Editor’s Note: This review is a work in progress, focusing primarily on the PlayStation 5 version, while the PC variant is currently experiencing some launch issues.
The Legacy of Bleach in the Anime Arena Fighter Genre
Despite being one of the most prominent names in the shonen anime realm, alongside titans like One Piece and Naruto, Bleach has often been overshadowed in the arena fighter category. Its latest title, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls, seeks to change this narrative by delivering an action-packed experience that elevates the genre. Although I have only spent about 10 hours with the game before the Ultimate Edition went live, it is clear that developer Tamsoft has poured a great deal of affection and respect into the creation of this title. The character models are meticulously designed, and the combat mechanics feel authentic and engaging, pulling inspiration directly from the beloved anime. However, my experience with the story mode has been less than stellar, resembling a half-hearted attempt at crafting a visual novel.
A Combat System That Stands Out
Bleach: Rebirth of Souls kicks off with a tutorial that showcases its combat system effectively. While the game is filled with anime terminology that can be overwhelming, the core mechanics are straightforward: the game combines elements from various genres, including the life stock system from Super Smash Bros. and the stance-breaking swordplay from Sekiro, all wrapped in Bleach’s distinctive visual style. Unlike many other arena fighters that often rely on a simple combo system or spamming super moves, the combat in Bleach feels more strategic and nuanced, resembling a carefully balanced tug-of-war.
Each sword swing is satisfying and impactful as you navigate the battlefield, ambushing enemies and breaking their defenses. The game’s Standard Mode simplifies controls, allowing players to execute flashy auto combos, yet it still offers unique mechanics for each character that encourage deeper exploration. For example, Uryu employs long-range bow attacks, while Yoruichi showcases a brawler style that keeps gameplay diverse and engaging. This variety is essential as players choose their main character and strategize against opponents.
A Disappointing Story Mode Experience
As an avid fan of the Bleach anime and manga, I had high hopes for the story mode in Rebirth of Souls. Unfortunately, it has been a significant letdown. In many anime fighters, cutscenes serve as exciting rewards that elevate the narrative, often featuring stunning animations that rival the original shows. However, Bleach’s story mode fails to deliver in this regard. Instead of thrilling sequences featuring my favorite characters in action, I encountered awkward animations reminiscent of low-budget Machinima.
The storytelling feels rushed and poorly executed, with the visuals lacking the polish expected from a game of this caliber. Important emotional moments are drained of their intensity as characters move clumsily in low-resolution environments. Furthermore, pivotal scenes, such as sword clashes and beam struggles, suffer from abrupt transitions and poorly executed effects that detract from the overall experience. The cutscenes come across more like a budgetary compromise rather than a creative decision.
Combat vs. Story: A Jarring Contrast
While the vibrant and dynamic swordplay is undeniably engaging, it starkly contrasts with the subpar cutscenes that interrupt the flow of the narrative. If the intention was to create a visual novel experience, it falls short, appearing more like an unpolished first draft. With review codes arriving just before launch, it feels as though there was a reliance on the franchise’s goodwill to carry the game through its shortcomings. Despite this, both the English and Japanese voice actors deliver commendable performances, and the character models remain true to their anime counterparts, looking impressive in action.
As I continue to explore the game, I remain hopeful that the online and offline versus modes will redeem some of the experience. Although the story mode has not impressed me thus far, the combat system is a standout feature that elevates Bleach: Rebirth of Souls above the typical anime arena fighter. The intricate battle mechanics and the care taken to craft each character are commendable. Still, it is disheartening to see that the visual fidelity and excitement of the combat clash with the lackluster animation in the cutscenes. Instead of drawing me into the game’s narrative, I find myself inclined to revisit the original anime for a more fulfilling emotional experience. Nonetheless, I look forward to testing the versus modes in my journey toward a final review.
