Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san!: A River City Ransom Story

About

Stay Cool, Kobayashi-san! is a side-scrolling beat 'em up with RPG-style decision-making. You play as Kobayashi, a student vowing to settle a score after a loss to Kunio. Combat blends hand-to-hand brawling and shooting sections, with enemies to punch, kick, or blast through. Your choices in conversations and fights shape the story, leading to different outcomes. Play solo or team up for co-op in local or online matches. The game offers over 10 reported endings based on player decisions. Arc System Works delivers tight combat and colorful visuals, keeping the action fast and responsive. Since 2019, it's drawn praise for its replay value and River City Ransom ties. While the story leans into high school rivalries, the mechanics let players focus on beating up henchmen and dodging projectiles. Short sessions and branching paths make it easy to pick up and play through again.