Context: P+ enthusiast, 1k hrs into Rivals I. Watch and love Melee. Ultimate isn't for me to invest time. I like to compete but not the type to make it very far in (these f'in stacked SoCal) brackets. I did not play Rivals II prior to it's public release.

The most important factor to consider is the studio creators behind the game. Their own IP (furry vibes are present but not overbearing, take as you will) will keep their title safe from Nintendon't and juggling any character publishing rights or restrictions that could exist (WB and NASB). Rivals I maintained its own solid community and player-base for many years, and the studio does a good job communicating with and supporting their community. Their design philosophies work, whether you agree with all of them or not. I'll encourage others to get design-feedback from a player/creator they favor- different strokes and all. Fortunately, as touched on, the team historically takes feedback and criticism seriously and professionally.

Breaking into the 3D space they've done a great job. The game feels good, in a healthy place for an official 1.0 release. There is room to grow and it's been acknowledged, so the future should be bright. Speaking of, if/when the Rivals II Workshop becomes a thing, it could have an absolutely massive effect on the genre as a whole. When a developer says "here are the tools, sky is the limit, have fun" and provides an engine for players to work with, the results can be staggering and near-endlessly fun. I always felt the Developers, since the first week of Rivals 1 release, had "the right attitude", and that hasn't changed. I will continue to enjoy and play, and look forward to seeing what the Team do next with this title.