligans) for the purpose of brand recognition.

Regional differences[]

River City: Tokyo Rumble makes various changes from the Japanese version. Since Riki Densetsu was not released in the West, it is impossible to link its clear save data to Tokyo Rumble, so the western players do not have access to the rewards.

The names of characters, organizations, areas, special moves, among others were changed. All characters introduced in the Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun series and the new characters introduced from Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun Special keep their names from the Japanese version. Guest characters from the Downtown Nekketsu series, the Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu series and other games are given different names. Heilman, Mordov and Njomo are given their names from the NES version of Super Dodge Ball. Sugata, who was previously in River City Ransom EX, keeps his original name along with Saotome, who was in Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge.

Kumada and Hayami, who were previously in Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge (Kumada was also in River City Ransom EX) are given completely new names. Gōda, Godai, Ryūichi and Ryūji are given their names from River City Ransom. Johnny, who was named Rocky in Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge, is named Rocko in Tokyo Rumble (the name given to Nishimura in River City Ransom) while Raphael is given Riki's name from Crash 'n the Boys: Street Challenge. Tobiyama, Toraichi and Toraji are given new names, while Yoritsune keeps his original name.

Hattori Academy, the school that Yoritsune attends, is erroneously named Hasebe High in Tokyo Rumble.

After being defeated in Tokyo Rumble, Ivan will mention Saori, even though she was named Abby in River City Ransom EX.

Most of the above characters previously appeared in Super Dodgeball Brawlers, River City Super Sports Challenge and River City Soccer Hooligans with their original names.

Williams and Roper from the Double Dragon series had their names reversed in Tokyo Rumble.

Various special moves such as the Mach Punch and Mach Kick were given their names from River City Ransom (Stone Hands and Dragon Feet).

Benijishi (Rouge Lion) is described as a former ballerina in Tokyo Rumble, but in Rantō Kyōsōkyoku, she is instead a former member of a volleyball club. This makes sense, as her signature move is the Fireball Spike.

Codes & Secrets[]

Riki Densetsu Save Data Link[]

The Japanese version includes an option that allows players to link their Riki Densetsu clear save data to the game. This rewards players with Riki's Gloves and Riki's Sarashi, which they can equip.

New Game+[]

Completing the game for the first time allows the player to save their game. This grants the player the following:

  • The player begins the game from the beginning, but they keep their items, stats and special moves.
  • Kyoko appears in front of Nekketsu High School, allowing players to switch Kunio with one of their allies. Misako will already allow the player to select Shinji and Misuzu as allies as well.
  • The events in Akihabara will be completely different, leading to a fight with Kinjishi.
  • Enemies are stronger.
  • New part-time jobs appear with new rewards.

Bonuses Stack[]

Equipping more than one of the items that double the money or experience received will triple their effects, while equipping three of them will quadruple them.

Trivia[]

  • This game marks Kyoko's second appearance in the Kunio-kun series, 19 years after the release of Shin Nekketsu Kōha: Kunio-tachi no Banka. She also appears as Riki's girlfriend instead of Mami, his girlfriend in the Downtown Nekketsu games.

Gallery[]

Videos[]

External links[]

References[]


Kunio-kun series
Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun series Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun / Consumer version / SPNekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun: Bangai Rantō HenShodai Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kunShin Nekketsu Kōha: Kunio-tachi no Banka / River City Girls ZeroSuper Dodge Ball (Neo Geo)Riki DensetsuRiver City: Tokyo Rumble
Nekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu series Nekketsu High School Dodgeball Club / NES / PC Bangai HenNekketsu High School Dodgeball Club – Soccer Story / PC / CD / MD / World Cup HenNekketsu Kōkō Dodgeball Bu: Kyōteki! Dodge Senshi no Maki​Go-Go! Nekketsu Hockey Club Slip-and-Slide MadnessKunio-kun's Nekketsu Soccer League
Downtown Nekketsu series Downtown Nekketsu Story / EX / Rival ShowdownDowntown Nekketsu March Super-Awesome Field Day! / DX / ~All Stars Special~Downtown Special Kunio-kun's Historical Period Drama! / Downtown Nekketsu JidaigekiSurprise! Nekketsu New Records! The Distant Gold MedalKunio-kun no Dodgeball da yo Zen'in ShūgōDowntown Nekketsu Baseball Monogatari: Yakyū de Shōbu da! Kunio-kunRiver City: Knights of JusticeRiver City Melee: Battle Royal Special / Mach!!Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san!: A River City Ransom StoryKunio-kun no Sangokushida yo Zen'in Shūgō!
Super Nekketsu series Super Dodgebal BrawlersRiver City Super Sports ChallengeRiver City Soccer Hooligans
Other games Nekketsu Fighting LegendNekketsu! Street Basketball All-Out Dunk HeroesKunio no OdenNekketsu! Beach Volley dayo: Kunio-kunNekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun (pachislot)River City Dodge Ball All-Stars!!Nekketsu Kōkō Online: Yamada no FukushūDowntown SMASH Dodgeball!Downtown Nekketsu Dodgeball
Spin-offs Target; RenegadeRenegade III: The Final ChapterSuper Mad ChampSuper Dodge Ball AdvanceNijiiro Dodge Ball Otome-tachi no seishunRiver City Ransom: UndergroundNekketsu Kōkō Huŏbàn-kei Tŏng Kōryaku!Nekketsu Kozúqiú-zhéngbǎn Shóuquán Shŏu YóuRiver City GirlsRiver City Girls 2
Crossovers CODE SHIFTERSuper Baseball 2020Super Smash Bros. UltimateMighty Fight FederationThe Battle Cats
Mobile Games Nekketsu Dodgeball Bu iNekketsu banchō fīa-henNekketsu Taisen Kunio-kun XKunio-kun no Nekketsu Dodgeball ALLSTARS!!Kunio-kun no Nekketsu Street
Compilations Kunio-kun Nekketsu Collection 1Kunio-kun Nekketsu Collection 2Kunio-kun Nekketsu Collection 3Kunio-kun Nekketsu Complete: Famicom HenDOUBLE DRAGON & Kunio-kun Retro Brawler Bundle
Unreleased Games Kunio-kun RPGCrash 'N' the Boys: Ice ChallengeNekketsu Kunio-Kun ZukanNekketsu Yakyuu KozouCrash 'N' the Boys: BaseballKunio-kun Polo / Kart RacingNekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun: Kowloon no TsumeKunio no Bike Racing: Nekketsu Bari Bari KouttotaiDowntown Nekketsu Monogatari 2River City Nightmares
Other media Ore wa Otoko Da! Kunio-kunNekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun (4koma Manga Kingdom)Kunio-kun! Nekketsu Game!Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun (TV series)Ā, Nekketsu Kantai Gayuku!Nekketsu Kōha Kunio-kun: Rantō Enbu-hen
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