Hi there! Today, I’m cozy-chatting about BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. This fighting game crossover launched on November 20, 2019. Developed and published by Arc System Works, it blends the worlds of BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY. So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Overall Impressions
When I jumped in, I was hoping for a fun, stress-free brawler—and I wasn’t disappointed. To begin with, the big crossover hook really stood out. Seeing Ruby Rose square off with Ragna the Bloodedge felt wild! Furthermore, I admired the smooth tag system that lets you swap fighters at will.
On the flip side, however, I did miss some fan favorites. A few characters felt absent, like Neo Politan from RWBY. The roster expands with DLC, but even so, I wanted more at launch. Nevertheless, compared to other 2D fighters, this one feels much more approachable. It smartly balances flashy moves with simple controls. All in all, if you’re new to fighters, this earns a solid spot on your shelf.
Gameplay Mechanics
The core feels simple. You pick a pair of characters and tag in at any time. Combos flow nicely, even when you’re learning. I appreciated the auto-combo shortcuts. They help casual players pull off moves without memorizing long inputs. However, I noticed a slight wonkiness in hit detection. My jab sometimes missed an incoming combo string. I saw that mentioned in a forum, too. Critics point out a “bit wonky” moment here and there. Still, the high skill ceiling lets vets show off. I’ve seen pros juggle all four universes in one fight. That’s impressive! One friend, an Adachi main from Persona, humbled me in 2021. He reminded me how deep the system goes once you learn the frames.
Story and Characters
The story mode feels more like a lighthearted tour than a deep narrative. It tosses each universe together with a fun “World Ender” threat. You meet quirky pairs like Yusuke and Hyde, and Yang with Susano’o. Dialogue is mostly tongue-in-cheek, with plenty of fourth-wall jokes. It doesn’t aim for Shakespeare, but it captures each series’ charm. Fans of each game will smile at the character calls. RWBY fans might miss a few cameo roles, though. My biggest gripe is the lack of Neo Politan. She only appears in early DLC. Otherwise, the cast feels lively and well-voiced.
Visuals and Graphics
Oh, the art style shines. Arc System Works uses their signature hand-drawn look. It’s bold, colorful, and fluid. Every special move bursts off the screen in vivid hues. I love the dynamic backgrounds too. They reflect each universe, from the high-tech lab in Persona 4 to the dusty streets of Beacon Academy. Character sprites stay crisp, even on higher resolutions. If you adore anime-style visuals, this game is a treat. I found myself pausing just to admire a super move animation. It adds that cozy “wow” moment.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack mixes rock, electronic, and orchestral beats. It feels electric during matches. Tracks from each series pop up, setting the right mood. Persona 4’s jazzy tones interplay nicely with RWBY’s orchestral flair. Voice acting shines across the board. Each fighter’s shoutouts and quips land with personality. I especially love Ragna’s gravelly “Dead or Alive.” Sound effects feel punchy without overwhelming the music. The audio team nailed the balance. It kept me engaged during long sessions.
Difficulty and Replayability
The difficulty curve ramps up quickly once you leave beginner mode. I breezed through easy opponents, but mid-level CPU matchups felt challenging. That’s where the “welcome to the real world” moment hits. One enthusiastic reviewer called it “my first humbling moment.” I get it! The game rewards practice but still welcomes new players. Replayability comes from the wide cast and tag combos. You’ll want to test all pairings to discover unique setups. Weekly online tournaments and a robust lobby system keep the community buzzing. I’ve hopped online for casual matches and stuck around for the friendly banter.
Developer Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Arc System Works built this title as their first multi-series fighting game. Its engine borrows tech from Guilty Gear Xrd. That explains the stunning hand-drawn look. The team aimed to deliver a fighter that both newbies and veterans can enjoy. They added auto combos after player feedback from earlier demos. They also released seasonal character packs to keep the roster fresh. That strategy sparked some debate, but it keeps content rolling.
Final Thoughts
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle feels like a cozy fighter night with friends. It blends approachable mechanics with deep systems. The colorful cast and vibrant visuals charm you from the start. A few roster omissions sting, but DLC eases that sting over time. If you love anime style, friendly brawls, and variety, jump in. Casual players find it inviting. Pros will relish the high-level combos. You really can pick your own pace here.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Why four stars? The core gameplay and art style earn high marks. Character variety thrills, and the audio rocks. Minor hit detection quirks and missing launch characters hold it back. Still, this game delivers on fun, accessibility, and replay value. Give it a try for a cozy, crossover fighter night!
Thanks for reading! I hope this guide helps you find your next stress-free pick-up-and-play fighter. See you in the lobby!
