Introduction

Welcome to the electrifying world of *Blade Arcus from Shining EX*, a fighting game where biceps are more exaggerated than logic and combos require more finesse than assembling IKEA furniture. Are you ready to dive into a universe filled with anime-style fighting, quirky characters, and fights that can turn more dramatic than a K-drama? Buckle your seatbelts, friends, because it's about to get bumpy.

Gameplay

Picture this: You're behind an 8-direction joystick, and there's an impressive four-button layout at your disposal. Three of those buttons are dedicated to different attack strengths (light, medium, and heavy) while the fourth handles your *Support Link*. It's essentially like having a sidekick ready to ditch their nap just when you need them most. The game allows you to select two characters to form a dynamic tag-team pairing. This is critical because there's only so much beatdown you can deliver before your main character starts looking like a piñata. Obviously, as you dive deeper into the game, the need to master those combos and reads becomes profoundly essential. The more combos you string together, the less likely your opponent will think you just mashed buttons like a toddler trying out a piano. For the passionate combo enthusiast, *Blade Arcus* features a unique combat system that rewards creativity. The juggling mechanics give you ample opportunity to send your opponents skyward like a helium balloon, while your combination of primary and support characters allows for a fresh approach to tackle each opponent's distinct style. Want to switch it up? Just tap a button like you're changing TV channels-except now, there's someone trying to punch you in the face while you do it. Each of the sixteen characters comes with a distinct playstyle, offering a delightful buffet of moves and combos for you to master. You'll need to learn their strengths, weaknesses, and various ways to unleash a flurry of oppressive attacks on your foes while maintaining your own HP bar like a true ninja... Okay, maybe a ninja with questionable coordination, but you get the idea. Whether you're dashing in with *Ryuga* or juggling with *Melty*, you'll soon realize that winning involves more than just a thumb workout-it's an IQ test on how quickly you can adapt to your opponent's tactics. Remember, every victory feels less like a fluke when you've learned the ins and outs of each character. So, channel your inner martial artist or just give up entirely and start button-mashing. No judgment here! Well... maybe a little.

Graphics

Jumping straight into the aesthetics, *Blade Arcus* makes your eyes pop with its beautiful 2D art style. Characters are animated with smoothness that can only be matched by a cat gliding across a hardwood floor. The vibrant color palette shines with life, contrasting the typical brooding darkness of many current games. The special moves and attacks? Oh, they paint the screen like a Jackson Pollock on an energy drink bender! And let's not ignore the backgrounds-from lush landscapes to mystical locales-each stage looks like it was crafted by some Japanese art wizard with a flair for fighting games. It's enough to distract you while your opponent sends you back to the loading screen. But hey, at least the loading screen is pretty right? Overall, you can expect graphics that make your childhood 16-bit dreams blush with envy.

Conclusion

In conclusion, *Blade Arcus from Shining EX* offers a fine mix of challenge, skill, and fancy pixel art that impresses and keeps players coming back for more. While it may not reinvent the fighting genre (we're still waiting for the day where fighting games involve karaoke battles), and you might feel overwhelmed trying to keep track of combos, it provides an enjoyable brawling experience punctual enough to hop into and out of at a moment's notice. That being said, if you love a good punch-up, are looking to test your reflexes, or simply want to explore the Shining universe in a unique way, grab your controller. Just ensure you have a pillow ready for when you inevitably throw it in frustration. With that warning now included in this review, 7 out of 10 for its fun but daunting challenges. Don't let that stop your quest for anime glory-because it's all about the journey of glorious pixelated violence!

See Latest Prices for Blade Arcus from Shining EX on PS4 on Amazon

See Prices for Blade Arcus from Shining EX on PS4 on Ebay