Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a 2D fighter of stunning animation fluidity, lovingly hand-drawn. Beneath its cartoon charm lurks a formidably technical system, with fine handling of infinite-combo prevention. Niche, but brilliantly executed.
Your verdict
Category
Fighting2 players12+
Co-op
Description
Art-deco-styled fighters clash in duels animated frame by frame. Published by Autumn Games, released worldwide in 2019. A customisable assist system, rarely fluid hand-drawn animation, a full story mode and two-player play.
Skullgirls 2nd Encore review
MAX
Art direction
★★★★★
"Iconic"
MAX
Music
★★★★★
"Legendary"
2/5
Story
★★★★★
"Classic"
Entirely hand-drawn animation, a flamboyant homage to 1940s cartoons: Art Deco curves, pin-up heroines and thousands of frames painted one by one. This prodigious fluidity, rare in the fighting genre, makes every blow a feast for the eyes.
Jazz takes the wheel with rare elegance: Michiru Yamane and Vincent Diamante set pianos, brass and strings swinging in a retro-cabaret mood that fits the roaring-twenties aesthetic. Each fighter gets her own lively, theatrical theme. That warm musical signature sets the game apart from every rival in the genre.
Gameplay
"Masterful"
Hand-drawn animation of almost unreal fluidity dresses a versus system whose depth the competitive scene respects. The customizable assists and fine combo control reward technique, while the full story mode and polished voice work flesh it out. The roster stays small and the technical barrier can intimidate, but as a sumptuous 2D fighter its brilliance is undimmed.
Fun
"From the very first minutes"
Addictiveness
"Captivating"
Difficulty
"Easy"
Lifespan
"Long"
Technical info
💾3 GB📅19/12/2019
Published by Autumn Games
Skullgirls 2nd Encore (Nintendo Switch) price, value & rarity
Beyond its hand-drawn animation, this fighter hides end battles where each combatant imposes specific win conditions and scripted phases. The assist-ratio system and aerial resets make every exchange volatile, and facing Double in her worst forms blends tight mix-up reading, defensive tenacity and a spectacle that never sacrifices the game's rigor.
Better with friends
Versus shines through sheer style: lavish animation, expressive combos and vivid characters turn every duel into a show. The competition rewards creativity and reading the game, but the technical ceiling is high and demands investment to truly shine. Between players of similar level, the exchanges become a feast of mind games. Ideal for anyone who loves fighting games packed with flair and personality.
Is Skullgirls 2nd Encore still worth playing in 2026?
Skullgirls 2nd Encore is a rarity: a fighting game with hand-drawn animation of almost unreal fluidity and an instantly recognizable art-deco style. Its customizable assist system offers technical depth respected by the competitive scene, while the full story mode and polished voice work flesh things out. The roster stays modest but each character is rich. The technical barrier can intimidate beginners. For a fan of demanding versus play or sumptuous 2D animation, it is a gem that has lost none of its shine.
