ARMS 2.0 - What's new?

ARMS just got its biggest update yet, and a lot has been added. There are a couple of new options, a new fighter (the main attraction of the update), new ARMS, a new stage, and a new mode. Without further ado, let's begin.

First off, two new menus were added. The most notable menu is the statistics menu. Here, you can view various statistics, such as your most used fighter, most used ARMS, and win percentages for each mode. It's even separated by version, so you can see how these statistics have changed over time. The other menu is the events tab. Right now, this simply allows you to opt in and out of events. What these events are is unknown, but it will likely become clear soon.

Next up is the main attraction of this update: the new fighter Max Brass. Previously, he was only the boss of the Grand Prix mode, but he is now playable. As for his abilities, he can buff up by holding the dash button, holding the jump button, or by successfully grabbing an opponent. Once buffed up, his ARMS will remain permanently charged, and he will take half damage. This buffed up form will only last a limited time, however; it can also be stopped by knocking him down. While buffing up, Max Brass can stop doing so and unleash a shockwave similar to Spring Man's. Speaking of Spring Man, Max Brass permanently enters his buffed up state below twenty-five percent health, similar to how Spring Man's ARMS stay permanently charged below that percentage.

As for Max Brass's signature ARMS, he has the Nade, the Roaster, and the Kablamer. The Roaster is a middle weight ARM with the fire attribute, and it does ninety damage without a charge, and 140 damage when charged. Both it and the Nade apparently lack targeting systems, though I did not notice any apparent difference with them. As for the Nade, it is a middle weight ARM with the explosion attribute. It does ninety damage both charged and uncharged, though the explosion does fifty damage. Max Brass's third signature ARM is the Kablamer. This heavy weight ARM slams down on opponents, and even packs an explosion when charged. It does one-hundred damage whether charged or uncharged, but like the Nade, its explosion does fifty damage.

Next up, there was a new mode introduced: Hedlok Scramble. This mode plays similarly to a standard fight, but there is a twist: players can get their hands on the Hedlok mask during the fight as a power up. This power up can be knocked out of them, and one can them claim it. When players get the mask, they can launch three attacks instead of one, in addition to a new grab and rush attack. All this is in addition to whatever abilities their characters have.

Finally, there is Max Brass's stage: the Sky Arena. This somewhat straightforward stage is a simple square arena with a lowered outer portion. The ring is lined with championship belts and placed on top of a skyscraper. One angle gives you a nice view of the city, and the other shows stands full of cheering fans and a giant version of Max Brass's visage.

Overall, I am having a blast with ARMS. This update added a nice amount of things to the game, and I'm looking forward to future updates. Expect more articles from me on ARMS in the future, but for now, you can check out part one of my Ins and Outs of ARMS series here.