An SNK game with good visuals, netcode and matchmaking. Tears in my eyes. Best 2D fighter out currently.

Pros:
This is the best fighting game that I have ever played. This first build is leagues better than the current slop out right now. The neutral is immaculate, low skill floor, incredibly high skill ceiling. There is no getting hit into constant unrelenting pressure, 50/50s, or throw loops. No stupid auto win neutral mechanics like 66L from Granblue or Drive Rush from SF6. Every situation has an answer, there are no checkmate scenarios in this game. The music is great, color editor is a great addition, and jukebox for customizing music playlists is dope. The game is also well optimized, the netcode is solid, matchmaking works perfectly fine and the balance is pretty good for a first build. The top tiers like hokutomaru, hotaru, billy and kain are a bit over tuned but SNK are pretty good at balancing its games in the long run.

Cons:
The single player mode is just boring and repetitive slop. Not worth it unless you want to unlock more patterns for color editing. The training mode is lacking quality of life features for labbing. There is no wifi indicator or any way to add frame delay for playing at higher MS. The game might be a bit aesthetically dated but I love how it looks.

If you are a true fighting game aficionado looking for something deep, layered and satisfying to really sink your teeth into, then I cannot recommend this game enough. If you are a casual looking to dip your toes in and try it out I'd say wait for a sale. This game is really worth $30 max if I'm being completely honest but if you are down bad for a good fighting game like I was, get this now. It is so much fun.

Finally, a modern fighting game with some defensive options. Unga Bunga begone!