The developer Arc System Works and publisher Aksys Games are a very influential partnership in the Fighting genre of Video-Games. Most notable for their creation of Guilty Gear, and the more recent spiritual successor BlazBlue. In between Guilty Gear titles and BlazBlue however, a third fighting title was released. Battle Fantasia came out in 2008, and is easily the most unknown title of the trio. The good news however, is that Battle Fantasia is an excellent game worth any fighting fan's time and money.
Gamers familiar with Arc System Works may already have guessed, but this is one wacky game. Even in terms of the Fighting genre, Battle Fantasia really sticks out from the norm and often raises an eyebrow in confusion. To explain, let me go through a small portion of the playable roster. “Urs:” A young teenage knight who fights using a mechanical chainsaw, which can fly. “Ashley:” A male bodyguard in love with Princess Olivia, somewhat of a stalker described as metro sexual; maybe even bisexual. “Coyori:” The poster-girl for a popular pub, she was once a cat, though decided to transform into a catgirl to repay a favor. “Watson:” Possibly the world's strongest magician, he is incredibly famous and powerful- he also happens to be a rabbit. There are 12 total characters, which may not seem large considering other fighters like Tekken 6 and Street Fighter 4. Take in mind this was a new series, twelve fighters is a strong number when all of them are unique and mostly balanced.
I won't go too heavy on details for the story portion. It's a fighting game which means two things. 1) Story doesn't affect how much fun you are having. 2) Fighting games are notorious for having ridiculous stories. All the gamer needs to know is that fighters from all over the world are searching for an evil knight who appears to be related to Nightmare of the Soul Calibur series.
Gameplay is like any other 2D fighter, just not as fast paced as Guilty Gear. Each character has several Special Moves, and two Super Special Moves (literally called that). Unique to Battle Fantasia is the “Heat Up” system. While fighting you fill up the “MP” gauge, which is identical to Street Fighter 4's EX meter, Marvel Vs Capcom 2's Super meter and so on. One full gauge can trigger either a Super Special Move; or activate “Heat Up” mode. In Heat Up mode characters become temporarily stronger, have attacks enhanced, or acquire other unique bonuses. Finally, the “GACHI” system is a parrying feature which allows for great comebacks in a match. Much like Street Fighter 3's parry system, activating a GACHI move immediately as an enemy attacks will null their attack; and also gives you a moment to counter. More advanced moves exist within GACHI as well. For instance dashing forward after a GACHI counter sends your opponent flying like a ragdoll. Overall it's a very balanced fighter with much to be learned and a strong amount of depth. Casual gamers and newbie fighting fans may want to steer away though.
Graphics are a very acquired taste in Battle Fantasia. Both the title menus and in-game graphics look as if they straight out of a story book- which I believe was the goal anyway. By following such a cel-shaded styling, this game will never lose its touch. While I personally grew to adore the graphics in this game, the “kiddy” appearance may get tiring for some.
Audio also follows the story book atmosphere. All music is soft and gentle, which when partnered with graphics is extremely appropriate. Yet after playing BlazBlue and Guilty Gear, I am well aware that strong fast-paced metal rifts are way more entertaining. Not to mention intense music usually heightens the tone of a match. Battle Fantasia's upbeat orchestra sounds are easily blocked out during a match.
Battle Fantasia needs more of a following in the USA. If you can find it at a local store, it might set you back between 20-30 dollars. A small price to pay for one of the best underground fighting games around. Though the difficulty may be intimidating, and there isn't any concrete fanbase on Xbox Live- the game is still great fun. Single player offers many hours of replayability, and hopefully you can find a friend to play multiplayer with. If you like fighting games, go found Battle Fantasia immediately.
Graphics | Audio | Gameplay | Replay | Genre | Final |
