[quote name='BackInBlack']I'm glad I only use Amazon to buy games.[/QUOTE]
I'm usually the same way, but I really wanted to get this on release day. And I don't have Amazon Prime.
So, I played a bit last night. Enough to get some intial impressions:
Packaging- This is the first new wave Xbox360 covers I've seen. It looks sort of weird to me (the border at the top), but I guess I'll get used to it. Coverart is pleasing, but nothing special. The inside cover has very cute character art featuring the BlazBlue cast in a classroom setting. Surprisingly enough, this isn't one of the new eco-cases with the pie slice holes cut into the plastic. I think it might be a new wave of eco-friendly cases where the plastic is simply thinner. The instruction manual cover features the tri-fecta of mechanized teenaged girls and there's a saucy shot of Mu-12 on the disc itself.
New Modes- The tutorial mode is fantastic. I was surprised when I saw that the instruction manual for this game was only 4 pages long, but this tutorial mode covers absolutely everything you need to play the game. From very basic, simple movement to advanced character specific strategies, the dismissive Rachel keeps things from getting too dry. And it's REALLY extensive.
Challenge mode is a welcome new addition, and something that was really needed in CT (think SFIV TrialMode). It's really superbly done, with shortcut buttons assigned to reset your character positions in the blink of an eye, or show an example of how the combo is performed. There are 10 Challenges per character, with several combos in each Challenge (a few of the later ones may be comprised of only one combo). You can switch between Challenges freely in the menu. It's a really good learning tool, and I already feel much more comfortable with my main.
Legion mode is fun. This was apparently in the PSP port of CT. You essentially move across pegs on a grid, participate in short survival battles, and recruit new characters until all of the pegs are yours. You can save between pegs and come back anytime to continue your domination of the grid. It's nothing all that special, but it does feel like more than just a throwaway mode. It's worth checking out.
Story mode is huge. You must start with Ragna, and from there you'll unlock other characters' stories all the way until you reach the True Ending. There are a few major differences from CT. First off, the story takes place after the events of CT, so it's pretty much a sequel. Secondly, there seem to be fewer fights and fewer choices left to the player's discretion (only beaten Ragna so far, so it could just be him) despite the longer exposition. This makes for a lot of narration and not a lot of action. I don't mind all that much, but I think there could have been more random fights sprinkled in.
Character Tweaks- I'm in love with Litchi again. There are some very obvious changes with many of the returning cast. Not just simple nerfing/buffing, but new moves, different cancel properties and timing, new combo options...
New Characters- Admittedly, I haven't played much of the new characters. I have played against Hazama a number of times online, though (his Distortion snuffs everything
). His Ouroboros gives him scary mobility, and it feels like he can combo from practically anywhere on screen. I played against one Tsubaki. She's a ground combo machine. Huge damage on huge ground combos. Not as much of a juggle oriented character it seems, from first glance (though it could have just been the player). Can't wait to learn more about them!
Achievements- harder than CT, not sure by how much. Obviously, the timesinks are going to be the Level Up to 50, and completing 100 Challenges. Something to note, however, you only have to complete 100/150 possible Challenges for the achievement (unlike SFIV and SSFIV's trials).
Those are just some thoughts I had from one night of playing. I hope to see some of you guys online tonight for some matches!
