Originally released to arcades in 2015 before being ported to the PS3 and PS4 the following year, the fourth main game entry in the highly revered BlazBlue franchise has finally made its way to the Nintendo Switch!
For those unfamiliar with the series, BlazBlue takes the somewhat traditional idea of blending 2D arena fighting with a Manga art style and aesthetic, but takes the storytelling side of things much further, mixing in a visual novel with the frantic side-scrolling gameplay, essentially appealing to two entirely different fan bases with one product.
It was almost inevitable that the most recent BlazBlue title would see a Switch release eventually, as all the main games in the series thus far have been available on handheld, dating all the way back to the first game on PSP. Nintendo’s portable powerhouse may be the perfect new home for the franchise as everything just seems to fit and run so well. The sprite artwork has been altered a touch in this version, giving a slightly more pixelated look with more defined outlines. This looks incredible on the Switch’s tablet screen and the buttery smooth framerate remains consistent throughout as a result. Couple this with the fact that you can use the joycons individually to enjoy some first class local two-player 2D fighting action anywhere you choose, and you can see why the Switch just might be the only way to play this game!
The Blazblue series has always been notorious within the fighting game community for providing a substantial amount of content and decent value for money in terms of longevity. CentralFiction is no different and you are looking at around 16-20 hours just to complete all the many (extremely complicated and convoluted) story modes and side stories. Even if confusing Manga-type stories aren’t your thing, there are enough characters (36 in total!), single player arcade modes, local multiplayer modes, online modes and challenge modes to keep even the pickiest fighting game fan occupied for weeks and weeks. If you’re a fan of the series, this is a must buy, and if you’re looking to get into the series, this is a must buy. Probably the most well rounded fighting game available on the Switch.
BLAZBLUE CENTRALFICTION SPECIAL EDITION / DEVELOPER: ARC SYSTEM WORKS / PUBLISHER: PQUBE / PLATFORM: NINTENDO SWITCH / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
