Editor’s Note: This is not a full review of BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle, but only that of its 2.0 update. For the base game, our review is here
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle was one of the surprise crossover games of 2018 for me. It was a good fighting game, but had some rough points. Arc System Works has now released the 2.0 Update and season 2 of DLC, which has changed things immensely. There are new mechanics involved, a new story mode episode and of course new characters. The new characters include Neo Politan from RWBY, Elizabeth and Adachi from the Persona 4 series, Hilda from Under Night In-Birth, Yumi from Senran Kagura, Celica and Susanoo from BlazBlue and of course Akatsuki and Blitztank from Akatsuki Blitzkampf. Yes the developers went all out and included a playable tank character and it is indeed as you might imagine.
New mechanics introduced here include Cross Raid, Extra Assault, Rampage Time and Delayed Down Entrance. These really do affect the way the game is played and address many fan complaints of the game being a bit too simplified of a fighting game for their liking. These add a lot more depth to the game and of course, having more options to build around is a good way to refresh the game after its initial release. The balance has also beein reworked and characters now feel different so you will need to relearn many of them to once again get a mastery of the game. For me, the basic way I utilized certain characters like Yang and Yu, and I ended up having a blast.
The new characters are a great addition, especially Neo and Blitztank, albeit for different reasons. Neo is far more technical of a character while Blitztank is just outright insane of a concept. This is not the first fighting game appearance for Blitztank obliviously, but it still comes as bit of an adjustment, especially when the original game is a bit obscure. The other characters are all great as well, but these are just the two that stood out the most to me from this season. I must speak of the new story episode., but rest assured that there will be no spoilers here. I will simply say that just as the base game had one of the funniest story modes ever, so to does the extra episode. In fact, i would dare say it is even funnier than the base game story mode.
For a game that doesn’t take itself seriously. BlazBlue Cross Tag battle manages to handle itself well. It is a polished fighter now, with a great roster of characters, great mechanics and good storytelling. I recommend getting the DLC to anyone with the base game.
Disclaimer: A review key was provided