Second Impact game review

Introduction

After a cult following and a controversial launch of the first Death Ring, Second Impact promises to revive the franchise with smoother combat, better visuals, and a deeper online experience. But does it live up to the expectations of fans who craved a modern gladiator-style arena fighter? Let’s dive into this brutal reboot and see if the ring is still worth stepping into.

Gameplay & Mechanics

Death Ring: Second Impact sticks to its roots as a fast-paced, 1v1 and 2v2 arena fighter, where reflexes and positioning matter more than button mashing.

Improvements over the first game:

Better hit detection and movement fluidity
Rebalanced fighters with more diverse combat styles
Introduction of “Adrenaline Bursts” — mini-ultra moves usable mid-combo

The control scheme is tight, with every parry and dash feeling deliberate. It’s clear the devs took feedback from competitive players seriously. However, the learning curve for new players is still steep, and the tutorial mode is too shallow for a game this technical.

Game Modes

The game features:

Ranked and casual multiplayer
Local 1v1
Challenge Towers (solo progression against AI)
Training Lab with real-time hitbox/hurtbox visualization

Multiplayer netcode is solid with rollback support, though matchmaking can be slow during off-hours.

Visuals & Audio

The game sports a gritty cyberpunk-meets-arena aesthetic, with moody lighting, dynamic stage hazards, and a pumping industrial-metal soundtrack that amplifies the tension.

Each fighter has a distinct visual style — from flame-scarred brawlers to robotic assassins — though some animations still feel stiff in transitions.

Platforms & Performance

Available on:
PC (Steam)
PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X|S
Coming soon to Steam Deck (Verified)

Performance is great across the board, with 120 FPS support on PC and PS5, minimal loading times, and a very stable experience even in chaotic moments.

Verdict

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
Death Ring: Second Impact is a bloody, brutal, and surprisingly refined arena fighter. While it won’t hold your hand, those willing to train in the fire will find a competitive gem with serious longevity. Whether you’re chasing leaderboard glory or just want a stylish brawler with depth, this sequel delivers the impact its name promises.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    OS: Windows 10
    Processor: 4 Cores base 2.5GHz
    Memory: 8 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVDIA GTX1660 or AMD RX 6500 XT
    Storage: 10 GB available space

Recommended:
    OS: Windows 11
    Processor: 8 Cores base 3.0GHz
    Memory: 16 GB RAM
    Graphics: NVDIA RTX2080 or RX 7600
    Storage: 10 GB available space