The world of fighting games is vast and varied, encompassing everything from gritty realism to over-the-top anime shenanigans. Today, we delve into the latter category with BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, a title that throws together characters from four distinct franchises in a gloriously chaotic brawl.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle isn’t just another fighting game; it’s a celebration of cross-dimensional mayhem. Developed by Arc System Works, the masters behind the Guilty Gear and Dragon Ball FighterZ series, this game brings together the worlds of BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r], and RWBY.
Unraveling the Multiversal Mayhem: Story and Characters
The narrative premise, while not essential to the gameplay experience, provides a fun backdrop for the interdimensional brawls. A mysterious entity known as “The Dimensional Distortion” begins wreaking havoc across multiple realities, pulling characters from their respective universes into a chaotic vortex. These fighters, each with unique powers and motivations, find themselves thrown together in an unfamiliar arena, forced to battle it out while trying to understand the cause of this dimensional upheaval.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle boasts a roster bursting with personality. Familiar faces like Ragna the Bloodedge from BlazBlue, Yu Narukami from Persona 4 Arena, and Yūki Konno from RWBY join forces (or clash) with lesser-known but equally intriguing characters from the other franchises.
Each character brings their own distinct fighting style and personality to the table, making for a diverse and engaging roster.
| Franchise | Characters |
|—|—| | BlazBlue | Ragna the Bloodedge, Jin Kisaragi, Noel Vermillion, | | Persona 4 Arena | Yu Narukami, Yosuke Hanamura, Yukiko Amagi | | Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] | Hyde Kido, Linne, Carmine |
Gameplay Mechanics: Speed, Style, and Strategic Tagging
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is known for its fast-paced, combo-heavy gameplay. The fighting system utilizes a simple four-button layout, allowing for both intricate combos and accessible execution for players of all skill levels. Special moves are activated using directional inputs and button presses, while “Overdrives” – powerful super moves – add an extra layer of strategic depth to the battles.
What truly sets BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle apart is its innovative tag system. Players can choose a team of two characters, switching between them seamlessly during combat. This allows for diverse strategies and combos, encouraging creative thinking and adaptation to different opponents.
Visual Feast and Sonic Delight: Presentation Perfection
As you’d expect from Arc System Works, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a visual treat. The game features vibrant 2D graphics with stunning character sprites, detailed backgrounds, and fluid animations that capture the intensity of each clash.
The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of high-energy rock and electronic tracks that perfectly complement the fast-paced action. Iconic themes from each franchise are also included, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for longtime fans.
Beyond the Arena: Modes and Extras
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle offers a variety of game modes to keep players engaged beyond simply battling it out in Versus Mode.
Mode | Description |
---|---|
Story Mode | Unravel the mystery of the Dimensional Distortion through visually engaging cutscenes and character interactions. |
Arcade Mode | Face off against a series of increasingly challenging AI opponents, culminating in a final boss battle. |
Training Mode | Hone your skills and experiment with different combos and strategies against a customizable opponent. |
Online Multiplayer | Test your mettle against players from around the world in ranked and casual matches. |
The game also includes a robust gallery mode, showcasing character art, music tracks, and unlockable content earned through gameplay.
Verdict: A Cross-Dimensional Knockout
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is more than just a fighting game; it’s a celebration of anime fandom, offering an accessible yet deep gameplay experience. With its diverse roster, innovative tag system, stunning visuals, and rocking soundtrack, this game is a must-have for fans of the genre and anyone looking for a fun and frenetic fighting experience.