BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger Review (PS3, Xbox 360) By Sayed Islam Published: 08/11/09 PrintEmail
Maybe the best way to start this review is to address the figurative colossal elephant in the room: Street Fighter IV. Is Blazblue: Calamity Trigger a better game than the Blockbuster hit Street Fighter IV? To be frank, the answer to that lingering question is no. However, that does not mean that this gem of title did nothing to carve out a niche in its heavily competitive genre. Believe or not, there is a storyline in BlazBlue (but it is too intricate and eccentric to discuss in this review). The narrative is told via a compilation of still images with text. For the bulk of fighting games, the story is an afterthought (that same trend continues here). Without a doubt, being an avid admirer of Japanese anime will definitely keep you immersed in the tale. Yet the plot is more of an acquired taste than something as concrete as a protagonist versus antagonist overtone.
Albeit the Street Fighter IV comparisons are inevitable, the gameplay in Blazblue is more analogous to Guilty Gear than anything else. The multitude of modes range from an arcade mode to a training mode, but the real meat of combat revolves around the story mode. Story mode involves following each of the characters as they battle their way to the top. As you progress, you will unlock artistic photographs and new fighters.
The gamplay has concept that is eerily reminiscent of any other one on one fighting game: defeat the other fighter. Where Blazblue is different is the way the fights are constructed. Unlike some other fighters, it is fairly simple to link up combination attack together in succession. Thus, there is little to almost no memorization about what buttons to press. There is both an attack and a defend system that has an effective sense of balance. Green protective shields are utilized to fend off incoming attacks, and specials attacks are used with plenty of style. In total, there are twelve characters that are all unique in their own idiosyncratic way. Excluding winning, the ultimate goal in Blazblue is the drive maneuver (each drive is different depending on the character). Best of all, the only thing that is needed to perform an elaborate drive is to press just one button. The multipayer involves some playable online modes titled quick match, custom match, and create room. Furthermore, there is a matchmaking feature for competing against opponents with a similar experience as you. There is even a comprehensive leaderboard and a replay mode to go along with each online brawl.
The visuals are a stunning combination of both two dimensions and three dimensions. Two dimensional character models are battling each other on a two dimensional plane; nonetheless, the background is in three dimensions. It really is an astonishing sight to see this mix of two dimensions and three dimensions done this well.
The audio is brilliant too. Music tracks perfectly harmonize those engrossing duels, and the sound effects complement the action on the screen. Nevertheless, the voice acting could use some improvement. The Japanese voice actors seem reasonable, but the English voice actors sound like they are reading directly from a script.
Between the online and offline modes, there is so much to do in this game that you will be busy for a long time. Overall, BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger has everything to appease both the casual and hardcore audience. The level of intricacy is deep enough to gratify a devoted player but not overwhelming to fluster a novice. While Street Fighter IV is a game that emulates the easy to learn but arduous to master mantra, Blazblue follows an easy to learn and easy to master theme.
Art direction 9 The visuals are a stunning combination of both two dimensions and three dimensions. Two dimensional character models are battling each other on a two dimensional plane; nonetheless, the background is in three dimensions. It really is an astonishing sight to see this mix of two dimensions and three dimensions done this well. Audio 9 The audio is brilliant too. Music tracks perfectly harmonize those engrossing duels, and the sound effects complement the action on the screen. Nevertheless, the voice acting could use some improvement. The Japanese voice actors seem reasonable, but the English voice actors sound like they are reading directly from a script. Gameplay 9 The gamplay has concept that is eerily reminiscent of any other one on one fighting game: defeat the other fighter. Where Blazblue is different is the way the fights are constructed. Presentation 9 Without a doubt, being an avid admirer of Japanese anime will definitely keep you immersed in the tale. Yet the plot is more of an acquired taste than something as concrete as a protagonist versus antagonist overtone. Replay Value 10 Between the online and offline modes, there is so much to do in this game that you will be busy for a long time.
Maybe the best way to start this review is to address the figurative colossal elephant in the room: Street Fighter IV. Is Blazblue: Calamity Trigger a better game than the Blockbuster hit Street Fighter IV? To be frank, the answer to that lingering question is no. However, that does not mean that this gem of title did nothing to carve out a niche in its heavily competitive genre. Believe or not, there is a storyline in BlazBlue (but it is too intricate and eccentric to discuss in this review). The narrative is told via a compilation of still images with text. For the bulk of fighting games, the story is an afterthought (that same trend continues here). Without a doubt, being an avid admirer of Japanese anime will definitely keep you immersed in the tale. Yet the plot is more of an acquired taste than something as concrete as a protagonist versus antagonist overtone. 
