Editor’s Note: This initial review in progress focuses on the PlayStation 5 version, given that the PC version is encountering some launch hiccups.
Bleach, one of the standout giants in the shonen anime realm alongside titans like One Piece and Naruto, has often felt like the middle sibling when it comes to adapting into arena fighters. However, Bleach Rebirth of Souls is set to change that narrative, aiming to elevate the anime fighter genre with a distinctive action-packed experience. Although I’ve only put in about 10 hours since receiving the review code just before the Ultimate Edition’s release, it’s clear that the developers at Tamsoft are devoted fans of the anime. The character designs are remarkably sharp, and the combat captures the essence of the show, beckoning you to delve into its depths. On the flip side, the story mode, where I’ve spent most of my time, feels like a half-hearted attempt at a visual novel; it gives off the vibe of a rushed last-minute addition.
The game kicks off with a tutorial that showcases its main selling point: the combat. It can be overwhelming with all the anime lingo explaining health, counters, and super moves, but here’s a simplified breakdown: this is a 3D arena fighter featuring a life system akin to Super Smash Bros., swordplay from Sekiro, and the distinctive style of Bleach. Unlike typical arena fighters with shallow combat that depend on repetitive combos or super moves, Bleach’s battles are more of a strategic tug-of-war, where victories are hard-fought rather than simply handed out.
Every sword strike feels exhilarating as you dart around the arena, catching opponents off guard and breaking their defenses. The thrill of seeing wrapped text around characters during counters and super moves never fades. Even with the Standard Mode’s simplified button layout enabling flashy auto combos, the game encourages exploration of each character’s unique mechanics, like Uryu’s long-range attacks or Yoruichi’s confrontational melee style. This diversity is crucial not only for picking a main character but also for mastering effective strategies against various opponents.
Despite my admiration for the anime’s captivating art, rich character growth, and unexpected plot twists, the story mode in Rebirth of Souls has been a letdown. In anime fighters, cutscenes typically serve as a dazzling reward post-battle, heightening the excitement. Naruto and Dragon Ball Z games have cutscenes so vibrant that they rival the shows themselves. Sadly, Bleach falls short, stumbling instead of soaring.
While the combat is polished, the storytelling feels like a budget visual novel. Beyond a few pre-rendered sequences, the story mode rehashing the anime is disorganized and underwhelming. Instead of exhilarating battles, it shows stiff, uninspired animations where characters awkwardly exchange energy blasts and collapse. Even the dramatic scenes lack intensity, as the characters move jerkily in bright, simplistic settings. Climactic moments such as sword clashes are interrupted by unnecessary black cuts with flashy slashes, which feel more like placeholders than artistic choices.
If it aimed to emulate a visual novel, it falls flat—more like a rough draft than a finished product. Moreover, with review codes released so close to launch, one can’t help but think fans are expected to bank on the series’ reputation alone. It’s disheartening, considering the solid voice work and the well-executed character models. It seems like Bandai Namco took a page from Invincible season 2’s satire on corner-cutting animation, as all the effort poured into battles leaves the rest lacking, resembling an amateur’s attempt at animating the series.
Despite my current disillusionment after 10 hours of gameplay, there’s still more to explore—namely the online and offline versus modes—before I deliver a final verdict. As it stands, the combat in Bleach Rebirth of Souls transcends the mundane nature of typical anime fighters, showcasing a rich battle system and clearly defined characters. It’s frustrating that the beautifully crafted characters and dynamic action scenes clash with the subpar animation in the narrative sequences. Rather than engaging me in the anime story, it compels me to revisit the manga or show to truly feel the emotional peaks. Yet, I remain hopeful that the versus modes will offer the excitement I’m searching for as I continue my journey towards the final review.
