MQ01 - BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger

01 - BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger
Publisher: Aksys Games
Developer: Arc System Works
Platforms: Playstation 3 (Reviewed), Xbox 360

Of all the games I am currently playing, BlazBlue gets most of the attention because it is addicting. I started in 2009 and I've continued to play it since. I guess I am technically "finished" the game, but with all fighting games you can't really "finish" them. Now I'm not the absolute best when it comes to fighting games, but I'm also not a button-mashing "ZOMG ULTRA COMBO" type either. I appreciate the skill needed to play with the best.

With BlazBlue, skill is definitely something one needs to focus on. In order to master one (and JUST one) character, it will take a lot of strategy. This is especially true when you consider different matchups which each character. I remember when I first popped the game in, I played for about two hours with Rachel (I don't know what it is with me and the gothic lolita designs...) and beat the arcade mode and blazed (harhar) through most of her story mode. Taking my Rachel online, however, was a big mistake since almost everybody figured me out instantaneously or just knew what to do. What did I learn? I was too basic with her moveset. A quick check on YouTube taught me how to fully utilize her traps and drive attack. I felt like an idiot.

As simple as the commands are, chaining them together takes a lot of practice. Failure to do so will have your opponent exploiting you and will have them winning within seconds. Of course, there is that feeling of satisfaction once you are able to chain a difficult combo or even when you win your first player or ranked match. Like the saying goes, "practice makes perfect" and this game is no different. It is best to choose one character and STICK to that character until you know a good amount before moving on to another. It can be punishing, but the rewards are well worth it.

So did I end up enjoying the game? Frak yes. It wasn't just the flashy moves or the epic-looking astral heat finishes (but damn do they look amazing). It was the combination of great design, excellent gameplay, a pretty neat online mode and great replayability. The hand-drawn 2D sprites and highly detailed backgrounds are jaw-dropping in high definition, the gameplay is very tight and responsive and getting to know each character will take a very long (but very satisfying) time.

Sure Street Fighter IV was fun and King of Fighters XII was... well... let's just say it was nice to see a new game in the franchise... but BlazBlue offered something different. The roster is small, but each character is very unique. With a smaller amount of characters, you can also expect the balance to be very tight. Overall, it is a game that I will keep playing until it turns into an actual series and sequels are made.

*On a side note, I no longer play as Rachel Alucard. I have moved on to Litchi Faye Ling.*

Note:
-Rating 9/10
-Started playing July 2009
-Finished playing never!