Before you download this 2D fighter that was supposedly created by an ex-Capcom employee, ask yourself two questions. One: Do I like punching video game opponents in the face? Two: Do I like punching cute video game opponents in the face? If your answer is either (but mainly the latter), then Vanguard Princess is for you. This infinitely adorable fighter features several young girls with shrill voices in skirts, dresses, and leggings duking it out over hearts, unicorns, candy, or whatever gets teenaged anime-inspired females excited. It’s as though someone yanked Athena out of King of Fighters and cloned her multiple times. You’ll find this either orgasmic or the single greatest annoyance put upon this planet.

Considering that it’s a freeware, Vanguard Princess looks remarkably polished; the characters are well-designed and animate quite fluidly. Of course control is paramount in a fighter, so you can’t really judge one until putting it through a few rounds of action. Still, the action seems to be brisk and smooth. If you’re interested in giving it a whirl, it can be downloaded here. Heads up: Some people have stated that Applocale, a Microsoft program that allows Westerners to run Japanese applications, may be need.