PixlBit

I did just edit to link your review though; sorry I didn't do that initially. 

Oh, I know, but I'm so used to GG being lightning fast that I get a little worried when *anyone* says it's slow. lol 

I mean, it's a pretty typical 2D fighter mechanically, but I'd say what sets this series apart is its over-the-top anime characters/designs/animations and deep devotion to hard rock and heavy metal. 

I got into it with the X2 installment in the early 2000s, but apparently it's gained a following in the competetive fighting community. 

I don't know if that's the reason. You're actually the only person I saw say it was slow. I'm just speculating what they might be correcting based on what you said. 

There have been story modes since X, the second installment in the series. 

I think you can still watch the story mode from Xrd and Xrd Revelator on Arc System Works' YouTube channel. 

These games have a weirdly intricate lore for fighters and there are a TON of hard rock/heavy metal references, even in the plot details. 

Oh, wow. Must have been a while. I remember the podcasts a lot better. 

It is really fluid and fun. I might have finished it by now, had I not been stuck on an embarassingly early part of the game and put it down for a while. 

I'll have to add you next time I turn the PS4 on. 

I have a lot of the same games to play as you do. 

Yeah, one of the PC Engine ones reminded me of Castlevania Rondo of Blood in terms of overall presentation, which makes sense given they're on the same system. 

Ooohhh, Elite Beat Agents. 

Now a sequel would have been nice when I still played DS, but I'd take one now as well.