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River City Girls

River City Girls

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River City Girls is a beat 'em up where you play as Kyoko and Misako, two high schoolers fighting their way through the city to rescue their boyfriends. You'll be throwing punches, using weapons found on the street, and recruiting defeated enemies to fight alongside you. It's a fast-paced romp through the familiar River City setting, packed with quirky characters and over-the-top action.

This guide will help you conquer every challenge River City throws at you. We'll cover how to master the combat system, recruit allies, and defeat every boss, from the initial breakout in the Prologue to the final showdown with Misuzu. Plus, we'll help you snag all those tricky Steam Achievements and achieve the best endings.

Part 1

Begin your journey through River City Girls with Part 1 of our comprehensive walkthrough. Learn essential gameplay mechanics, character movesets, and combat strategies.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough for the initial stages of River City Girls, covering essential gameplay mechanics, character movesets, and early game strategies.

Walkthrough:

This section focuses on the foundational elements of River City Girls, including character statistics and available moves for the main protagonists.

Stats:

  1. Level: Experience level, maxes out at 30.
  2. ST (Stamina): Determines damage resistance, capped at 39.
  3. AT (Attack): Unarmed damage output, capped at 25.
  4. SP (Special): Affects Special Meter size or Special Move strength, capped at 27.
  5. AG (Agility): Movement speed, maxes out at 22.
  6. WP (Weapon): Damage and durability with weapons, maxed at 20.
  7. LK (Luck): Influences enemy drops, food spawns, and accessory success rates, capped at 15.

Character Moveset:

Misako

  • Normal Attacks: Punch (Y), Human Weapon (Y on downed enemy)
  • Heavy Attacks: Headbutt (X), Stomp (X on downed enemy), Nutcracker (d + X), Hop Knee (u + X), Haymaker (f + X)
  • Special Attacks: Stone Hands (A, A, A), Spiral Uppercut (u + A), Backpack Swing (d + A), Backflip Kick (Run, A)
  • Recruit / Summon: L
  • Dashing: Dash (f, f), Dash Attack (Y), Rolling Punch (X), Backflip Kick (A)
  • Grabbing Dizzied Enemy: Grab (f), Clinch Knee (Y - front grab), Back Uppercut (Y - behind grab), Bouncer Throw (X - front grab), German Suplex (X - behind grab), Stun Gun (A)
  • Blocking: Block (R), Backhand (X)
  • Jumping: Jump (B), Wall Jump (B against wall), Jump Kick (B, Y), Jump Hammer (B, X), Powerbomb (Juggle enemy, B, Y + B), Jump Dropkick (B, A)

Kyoko

  • Normal Attacks: Back Chop (Y), Human Weapon (Y on downed enemy)
  • Heavy Attacks: Flip Kick (X), Stomp (X on downed enemy), Volleyball Set (d + X), Spin Kick (u + X), Dab (f + X)
  • Special Attacks: Dragon Feet (A), Acro Circus (u + A), Double Dropkick (Run, A), Handstand Kick (d + A)
  • Recruit / Summon: L
  • Dashing: Dash (f, f), Back Elbow (Y), Volleyball Save (X), Double Dropkick (A)
  • Grabbing Dizzied Enemy: Grab (f), Gut Punch (Y), Grab Heel Kick (Y), Kick Toss (X), Frankensteiner (X), Pogo Kick (A)
  • Blocking: Block (R), Donkey Kick (X)
  • Jumping: Jump (B), Wall Jump (B against wall), Butt Bump (B, Y), Head Stomp (B, X), Volley Spike (Juggle enemy, B, Y + B), Cheer Drill (B, A)

Kunio

  • Normal Attacks: Right Straight (Y), Human Weapon (Y on downed enemy)
  • Heavy Attacks: Bicycle Kick (X), Ground Punch (X on downed enemy), Uppercut Kick (d + X), Super Kick (u + X), Eat! (f + X)
  • Special Attacks: Flying Knee (A)
Tips
  • Mastering the various attack combinations and special moves for each character is crucial for efficient combat.
  • Utilize blocking and dashing to evade enemy attacks and reposition yourself effectively.
  • The Recruit/Summon ability (L button) can provide valuable assistance in tougher fights.

Part 2

Master River City Girls Part 2 with this guide covering character movesets for Kyoko and Misako, plus a comprehensive list of all store items and their stat-boosting effects.

This section details the move sets for Kyoko and Misako, along with a comprehensive list of items available for purchase across various shops in River City Girls.

Kyoko's Moves

Normal Attacks

  • Left Jab: Y
  • Human Weapon: Y (downed enemy)

Heavy Attacks

  • Mongolian Chop: X
  • Ground Punch: X (downed enemy)
  • Cheap Shot: d + X
  • Stone Launcher: u + X
  • One-Inch Punch: f + X

Special Attacks

  • Shadow Combo: A
  • Acro Dragon: u + A
  • Stone Hands: d + A
  • Acro Flip: Run, A

Recruit / Summon

  • Recruit / Summon recruited character: L

Dashing

  • Dash: f, f
  • High Elbow: Y
  • Slide Tackle: X
  • Acro Flip: A

Grabbing Dizzied Enemy

  • Grab: f
  • Elbow Smash: Y (front grab)
  • Back Crescent Kick: Y (grab from behind)
  • Flip Kick: X (front grab)
  • Acorn Breaker: X (grab from behind)
  • Table Flip: A

Blocking

  • Block: R
  • Combing Hair: X

Jumping

  • Jump: B
  • Wall Jump: B (against wall)
  • Jump Kick: B, Y
  • Fatal Steps: B, X
  • Piledriver: Juggle enemy, B, Y + B
  • Half-moon Kick: B, A

Misako's Moves

Normal Attacks

  • Sauna Towel: f + A
  • Hot Blooded Punch: u + A
  • Goalie Punch: Run, A

Recruit / Summon

  • Recruit / Summon recruited character: L

Dashing

  • Dash: f, f
  • Soccer Charge: Y
  • Bird Kick: X
  • Goalie Punch: Run, A

Grabbing Dizzied Enemy

  • Grab: f
  • Elbow Smash: Y (front grab)
  • Back Split Kick: Y (grab from behind)
  • Shoulder Throw: X (front grab)
  • Clothesline: X (grab from behind)
  • Pavement Smooch: A

Blocking

  • Block: R
  • Back Elbow: X

Jumping

  • Jump: B
  • Wall Jump: B (against wall)
  • Jump Kick: B, Y
  • Jump 180º Kick: B, X
  • Air Pavement Smooch: Juggle enemy, B, Y + B
  • Hurricane Kick: B, A

Store Items

Note: Items that increase stats will increase those stats only once per person. After that, items will only restore health. If you are going for maxing out stats for each character, it might be helpful to make a list of who already consumed which item.

Cross Town - Winding Way

  • FASTEEZ
    • Potato Snaps: Restore Stamina 10%, AG +1 ($6.00)
    • Bacon Rod: Restore Stamina 10%, LK +1 ($8.00)
    • Fizzy Fuzz: Restore Stamina 10%, SP +1 ($9.00)
    • Turbo Juice: Restore Stamina 5%, Max AG 20 sec. ($15.00)
  • CREAM DREAM
    • Choco Berry: Restore Stamina 10%, LK +1 ($13.00)
    • Ice Cream Cone: Restore Stamina 15%, AT +1 ($16.00)
    • Sorbet: Restore Stamina 20%, ST +1 ($19.00)
    • Sundae: Restore Stamina 25%, SP +1 ($21.00)

Cross Town - Mall Entrance

  • DISCOUNT SUSHI
    • Salmon Nigiri: Restore Stamina 15%, AT +1 ($20.00)
    • Shrimp Roll: Restore Stamina 20%, SP +1 ($25.00)
    • Spicy Tuna Roll: Restore Stamina 25%, LK +1 ($26.00)
    • Tempura: Restore Stamina 30%, ST +1 ($30.00)
  • MERV'S BURGERS
    • Merv Single: Restore Stamina 25%, AT +1, SP +1 ($21.00)
    • Merv Double: Restore Stamina 60%, Speed down 30 sec., ST +1, AT +1 ($24.00)
    • Merv Fries: Restore Stamina 20%, AT +1 ($15.00)
    • Merv Shake: Restore Stamina 20%, ST +1, AT +1 ($18.00)

Cross Town - Mall Lobby

  • AMY'S CANDY
    • Teeth Frackers: Restore Stamina 12%, LK +1 ($8.00)
    • Polyester Candy: Restore Stamina 16%, SP +1 ($12.00)
    • Gummy Yummies: Restore Stamina 22%, LK +1 ($14.00)
    • Melon Mints: Restore Stamina 24%, AG +1 ($17.00)

Cross Town - Mall Stores

  • VEST FRIENDS
    • Ribbon Bra: 10% chance of getting 2 items from vending machines ($45.00)
    • Heart Earrings: Recruits do 10% extra damage ($65.00)
    • Eyeshadow: 5% chance of still standing after knockdown ($100.00)
    • Deco Nails: Reduce damage taken from Cheerleaders by 5% ($200.00)
  • WARDROBE
    • Bomb Bottom: 5% chance of taking no damage from attacks ($100.00)
    • Bomb Bra: 1% chance of 1 hit KO ($80.00)
    • Choker: Extra 5% damage to grounded enemies ($75.00)
    • Padlock Bra: Double the velocity of thrown weapons ($60.00)
    • Cameo: Looks like Bullova from Combatribes

Cross Town - Mall Food Court

  • TEA PARTY
    • Oolong Tea: Restore Stamina 20%, SP +1, AG +1 ($20.00)
    • Matcha Tea: Restore Stamina 20%, AG +1, WP +1 ($21.00)
    • Thai Tea: Restore Stamina 20%, AT +1, AG +1 ($22.00)
    • Boba Tea: Restore Stamina 30%, ST +1, AG +1 ($26.00)

Uptown - Video Game District

  • CART MART
    • Bounty Lass: Restore Stamina 100%, SP +2 ($100.00)
    • Plumberinos: Restore Stamina 100%, AG +2 ($100.00)
    • Vampire Puncher: Restore Stamina 100%, WP +1 ($100.00)
    • Hot Blooded Boys: Restore Stamina 100%, AT +2 ($100.00)

Uptown - Toy District

  • BOY TOYS
    • Cat Pillow: Restore Stamina 30%, LK +1 ($32.00)
    • Mech Toy: Restore Stamina 20%, LK +1 ($40.00)
    • Toy Alarm: Restore Stamina 20%, AT +1, AG +1 ($62.00)
    • Noize Figure: Restore Stamina 100%, All stats +1 ($500.00)
    • Cameo: Might be Kodani from Double Dragon IV

Uptown - Pawn Shop

  • PAWN SHOP
    • Taiyaki: Restore Stamina 15%, AG +1 ($13.00)
    • Qoqo Soda: Restore Stamina 20%, SP +1 ($16.00)
    • Dango: Restore Stamina 25%, AG +1 ($18.00)
    • Dorayaki: Restore Stamina 25%, SP +1 ($21.00)
    • Cameo: Skullmageddon from Double Dragon Neon

Uptown - Fashion District

  • ATTIRE FIRE
    • Athletic Bottom: Refill Stamina when carrying enemies ($150.00)
    • Athletic Top: Move faster when carrying heavy objects ($85.00)
    • Gym Shorts: Refill 1% Stamina with each enemy defeated ($25.00)
    • Spiked Knuckles: Increases stun damage on attacks by 10% ($230.00)
    • Cameo: Looks like Shinji from Kunio-Kun (you might recognize him as the biker Joel, the 2nd boss of Renegade)

Downtown - City Streets

  • SWAGGAGE
    • Choker: Extra 5% damage to grounded enemies ($75.00)
    • Fishnet Top: Extra 5% damage dealt with throwing attacks ($45.00)
    • Smart Watch: Extra 5% damage when fighting students ($55.00)
    • Virtual Pet: Extra 1 Heart for each recruit ($75.00)

Part 3

River City Girls Part 3 walkthrough covering Downtown, Skid Row, Ocean Heights, and River City High, including boss strategies and item locations.

Downtown - Rear City Streets

LEGAL DRUGS

  • Bandages: Restore Stamina 40%, $20.00
  • Aspirin: Restore Stamina 50%, $23.00
  • First Aid: Restore Stamina 60%, $28.00
  • Vitamin K Tonic: Restore Stamina 20%, $15.00
  • Cameo: Braver (one of the players of the Robot Team) from Kyoteki! Dodge Senshi no Maki

PAY LOTS

  • Aloe Drink: Restore Stamina 15%, AT +1, $20.00
  • Grapples: Restore Stamina 20%, AG +1, $20.00
  • Baguette: Restore Stamina 25%, ST +1, $23.00
  • Milk: Restore Stamina 30%, ST +1, SP +1, $30.00
  • Cameo: Resembles Onizuka (Otis) from River City Ransom

Downtown - Skid Row

BOOK BISTRO

  • Thrillhouse: Household weapons will not break, WP +2, $180.00
  • Funstruction: Construction weapons will not break, WP +2, $180.00
  • Jock Journal: Sports weapons will not break, WP +2, $180.00
  • Joy of Toys: Toy weapons will not break, WP +2, $180.00
  • Cameo: Nishimura (Rocko) from River City Ransom

Downtown - Tunnel To Ocean Heights

MERLIN'S MYSTERY

  • Bunny Button: Must go faster, $5000.00
  • Tank Button: Super strong, super slow, $5000.00

Ocean Heights - Beach Storefronts

CHIC BUFFET

  • Avocado Toast: Restore Stamina 30%, SP +1, $25.00
  • Tofu Burrito: Restore Stamina 30%, AG +1, $25.00
  • Fake Chicken: Restore Stamina 35%, WP +1, $28.00
  • Quiche: Restore Stamina 45%, AT +1, $40.00

Ocean Heights - The Pier

PLAID THE IMPALER

  • Coin Purse: 5% chance of 2x money drop, $250.00
  • Frilly Bottom: Stand up more quickly when knocked down, $25.00
  • Garter: Kicks do extra 5% damage, $40.00
  • Smart Watch: Extra 5% damage when fighting students, $55.00

Ocean Heights - Fish Market

LUCKY PENNE

  • Fried Cheese: Restore Stamina 25%, LK +1, $40.00
  • Garlic Gelato: Restore Stamina 25%, AT +1, $45.00
  • Lasagna: Restore Stamina 75%, SP +1, $50.00
  • Ravioli: Restore Stamina 40%, ST +1, $55.00
  • Cameo: Martha Splatterhead from Combatribes.

Ocean Heights - Fancy Hotel Lobby

POP'S SAUNA

  • Sauna for One: Restore Stamina 100% for one player, $20.00
  • Sauna for Two: Restore Stamina 100% for both players, $30.00

River City High

Main Walkthrough

In the first two rooms, you will fight the Male and Female Students. Both students have a running attack that is hard to dodge, but the Female’s running kick can always track you, even if you are not parallel to her. Never try to move out of the way of the Female’s running kick. Block the running attacks, then counterattack. You can try to hit either out of the dash, but that’s more risky. If a Student either keeps his/her distance from you or stays put from afar, s/he is preparing to do a running attack. Beware the Male’s sand throw, which will put you in a stun. Evade it. The Female can do it if she is close. The running kick comes out lightning fast and can out-prioritize your punches.

New Game+ Notes

In New Game+, you will encounter enemies from later areas in the second wave of enemies in a stage. Kunio and Riki are playable only in New Game+ only. You have to beat the game at least once to unlock them. Cats will appear in New Game+ only.

There is a vending machine (a machine that dispenses items) in 2nd Floor Hallway A.

You’ll find your first Sabu Statue in the Chemistry Class.

There is a box containing a curry in 2nd Floor Hallway B.

You’ll encounter Cheerleaders in the 1st Floor Hallway A. Their dash attack can be blocked, counterattacked or dodged. If they jump in the air, they can perform a dive attack that can go over your punches and hit you. The dive attack must be evaded.

In the Gym Swimming Pool, you’ll encounter the Delinquents. There’s also another Sabu Statue.

If a Delinquent runs at you, either hit him or guard. Blocking is safer, but punch him out of his dash if you think you can get away with it. He’ll do a rolling sobat at the end of his charge.

If you need health, there is another box with a curry inside in the Basketball Court.

There’s another vending machine in the Cafeteria.

In the next room is our first boss.

BOSS: Misuzu

Pummel her with a Y, Y, Y, X combo, then back away. You can attempt another X attack while she’s down, but don’t try another Y, Y, Y, X combo. She’ll pound the ground around her as she gets up, hurting you if you don’t back away. Jump over her shoulder charges. When she jumps up in the air, avoid the shadow she leaves.

When you defeat her, you’ll get a School Key. This key will allow you to enter those rooms you couldn’t earlier.

Part 4

Complete walkthrough for Part 4 of River City Girls, covering the School Kitchen, Crosstown, Uptown, and boss fights against Yamada and Hibari, including side quests and collectibles.

Walkthrough
  1. 1
    School Kitchen: Go to the first locked room above the Cafeteria. You need Beans, Ghost Pepper, and Tomatoes.
  2. 2
    Beans: Found in the Locker Room, above the Swimming Pool.
  3. 3
    Ghost Pepper: Found in the Restroom, above the 3rd Floor Hallway.
  4. 4
    Tomatoes: Found on the Rooftop, accessible via an elevator left of the 3rd Floor Hallway.
  5. 5
    Return to Kitchen: After gathering the items, return to the Kitchen. You'll find Pepper Spray in the Meat Locker, which increases Godai mission rewards.
  6. 6
    Crosstown - Main Walkthrough:
  7. 7
    Find a Sabu Statue west of the School Entrance.
  8. 8
    Find the first Cat in North Ravine Lane, near Godai’s dumpster.
  9. 9
    In Winding Way, find the first two stores and Jimmy Lee’s Dojo. Learn new attacks here. A Sabu Statue is on the Dojo roof, accessible from the dumpster.
  10. 10
    In the mall area, encounter Wrestlers and Policemen.
  11. 11
    After giving a burger to Godai, return to the Mall Entrance and talk to Hiroshi.
  12. 12
    Go to Security Guard Pattinson’s house in North Ravine Lane. After a fight, the door unlocks.
  13. 13
    Get the Keys from the Guard. Avoid the toys on the floor.
  14. 14
    Find a Sabu Statue behind a crate in the Back Alleyway.
  15. 15
    Exit through the Back Alleyway and return to the Mall Entrance.
  16. 16
    Find another Sabu Statue and Cat in the Mall Lobby.
  17. 17
    Find Hiroshi in the Food Court to unlock the construction site.
  18. 18
    Find a Cat on a sculpture pillar in the Mall Exit.
  19. 19
    Find a Sabu Statue at the Construction Site.
  20. 20
    The next boss, Yamada, is on the rooftop of the Construction Building.
  21. 21
    Crosstown - Side Quests:
  22. 22
    Godai (Tex) in North Ravine Lane gives a quest for a Double Merv Burger. Buy it at Merv’s Burgers (east end of Mall Entrance) and return it without eating it.
  23. 23
    BOSS: Yamada
  24. 24
    Strategy: Use combos with heavy finishers while dodging psychic attacks. Try knocking him off the building.
  25. 25
    Phase 1 (1/3 HP): He summons debris. Grab any food that appears for healing.
  26. 26
    Phase 2 (1/3 HP): He creates ground sparks.
  27. 27
    Uptown - Main Walkthrough:
  28. 28
    Encounter Linda. Close the distance to counter her whip attacks.
  29. 29
    Find Godai at the Shopping Entrance. A Cat is nearby.
  30. 30
    In the Video Game District, talk to Yoko, who suggests talking to Hibari. Two Cats are in this area: one behind trash, one on a fence.
  31. 31
    Find a Sabu Statue and a Cat in the Coin-Op Arcade.
  32. 32
    Find a Sabu Statue (requires wall jump) and another Cat in the Toy District.
  33. 33
    In the Fashion District, find the Hibari building. A Sabu Statue is to its right. Go to the far right to find the gold statue Godai mentioned.
  34. 34
    Destroy the Gold Statue, then enter the Hibari building. Find a Sabu Statue on the right side of the Sewing Room and a Cat on the left.
  35. 35
    After a forced encounter in the Sewing Room, leave and talk to Hasebe and Mimi.
  36. 36
    The path to the Pawn Shop in the Toy District is now open. Go there.
  37. 37
    Buy the Fake Gold Cat. Smash the Sabu Statue in the lower left corner.
  38. 38
    The Elevator is working again. Use it to skip floors.
  39. 39
    BOSS: Hibari
  40. 40
    Strategy: When she summons Female Student clones, defeat them immediately. Avoid the lines she creates across the screen, as they deal heavy damage.
  41. 41
    Damage Method 1: When she creates a sword projectile, go to a wall, jump over the sword as it comes down. It will bounce off the wall and hit her, stunning her. Use combos while she's down.
  42. 42
    Damage Method 2: Occasionally, she stops in the center of the screen. Hit her with a jump attack.
  43. 43
    After defeating Hibari, the path to Downtown opens. Find a Sabu Statue and Cat in the Secret Passageway, where you'll encounter Cyborgs.
  44. 44
    Uptown - Side Quests:
  45. 45
    Godai at the Shopping Entrance gives a quest. (Details cut off in source).
Tips
  • Use your map's exclamation points to find objectives.
  • The Pepper Spray from the School Kitchen increases Godai mission rewards.
  • Learn new attacks at Jimmy Lee's Dojo in Winding Way.
  • Policemen in the mall area can be tough; be prepared.
  • Collectibles like Cats and Sabu Statues are scattered throughout these areas.

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