BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle – A Pocket-Sized Party for Anime Fighters!
Stepping into the vibrant and chaotic world of fighting games can be daunting. From classic 2D brawlers to sprawling 3D arenas, there’s a dizzying array of choices to satisfy every combat craving. But what if you want a taste of anime extravagance without committing to learning intricate combos and frame data? Enter BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, a delightfully accessible fighting game that throws together iconic characters from four beloved franchises into a whirlwind of flashy battles and lighthearted fun.
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is essentially a celebration of crossovers, bringing together the heroes and heroines (and villains!) of BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth ExeLate, and RWBY. Imagine seeing Ragna the Bloodedge clashing swords with Yu Narukami, or Ruby Rose’s crescent rose slicing through Hyde’s shadowy tendrils! It’s a delightful mashup that caters to both hardcore fighting game enthusiasts and casual players looking for a taste of anime mayhem.
Unraveling the Story: Dimensional Rifts and Multiversal Mayhem
While BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle doesn’t delve deep into complex narratives, it offers a charming premise that ties together its eclectic roster. A mysterious dimensional rift has opened up, pulling characters from their respective worlds into a strange new battleground. Each fighter is driven by their own motivations – some seeking answers, others craving competition, and a few just wanting to get back home. The story mode unfolds through a series of animated cutscenes and dialogue exchanges, revealing glimpses into each character’s personality and motivations.
The Heart of the Battle: Accessible Combos, Tag-Team Tactics
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle embraces accessibility without sacrificing depth. Its core mechanics are straightforward: you choose two fighters from different franchises to form a tag team. Each fighter has a unique set of special moves, supers, and a “Drive” ability that adds an extra layer of strategy.
The beauty of BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle lies in its streamlined combo system. Instead of complex inputs requiring precise timing and directional commands, the game utilizes simple button presses to unleash powerful attacks. This allows players to focus on understanding their team’s strengths and weaknesses and executing clever tag-team maneuvers.
Switching between fighters mid-combo creates a dynamic flow, allowing you to extend combos, mix up your opponent’s defenses, and capitalize on openings. Mastering the art of tagging requires timing and tactical thinking, but the reward is a thrilling sense of synergy and control.
A Visual Feast: Anime Aesthetics Meet Explosive Action
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle bursts with vibrant colors and stunning anime-inspired visuals. Each character model is meticulously detailed, capturing the essence of their original design while incorporating unique animations that highlight their fighting styles. The backgrounds are equally impressive, featuring iconic locations from each franchise, such as the ruins of Izanami’s temple from BlazBlue or the bustling streets of Inaba from Persona 4.
The game’s soundtrack perfectly complements the action with a blend of energetic rock tracks, melodic orchestral pieces, and familiar themes from each represented franchise. Whether you’re unleashing a devastating super move or executing a slick tag-team combo, the music amplifies the excitement and creates a truly immersive experience.
A Roster for Every Taste: From Blazing Swords to Shadow Magic
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle boasts a diverse roster of 40 fighters, each with their own unique playstyle and personality. Here’s a glimpse into some of the highlights:
- Ragna the Bloodedge (BlazBlue): The brooding protagonist of BlazBlue, wielding the powerful Azure Grimoire to unleash devastating sword attacks.
- Yu Narukami (Persona 4 Arena): A charismatic leader with a calm demeanor and mastery over Persona summoning, allowing him to control elemental magic and summon allies in battle.
- Hyde Kido (Under Night In-Birth ExeLate): A mysterious swordsman whose weapon transforms into a variety of deadly forms, including a scythe, whip, and dual blades.
- Ruby Rose (RWBY): The energetic leader of Team RWBY, armed with her iconic Crescent Rose, a hybrid sniper rifle and scythe that unleashes devastating blows.
Beyond these superstars, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle offers a variety of other memorable characters, from the stoic Jin Kisaragi to the mischievous Weiss Schnee, ensuring there’s a fighter for every taste.
Beyond the Battle: Unlockables, Challenges, and More
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle keeps the excitement flowing with a plethora of unlockable content and gameplay modes.
| Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Story Mode | Experience the quirky narrative that unites the characters across dimensions. |
| Arcade Mode | Test your skills against a series of increasingly challenging AI opponents. |
| Versus Mode | Go head-to-head with a friend in local multiplayer or online battles. |
| Training Mode | Hone your skills and master combo execution before entering the fray. |
Customization Options: You can personalize your fighters’ appearance with a variety of cosmetic items, including alternate costumes, colors, and accessories.
Online Features: Take your game online and compete against players from around the world in ranked matches or casual lobbies.
A Knockout for Anime Enthusiasts and Fighting Fans Alike!
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a fantastic entry point into the fighting game genre, offering accessible gameplay, stunning visuals, and a delightful cast of characters. Whether you’re a seasoned competitor looking for a fun alternative or a casual gamer seeking an anime-infused brawl, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is sure to deliver hours of entertainment.