So You Want To Try BlazBlue? | An Overview of the Series

BLAZBLUE: CALAMITY TRIGGER

BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is the first installment in the BlazBlue series, known for its deep story, unique characters, and intricate combat system. If you're new to the series, this guide will help you get started, covering basic mechanics, characters, and strategies to make your entry into the world of BlazBlue smoother.

1. Understanding the Basics

Controls and Mechanics

Movement: BlazBlue uses a standard fighting game control scheme with directions and buttons for attacks. You'll use the directional pad or stick to move your character forward, backward, jump, and crouch.
Attack Buttons: There are four main attack buttons:
- A (Light Attack)
- B (Medium Attack)
- C (Heavy Attack)
- D (Drive Attack) - Unique to each character, it adds an extra layer of strategy.

Basic Mechanics

Blocking: Essential for defense. Hold back to block high/mid attacks and down-back to block low attacks. Some attacks, known as overheads, must be blocked standing.
Throws: Use A+B to throw or tech throws. Throws can break through blocking, making them essential for mixing up your offense.
Rapid Cancel: Press A+B+C to cancel out of most attacks, allowing you to extend combos or recover from a blocked move.
Barrier Block: A stronger block (A+B) that depletes the Barrier Gauge but reduces chip damage and pushback.
Burst: An emergency move that can get you out of a combo. Use it wisely, as it’s limited.

2. Getting to Know the Characters

BlazBlue has a diverse roster, each with unique abilities and playstyles. Here are a few to get you started:

Ragna the Bloodedge: The main protagonist, Ragna is a balanced character, great for beginners. His Drive, Soul Eater, lets him drain life from his opponents, giving him sustainability in battle.
Jin Kisaragi: Ragna’s rival, Jin uses ice-based attacks. His Drive, Frost Bite, allows him to freeze opponents, setting up easy combos.
Noel Vermillion: A quick and agile character, Noel's Drive, Chain Revolver, turns her attacks into a rapid-fire barrage, overwhelming slower opponents.
Rachel Alucard: A technical character who controls the battlefield with projectiles and traps. Her Drive, Silpheed, manipulates the wind, affecting both her and her opponent’s movement.

3. Mastering the Drive System

The Drive System is what sets BlazBlue apart from other fighters. Each character’s Drive ability is unique, and learning how to incorporate it into your strategy is key:

Practice with each character to understand how their Drive works. Some, like Ragna’s Soul Eater, are straightforward, while others, like Rachel’s Silpheed, require more finesse.
Combine Drive attacks with basic combos to create powerful and unique strings of attacks.
Use the Training Mode to experiment with different Drive mechanics and find what works best for your playstyle.

4. Understanding the Story

BlazBlue’s story is rich and complex, intertwining the fates of multiple characters. While it might be overwhelming at first, playing through the Story Mode is highly recommended for newcomers to get a grasp on the lore and character motivations.

Arcade Mode gives a brief insight into each character’s story, while Story Mode provides a deeper dive into the narrative.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand everything right away; BlazBlue’s story is known for its twists and turns. Enjoy the ride and gradually piece together the lore.

5. Developing Your Playstyle

Pick a character that suits you: Experiment with different characters to find one that fits your preferred playstyle—whether you like rushing down opponents, zoning them out, or playing defensively.
Learn basic combos: Start with simple, reliable combos before moving on to more advanced techniques. Most characters have bread-and-butter combos that are easy to learn and effective in battle.
Study your matchups: Each character has strengths and weaknesses. Learning how your main character matches up against others in the roster will help you anticipate and counter their strategies.

6. Advanced Techniques

Learn to read your opponent: BlazBlue is as much about mind games as it is about combos. Watch your opponent’s habits and adapt your strategy accordingly.
Perfect your timing: Many advanced combos and techniques require precise timing. Practice consistently to improve your execution.
Utilize Rapid Cancels: Advanced players use Rapid Cancels to extend combos, create mix-ups, or escape from dangerous situations. Incorporating them into your gameplay is crucial as you improve.

BLAZBLUE: CONTINUUM SHIFT (EXTEND)

BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend is an expanded version of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, offering more content, gameplay tweaks, and additional modes.

1. New Content and Features

Expanded Roster

New Characters: Continuum Shift Extend adds new playable characters to the roster, such as Relius Clover, a puppet master with complex mechanics, and Makoto Nanaya, a fast, close-range fighter. These additions bring more diversity to the roster, offering new playstyles and strategies.
All Previous DLC Characters: Characters like Valkenhayn R. Hellsing, Platinum the Trinity, and Mu-12 are included by default, ensuring a complete character selection from the start.

Revised Story Mode

Extended Story: Continuum Shift Extend not only continues the main narrative but also revisits and expands upon the story arcs from Calamity Trigger and Continuum Shift, providing more context and background to the characters and events.
New Scenarios: Additional scenarios and character-specific stories are included, making this version the most comprehensive in terms of narrative content.

Unlimited Mars Mode

Challenge Mode: This mode pits you against AI-controlled characters in their Unlimited forms, which are essentially powered-up versions of themselves. It’s a brutal challenge designed for advanced players looking to test their skills against the toughest opponents.

2. Gameplay Mechanics

Rebalanced Combat

Character Balancing: Continuum Shift Extend includes various balance tweaks from its predecessors, making it the most polished version of the game. Characters have been fine-tuned to ensure a more balanced experience, addressing issues from previous titles.
Revised Mechanics: Some characters have had their moves adjusted or changed entirely. For example, Noel Vermillion’s Drive, Chain Revolver, has been tweaked to be more accessible while maintaining depth for advanced players.

Guard Primer System

Guard Primer: A unique feature in Continuum Shift, this system determines how many hits a character can block before their guard is broken, leading to a Guard Crush. Extend refines this system, offering a more strategic layer to defense and offense.
Improved Burst System: The Burst system, which allows you to escape combos or power up your attacks, has been refined to offer more tactical options during matches.

3. Enhanced Visuals and Sound

Graphical Updates: While the core graphics remain consistent with Continuum Shift, Extend offers subtle improvements and additional stages, making the game visually more polished.
New Music Tracks: Additional music tracks are included, along with remixes of existing ones, enhancing the overall auditory experience. Each character's theme reflects their personality and fighting style, adding to the immersion.

4. Differences from Other Titles

Compared to Calamity Trigger

Roster Expansion: Continuum Shift Extend features a significantly larger roster, with more varied playstyles. The original Calamity Trigger had fewer characters and simpler mechanics.
Story Depth: While Calamity Trigger introduced the world and basic storyline, Extend delves deeper, providing more context and character development, making it a richer narrative experience.
Mechanics Evolution: Many of the mechanics introduced in Calamity Trigger, such as the basic Drive system, are further refined in Extend, offering a more balanced and complex gameplay experience.

5. Tips for Newcomers

Start with Story Mode: To get acquainted with the characters and the world, start with the Story Mode. It will help you understand the motivations and relationships between the characters.
Experiment with Different Characters: Given the expanded roster, try out different characters to find one that suits your playstyle. The Drive system is unique to each character, so finding one you enjoy is key.
Practice in Training Mode: Use the Training Mode to get comfortable with the mechanics, combos, and timing. Extend offers a comprehensive training suite to help you refine your skills.
Tackle Unlimited Mars Mode: Once you’re confident, test your skills in Unlimited Mars Mode to challenge yourself against the AI’s toughest opponents.

BLAZBLUE CHRONO PHANTASMA

BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma is the third main entry in the BlazBlue series, building upon the foundation laid by Calamity Trigger and Continuum Shift.

1. New Content and Features

Expanded and Refined Roster

New Characters: Chrono Phantasma introduces several new characters, such as Amane Nishiki, Bullet, Azrael, Izayoi, and Kagura Mutsuki. Each brings unique playstyles, further diversifying the roster.
Character Redesigns: Many returning characters have been visually redesigned, receiving new moves, animations, and balance adjustments. For example, Ragna the Bloodedge and Jin Kisaragi have new combo opportunities and altered move properties, making them feel fresh even to returning players.

Overdrive System

Overdrive: Replacing the previous Burst mechanic, Overdrive is a powerful state that temporarily enhances a character's abilities, making their Drive moves more potent or unlocking new ones. Overdrive can be activated by pressing all four buttons (A+B+C+D) when the Overdrive Gauge is full.
Overdrive Duration: The duration of Overdrive depends on how much health you have left—the lower your health, the longer Overdrive lasts. This mechanic adds a layer of strategy, allowing for powerful comebacks or decisive finishes.

Exceed Accel

Exceed Accel: A new mechanic tied to the Overdrive system, Exceed Accel is a powerful attack that ends Overdrive prematurely. It’s a high-risk, high-reward option that can deal significant damage, but using it ends your enhanced state, so timing is crucial.

Guard Crush and Crush Trigger

Crush Trigger: A new mechanic that replaces the Guard Primer system from Continuum Shift. By using 25% of your Heat Gauge, you can perform a Crush Trigger, an attack that can break through your opponent’s guard if they don’t barrier block. This mechanic emphasizes offensive pressure and mix-ups.

2. Story Mode Enhancements

Branching Narratives

Three Main Arcs: Chrono Phantasma features three main story arcs—Chronophantasma, Sector Seven, and Six Heroes. These arcs intertwine, offering a more complex and layered narrative than previous titles.
Character-Specific Endings: The game also includes individual character stories, providing more insight into each character’s role in the overarching plot. Completing these stories helps unlock the true ending, encouraging thorough exploration of the narrative.

Visual Novel Style

Enhanced Presentation: The story mode in Chrono Phantasma leans heavily into a visual novel format, with more detailed illustrations, voice acting, and dynamic camera angles during key moments. This makes the storytelling more immersive and engaging.

3. Gameplay Mechanics and System Changes

Rebalanced Combat

Character Adjustments: Along with new moves and mechanics, existing characters have been rebalanced. This includes tweaks to their frame data, combo routes, and special moves. The changes aim to make the game more balanced while keeping each character’s unique identity intact.
Faster Pace: Chrono Phantasma generally features faster-paced gameplay compared to its predecessors. Movement speed has been increased, and the game’s overall flow encourages more aggressive playstyles.

New and Updated Stages

Stage Selection: Chrono Phantasma introduces new stages while also updating existing ones. These stages feature richer backgrounds and more dynamic environments, enhancing the visual appeal during battles.
Stage Transitions: Some stages include transitions that occur during battles, adding a cinematic flair to the fights.

4. Differences from Other Titles

Compared to Calamity Trigger

Expanded Roster: While Calamity Trigger had a smaller, more focused roster, Chrono Phantasma boasts a larger, more diverse selection of characters, with more complex mechanics.
Mechanics Overhaul: Calamity Trigger introduced the Drive system, but Chrono Phantasma refines and expands on this with Overdrive and Exceed Accel, offering more depth and strategic options.
Narrative Complexity: The story in Chrono Phantasma is more intricate, with multiple arcs and character-specific paths, compared to the more straightforward narrative of Calamity Trigger.

Compared to Continuum Shift and Continuum Shift Extend

System Revisions: Chrono Phantasma replaces several systems from Continuum Shift, such as the Guard Primer system with Crush Trigger, and the Burst system with Overdrive. These changes lead to a more aggressive and dynamic gameplay experience.
Expanded Storytelling: While Continuum Shift had a strong narrative, Chrono Phantasma builds on this by adding more character interactions, deeper plotlines, and a more elaborate visual novel-style presentation.
Character Evolution: Characters in Chrono Phantasma have been significantly reworked compared to Continuum Shift, with new moves and altered playstyles, making the game feel fresh even for veterans.

5. Tips for Newcomers

Learn the Overdrive System: Mastering Overdrive is crucial in Chrono Phantasma. Experiment with how each character's Overdrive enhances their abilities and when to use it for maximum impact.
Explore the Story Mode: The story mode is rich and complex. Take your time to explore the different arcs and character stories to fully grasp the narrative.
Practice Crush Triggers: Incorporate Crush Triggers into your gameplay to keep your opponents on their toes. Understanding when to use them can give you a significant advantage in battles.
Experiment with New Characters: The new characters in Chrono Phantasma offer fresh playstyles. Try them out to see if one fits your preferred way of playing.

BLAZBLUE CENTRAL FICTION

BlazBlue: Central Fiction is the final chapter in the BlazBlue saga, concluding the epic story that began with Calamity Trigger. This guide will introduce you to the key features of Central Fiction and explain how it differs from previous titles in the series.

1. New Content and Features

Expanded Roster

New Characters: Central Fiction adds new characters, such as Naoto Kurogane, Hibiki Kohaku, Nine the Phantom, Izayoi, Es, Mai Natsume, and Susano'o. Each new character comes with unique mechanics and playstyles, further diversifying the roster and offering fresh experiences for players.
All-Inclusive Roster: The game features all the characters from previous BlazBlue titles, making it the most comprehensive roster in the series.

New Gameplay Mechanics

Exceed Accel: Introduced in Chrono Phantasma, Exceed Accel is a powerful special move that can be triggered during Overdrive. In Central Fiction, Exceed Accel has been further refined, with each character having their own unique animation and effect.
Active Flow: A new mechanic that rewards aggressive play. When you continuously deal damage and maintain pressure on your opponent, you enter Active Flow, which increases your damage output and shortens the cooldown for Burst. It’s a system that encourages offense and makes matches more dynamic.
Overdrive and Burst: Overdrive returns from Chrono Phantasma but is now even more integral to gameplay. Burst can be used to enter Overdrive, but you must weigh the benefits of escaping a combo versus enhancing your abilities.

Speed and Fluidity

Faster Gameplay: Central Fiction is the fastest BlazBlue game to date. The increased speed of movement, attacks, and combo execution makes matches more intense and requires quicker reflexes and decision-making.
Revised Combo System: The combo system has been further refined, allowing for more creative and extended combos. The game also features more universal mechanics, making it easier to perform stylish and damaging combos across different characters.

2. Story Mode and Narrative

Conclusion of the Saga

Epic Conclusion: Central Fiction wraps up the complex and intricate story of the BlazBlue series. The narrative is dense, with multiple character arcs and plot twists that bring closure to long-running storylines.
Visual Novel Presentation: The story is told in a visual novel format, with beautiful illustrations, voice acting, and dynamic scenes. The storytelling is rich and deep, requiring a good understanding of the series’ lore to fully appreciate the narrative.
Multiple Story Arcs: The game features several story arcs, including the main story and various character-specific tales. Completing all the arcs is necessary to unlock the true ending and fully understand the story.

No English Dub

Japanese Voice Acting: Unlike previous titles, Central Fiction does not feature an English dub. The decision to focus on the Japanese voice acting was made to maintain the authenticity of the characters and the original script.

3. Game Modes and Content

Arcade and Story Modes

Arcade Mode: Arcade mode features individual character stories that offer additional context to the main narrative. These shorter stories are perfect for players who want to learn more about their favorite characters without diving into the full story mode.
Grimoire and Legion Modes: These modes offer unique challenges and battles that deviate from the standard gameplay, providing variety and additional content for those looking to test their skills in different scenarios.

Robust Training Mode

Enhanced Training: Central Fiction offers an in-depth training mode with a wide array of options to help players learn the game. From basic movement and combos to advanced techniques, the training mode is a valuable resource for both newcomers and experienced players.
Challenge Mode: This mode presents specific challenges that help you learn character-specific combos and strategies. It’s a great way to master the more complex aspects of each character’s moveset.

4. Differences from Other Titles

Compared to Calamity Trigger

Mechanics Evolution: While Calamity Trigger introduced the basics of the Drive system and character-specific abilities, Central Fiction adds layers of complexity with systems like Active Flow and Overdrive, making the gameplay deeper and more nuanced.
Narrative Depth: Calamity Trigger set the stage for the series, but Central Fiction delivers the climax. The story in Central Fiction is far more intricate, with years of character development and plotlines culminating in the final showdown.
Pacing and Speed: The slower pace and simpler combos of Calamity Trigger contrast sharply with the fast-paced, high-octane gameplay of Central Fiction.

Compared to Continuum Shift and Continuum Shift Extend

Advanced Systems: Central Fiction refines and expands on systems introduced in Continuum Shift, like Overdrive and Burst, adding new mechanics like Active Flow, which make the gameplay more aggressive and rewarding for offensive playstyles.
Roster Expansion: While Continuum Shift and Extend expanded the roster significantly from Calamity Trigger, Central Fiction includes all those characters plus new ones, making it the largest and most diverse roster in the series.
Narrative Complexity: The storytelling in Central Fiction is the most complex in the series, with numerous character arcs, plot twists, and a conclusion that ties together all the narrative threads from the previous games.

Compared to Chrono Phantasma

Final Chapter: Central Fiction serves as the final chapter in the BlazBlue story, whereas Chrono Phantasma was a precursor that built up to this climax. The narrative stakes are higher, and the story is more focused on resolving the overarching plot.
Enhanced Mechanics: While Chrono Phantasma introduced Exceed Accel and Overdrive, Central Fiction further refines these systems, making them more integral to gameplay. Active Flow is a significant addition that wasn’t present in Chrono Phantasma, adding a new layer of strategy.
Speed and Fluidity: Central Fiction is faster and more fluid than Chrono Phantasma, with more responsive controls and a greater emphasis on quick decision-making and aggressive play.

5. Tips for Newcomers

Master the Basics: With the speed and complexity of Central Fiction, mastering the basic mechanics is crucial. Spend time in training mode to get comfortable with movement, blocking, and basic combos.
Understand Overdrive and Active Flow: These systems are key to success in Central Fiction. Learn how to use Overdrive strategically and how to trigger Active Flow to maximize your offensive capabilities.
Explore the Story Mode: Even if you're new to the series, exploring the story mode can help you understand the characters and the world of BlazBlue. It’s dense, but rewarding for those who invest the time.
Experiment with Characters: With the largest roster in the series, there’s a character for every playstyle. Don’t be afraid to try different characters until you find one that suits your preferences.

For those brand new to BlazBlue or Arc System Works I would recommend the first game to get into the meat of the series being Continuum Shift Extend. It has a solid roster of characters; diverse fighting systems without overloading a player and a generally good story. However speaking of story….

BLAZBLUE: THE ANIMATION

BlazBlue: Alter Memory is the anime adaptation of the BlazBlue video game series, specifically covering the events of Calamity Trigger and Continuum Shift. The anime attempts to condense the complex and lore-heavy narrative of the games into a 12-episode series.

The anime struggles to capture the depth and intricacies of the game's story, often feeling rushed and disjointed. While it does feature familiar characters like Ragna the Bloodedge, Jin Kisaragi, and Noel Vermillion, their development feels shallow due to the limited runtime. The animation quality is inconsistent, with some scenes looking polished while others appear lacklustre. The fight scenes, which are a highlight in the games, don’t fully convey the excitement and intensity that fans might expect.

Voice acting is solid, with the original Japanese cast reprising their roles, adding a sense of authenticity for fans of the series. However, for those unfamiliar with the games, the story may be confusing due to the anime’s heavy reliance on prior knowledge of the BlazBlue lore.

Yes, having prior knowledge of the games is highly recommended. The anime doesn’t provide much exposition, assuming the viewer is already familiar with the plot and characters. Without this background, new viewers may find it difficult to follow the story and understand the significance of certain events.

BlazBlue: Alter Memory is a decent watch for die-hard fans of the series who want to see their favourite characters animated, but it falls short of being a standalone experience. Newcomers to the franchise might find it difficult to enjoy due to its rushed pacing and reliance on game knowledge.