When it comes to anime, if its Cyberpunk in nature odds are high that I’ll have seen it. But, there are some series that are cornerstones to the genre as a whole. Stuff that casual animation fans may have seen. I am talking Dragonball, One Piece and Gundam, for example. So, when a game comes alone that is based on a series I have no idea about, it’s a bit like jumping in the deep end. BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls is one such title.
Read More: Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero review – Fans Serviced
Developed by Japanese studio Tamsoft, and published by Namco Bandai, BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls is my first time really being exposed to the world and characters within it.
Familiar Path
BLEACH is an anime with some 360+ episodes to its name. Beyond that, the series has spun off countless manga and supporting media. It’s even spat out 34 games over the past 19 years.
BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls takes a very familiar path for an anime series video game. It bolts the IP to an arena fighting engine, which, to hardcore fans, may start to feel like a stereotype for the genre, given how many anime titles are built on that foundation.
Read More: Dragon Ball – Top 10 Goku Moments
Look beyond this and you’ll find a solid fighter that tries to stand on its own two feet. Rebirth of Souls manages to avoid leaning on the massive BLEACH fan base, which it could have easily done. Instead, the game builds a title that serves as a competent brawler that you need zero knowledge of BLEACH to enjoy. Of course, series fans will love it all the more.
But, this is honestly a refreshing move. Too often have I grabbed a licenced title and been expected to be versed in the world, its lore and its characters. Whereas BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls was fun just beating seven bells out of a monster with a sword and some very flashy moves. No experience required.
Dragon BLEACH
The combat is very similar to that of the recent Dragon Ball game, Dragon Ball: Sparking! Zero; being fast, fluid and very dynamic. BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls is also rooted in a system of combos through light and heavy attacks. The game also adds in some over-the-top signature finishers. There is quite a bit of depth to be found in BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls.
The challenge of BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls is also dialled in very well. No two fights will ever feel the same. You also never feel like any foes are just a pushover, and you’ll have to hold your ground to earn the victory. This is something that some fighting games miss but is spot on here.
Read More: Dragon Ball The Breakers review – Odd Premise, Questionable Execution, Excellent Outcome
And, this is only aided by each character feeling and playing noticeably different from each other. This is quite impressive seeing as there is a healthy 31 playable characters in the roster, which, again, is mixed and varied.
You have to really be a fan to get the most from the sheer volume I feel, as there are a few deep cuts here. On the flip side, fans can have their dream ‘what if’ fight, or recreate some of their favourite battles from the series’ history.
Fight Story
Story mode in BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls blends a visual novel with fights. The game retells the main story of BLEACH, from Ichigo’s rise as a Soul Reaper in the Substitute Soul Reaper arc, to the climactic battle against Sosuke Aizen in the Arrancar arc.
It’s an decent mode, but the visual novel side of things does let it all down. There is a a distinct lack of production value, especially when compared to the visuals during fights. However, to their credit, the whole thing has an English voice dub for those who prefer VO over subtitles. The dubbing falls short of amazing due to the sometimes awkward translation and irritating voice work.
Read More: SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada review – First Drift
The story mode is generally the on-boarding point for newcomers to a series in this sort of game. And, I count myself as one of those, but I found it all a bit hum-drum. At times it’s borderline dull, which is wild given the lineage of BLEACH.
I feel it’s a thin line to walk to please both hardcore and newcomers. Technically, you’re retelling a much-loved story, but also you have to explain a whole heap of things as well. It’s a tricky balance for sure, but one that the story mode just doesn’t land quite right.
Fan Zoned
BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls lands in a strange space,. Hardcore fans will really enjoy seeing their loved series coming to life once again through a new lens. But, Newcomers hoping to learn all about BLEACH left feeling let down a bit. However, look at it as an area fighter, and you’ll be surprised by its engaging and complex fighting system delivered in a flashy and gripping style.
- BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls review – Finisher Shy of Greatness
- South of Midnight review – Crouching Gator, Hidden Depth
- Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition review – Raking Epic Goes Grander
Find TechStomper’s games reviews on OpenCritic.com