Bleach has long been one of the most electrifying entries in the “big three” lineup of shonen anime, rivaling classics like One Piece and Naruto. Yet, when it comes to arena fighter adaptations, it seemed to languish in a sort of middle-child obscurity. Enter Bleach Rebirth of Souls, a game determined to elevate this genre above the usual fare and bring something fresh to the table. Its story mode may stumble a bit, alternating between a makeshift visual novel and breathtaking displays that showcase the essence of Bleach. However, it’s Tamsoft’s dedication to crafting a complex combat system that really saves Rebirth of Souls from being just another ho-hum fighter.
At first glance, Rebirth of Souls is like a chaotic whirlwind of anime jargon, but here’s the essence: you’ve got a 3D arena fighter that’s borrowing a bit from Super Smash Bros. with its life stock system, mixed with the swordplay intensity of Sekiro, all wrapped up in Bleach’s signature visual style. Unlike other arena fighters where repetitive combos and spamming super moves often win the day, Bleach’s combat feels more strategic—victories come from smart play rather than mindless button mashing.
Each time you swing your sword, there’s a tactile satisfaction, especially as you dash around, surprising opponents with behind-the-back strikes and guard breaks. It’s thrilling to see the action momentarily freeze as text surrounds your character each time you land that epic counter or super move. Even when utilizing the more user-friendly Standard Mode, which simplifies some moves into auto-combos, there’s a unique depth to each character. Whether it’s unlocking Shinji’s counter-centric techniques or mastering Soi Fon’s relentless close-quarters attacks, each choice offers something to explore. Watching Soi Fon zip through enemies only to finish with a missile-launching punch is always a highlight.
However, there’s a downside. Standard Mode can start feeling monotonous as battles often devolve into a predictable pattern of light and heavy combos that lead to supers. The limited movement and unreliable ranged attacks leave something to be desired in terms of competition. The sluggish dashing doesn’t help, nor does the dearth of defensive maneuvers. Typically, in fighting games, moments of pressure get eased by building meter to execute a lifesaving super or counter. Other franchises, like Naruto or Dragon Ball, circumvent these shortcomings by offering meter charges or last-second teleports, which Rebirth of Souls lacks.
Switching gears to Manual Mode changes the dynamic, offering more freedom and less reliance on repetitive patterns. You can string together or cancel combos at the drop of a hat, creating a dance of attack chains that highlight personalized play styles. It feels like the way the game is truly meant to be played if you seek a more serious fighting experience. Nevertheless, there’s room for refinement—addressing issues like the slow dashes, inconsistent attack ranges, and insufficient defensive options would make gameplay less rigid and restrictive.
Being a devoted fan of Bleach’s glorious art style, fascinating character arcs, and jaw-dropping plot twists, I was eager to see if Rebirth of Souls could translate this into a captivating story mode. Unfortunately, the execution is hit-or-miss. For anime fighters, cutscenes should be the exhilarating culmination of a fight, akin to the best moments in Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm. Instead, Rebirth of Souls sometimes falls short, and instead of dynamic battles, we get simplistic, almost clumsy animations that feel hastily put together.
While the combat visuals had meticulous attention, the story sequences resemble a low-budget visual novel. The story mode often eschews high-energy moments for choppy scenes that barely do justice to the anime’s excitement. Even the most dramatic scenes lose their power as characters move stiltedly through pixelated environments, breaking immersion.
If aiming to capture a visual novel essence, the attempt misses the mark, seeming like an unfinished draft instead. Despite the excellent voice work and character models that mirror the series’ style, the game struggles to maintain momentum outside the battles. Scenes often feel like placeholders rather than finished narratives, seemingly banking on the franchise’s strong fan base.
Yet, strangely enough, these awkward cutscenes capture the charm of Bleach’s lighter, filler episodes. There’s a quirky allure to original chapters where the characters tackle offbeat activities—playing intense soccer matches, visiting haunted houses, or gaming. Such intermissions bring unexpected warmth, fleshing out lesser-known characters and inviting players to explore them further due to their unexpectedly delightful slice-of-life moments.
