Overview – developed and published by 91Act in partnership with Arc System Works, BlazBlue Entropy Effect is an action roguelite style title, with fast paced action and stylish combat systems. Take on a new adventure set in a universe adjacent to the main BlazBlue series, with an all original story and gameplay style, with well-known characters from the franchise. This title is exclusive to the Steam service on PC platforms, with a link to the game at the bottom of this review.
Disclaimer: before I get into the review, I would like to thank 91Act for provision the copy of BlazBlue Entropy Effect that was used for this piece, via the Keymailer service. The provision of this software has not influenced the contents of this review, all thoughts and opinions contained within are my own. (please note images used are from the offical steam page so they may not match the final product)
Now with the introductions out of the way, let’s get into the review, starting with the story. For this review, I will only be covering the base mechanics of the game and its features. This is to prevent spoiling any major plot points, story beats or secrets that the game holds.
Story – In the future where the world has been plunged into chaos, people enter a cyberspace called ACE, seeking their last chance to resolve the crisis. If you are the only person in this world who knows the truth, how will you react? The ending is also the beginning. Your decision will decide humanity’s future. Do you have what it takes to save the world, using the Mind Training system and unlocking the secrets hidden within the cyberspace of ACE.
Gameplay – BlazBlue Entropy Effect is an action roguelite, combining the characters and style of the main fighting games into a side scrolling action brawler. Take control of a virtual representation of one of ten characters from the franchise (more may be added in the future), as you battle your way through vibrant environments to save the world. When first starting the game, the player will go through a simple tutorial, where mechanics are explained to the player.
Once the mechanics tutorial is cleared, the player will be able to explore the world as their ACER, a small robot that can move around and interact with the NPC characters. During the course of the game, players must talk to the various inhabitants of the world, complete objectives and push the narrative forward. This largely occurs between the different combat exercises, where the player will take on challenging battle stages.
These are called Mind Training, where the player will go through a set of challenges fighting enemies unique to this release as well as bosses made of enemies from the main series. During each run, the player battles through 5 stages, with the sub levels for the first 4 being randomized with a boss at the end of each. The final stage is a labyrinthine maze, where players will encounter multiple boss rooms, alongside the final boss of the run.
However, before the player can even take on mind training. The player must unlock a Prototype, from the available roster, with the ability to unlock only one character at the start. This makes for an interesting flow to the gameplay, due to players being able to unlock more of the roster the more they play. The resource used to unlock a prototype is called a Prototype Analyzer, which are rewards for story progression and can also be purchased in game.
Each of the prototypes have their own unique mechanics and play styles, which have translated quite well from the mainline fighting game series. The basic tool kit for all characters is a standard combo attack, special attack and dash attacks. Along with the standard tools for characters, are the unique “gimmicks” that make each of them stand out from the others. There are characters that will fit a range of playstyles, offering something for everyone.
While taking on mind training, the player will engage in combat with a variety of enemies, while also navigating some traps and platforming challenges. When a sub-stage is cleared (called a space), the player will be given a selection of options to choose from. The first space reward is always potential, which will provide the player with a new attack, ability or upgrade a current skill. These rewards will also be provided upon defeating a stage boss.
There are additional space types that players can select from, usually with multiple options but sometimes there will only be one. Here is a quick breakdown of the different space types that players can encounter;
- Tactic – Gain a range of special abilities, usually a passive one that will augment the player and provide an additional effect that can be used in combat. These can be improved through a mechanic called ascension, which will empower them further.
- Max HP/MP – these spaces will allow grant the player a bonus to either their max HP or MP, with these bonuses stacking up with additional bonuses.
- Exchange – enter the shop and use exchange points that have been collected by defeating enemies to purchase bonuses, allowing useful effects and bonuses to be obtained.
- Event – activate the event space for a selection of effects that can provide bonuses for mind training, but these come with some risks as some may bestow negative effects on the player.
- Rest – use this space to recover a percentage of health that has been lost in battle.
- Sortito – here players can spin the wheel of the Sortito, with the chance to win some big bonuses ranging from HP boosts, exchange points and more.
At the end of a stage, the player will engage with a boss in a challenging combat encounter. These battles will be one of two boss battles in the standard stage, with three battles that can occur in the final Omega Space stage. When the bosses have been defeated, the player may gain a Potential, as well as a Fragmented Mind resource. These are awarded the first time a prototype defeats each boss. Bosses can also award a special item called Phenomena, but I won’t spoil that.
As the player will likely take damage during a run, there are special items that can be used to keep the player alive. The first is the HP mixture, which will recover a portion of the players health when a set of inputs are pressed. These can be interrupted, so it is important to get some distance before using them. The other is a revival item that is used when all HP is depleted, reviving the player and restoring a portion of health for players to keep going.
During the mind training, a run will end in one of two ways, if the player clears all of the stages and beats the final boss or are defeated after using all revives. When a session of Mind Training is complete, the player will be given a choice of tactics that have been obtained during the run. These tactics will be added to a version of the prototype called an Evotype, which can later be used to augment a prototype in a future run using a system called Legacy.
When the player starts a new session of mind training, if they have at least one other Prototype character unlocked, they can use some skills for that character. This is the Legacy system that was mentioned previously, where tactics and special skills can be given to the current Prototype. Up to two character Evotype Legacies can be applied, with one per character allowed, meaning characters are advised to use their best Evotypes.
There are a limited number of Evotypes that can be saved, with the option to dispose of unwanted characters for resource rewards. This allows players to make the most out of the weaker Evotypes that have been generated, collecting useful resource points that can be used in different areas. The resource that is earned is called AP, which can also be collected by defeating enemies in Mind Training, as well as completing other objectives.
AP is mostly used to improve the characters overall power. In the main hub world, the player can speak to NEO after a set point, allowing the player to unlock Mind Upgrades. These mind upgrades will increase the overall base stats for all Prototypes, along with unlocking the ability to implant Mind Crystals for a variety of bonus effects. Mind Crystals can be purchased with Fragmented Minds earned during play and can be powered up with AP.
As well as NEO, the player can encounter DOR, who will let the player purchase Prototype Analyzers to unlock characters, Fragmented Minds and AP by trading resources. DOR will also provide the ability to check objectives, see the tactics that have been unlocked and see how they evolve. There is also B.C. (the Beauty Creator) who will allow players to change the look of their Avatar, in exchange for AP, there is also DLC that provides skins that can be used immediately.
Then we have the ACE Mind Challenge, a special mode where players can take on various bosses in battle using Evotypes that have been created during Mind Training. When a boss has been defeated, the next will opponent will be available to challenge. These battles can be fought by any registered Evotype, however, win or lose, an Evotype can only be used once in Mind Challenge. If the player succeeds in battle, the player will be rewarded with AP.
The last thing to discuss is the multiplayer mode called Battlefield of Entropy. This special mode is a unique PvPvE mode, where players across the world will battle each other and CPU enemies to complete objectives. Up to 12 players can engage in these battles, leading to the potential for chaos to ensue. Unfortunately, during my time playing the game, I was unable to test this mode out as I could not connect to other players to be able to test this mode out.
Now with the gameplay covered, it is time to discuss the other aspects of this release, starting with the controls.
Controls – as a PC release, there is both keyboard and controller options for players to use. The keyboard mappings work well for those who prefer to use that style, but I would recommend a controller for this title as it is way more comfortable. There are onscreen inputs for most input styles, which are very useful for players getting used to the game. All inputs can be modified, allowing players to modify controls to fit each play style.
Difficulty – as a roguelite, there difficulty curve to the gameplay experience. When starting out, it can be tough to make progress and players may fall before reaching the final boss. This can get easier the more time players put in, as the Evotype and legacy system can help offset the challenge. For those looking for a greater challenge can utilize the Entropy system, which allows players to add modifiers to Mind Training, increasing the overall difficulty.
Presentation – visually, BlazBlue Entropy Effect looks gorgeous, with vibrant environments and sprite work that brings the world of ACE alive. The animations and action flows very well, with the gameplay style of the main series translating to this style of gameplay well. There is no issue with lag and the game works well with a variety of hardware, allowing for players to be able to enjoy this game on medium-low end systems, as well as high power rigs.
The sound for this title works well with the setting, featuring a good range of compositions for the stages and bosses in Mind Training. These music tracks contrast well with the ominous and rather empty soundscape of ACE. There is a choice of voice acting for the various characters that exist within ACE where used, offering Japanese, Chinese and English, which is implemented very well. The playable characters also have their voice lines present, but only in Japanese.
Final Thoughts – as a fan of the BlazBlue franchise, I was intrigued by the concept of a roguelite featuring characters that are tied so close to the fighting genre. I will say that this transition from straight fighting to side scrolling action went well, with the characters and their unique fighting styles crossing genres smoothly. It may be a little jarring for some as most of the action is simplified, but the more that you play the game, the more natural the action will feel.
I am very happy to recommend this title to everyone that is a fan of the BlazBlue series, side scrolling action and roguelite titles. There is a lot of content on offer, alongside almost endless replay value on offer with the Legacy/Evotype systems, I just wish I could have been able to play the online multiplayer. There are also updates planned, with more content to come in the future. The only issue I can see is the time needed to get good at the game, which may put some players off.
In the end, I give BlazBlue Entropy Effect a final score of 4.5/5. This title takes the characters established in the mainline BlazBlue series, transitioning them and their unique play styles into the roguelite genre perfectly. There is almost endless replay value on offer, with more updates coming in the future to expand the game further. If you want to check this title out for yourself, a link to the game will be below.
Link to Steam version (HERE)
W.Kohaku Media 