Bleach: Shattered Blade (Wii) Review
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 11.02.2007
Does SEGA's first "Bleach" offering on the Wii hold enough Bankai to keep you entertained?
Title: Bleach: Shattered Blade
Publisher: SEGA
Type: Fighting
Players: 1-2
In Japan, the Bleach manga series has been going strong for many years now and has seen various television shows, card games and numerous video games. Just recently, the Bleach series has made it’s way onto Adult Swim for North American fans to enjoy and SEGA has finally given American audiences a chance to play a Bleach video game in “Bleach: Shattered Blade”.
“Bleach: Shattered Blade” follows the life of a 15-year-old boy who is able to see spirits and discovers he has supernatural powers. Playing as one of the 28 characters from the series, you will master their special attacks, Bankai transformations and Zanpakutos as you battle a wide variety of opponents.
Gameplay
The control scheme for the game is actually quite simple. To swing your blade, you have option of swinging in a horizontal, vertical or stabbing motion. Each motion will be performed in a 1:1 fashion meaning you will see the on-screen characters pull off the motions in real time. You move your character with the analog stick and you can hold the C-stick while moving your character to run either towards, away or around your opponent. With 28 characters to choose from (though not initially), it'll take a while to master each one. Luckily each character does have distinct traits so playing with each one does have a different feel.
When you're fighting, you will notice that there is a stamina bar so you won't be able to just wildly swing until somebody dies which is a good choice since you'll find yourself swinging uncontrollably. At times, I felt like my wrist was going to fall off as the pain of carpal-tunnel begins to present itself. As mentioned before however you have three ways of swinging your sword and while you can block, you should know that you can counter or rather cancel an opponent's attack depending on which direction you swing. As you're battling, you will build up Bankai which is like your “Special” meter. When your Bankai is full, you can shake the nunchuck to transform yourself giving you special attacks. Each character has a unique transformation that can deliver punishing blows but the stronger the attack, the more Bankai you utilize. Once it runs out, you will transform back to your original self.
The game features various modes such as the exclusive Story Mode, Arcade Mode and VS. Mode. As you progress through the game, you will earn credits that enable you to go into the Shop and purchase new outfits, art work and other assets.
Graphics
Sticking with the anime series, the developers stuck with a cel-shaded look that brings the series to life. The backgrounds for each stage are somewhat simple but look good in context with the game. Unfortunately for the Wii, the graphics look very PS2-esque and after seeing what is possible with cel-shading on a Nintendo console, you almost feel like the graphics are a bit under-whelming. Still the style works and while the game looks better on an analog television, at least it gets presented in 16:9 widescreen.
Sound
If there’s something that stands out about the game is its soundtrack which gives the battles a more enjoyable feel. During a character’s transformations for example, the change in background music gives it an epic feel and you can’t help but think of the animated series.
During battles, the characters will taunt each other notably when transforming and when someone is victorious, the winner will insult the loser. The localization was done quite well and hearing each character berates the other before and after battles are comical. Players will likely smack-talk each other when playing but your characters will do so too.
Fun Factor
Anytime a developer can get 1:1 functionality on the Wii, it’s more often than not an enjoyable experience. Getting to see the characters mimic your own gestures is pleasing and allows you to get more into the action. I must admit though that after playing for 20 minutes, I felt like I needed a wrist brace and some Tylenol. The action is fast and furious and you’ll find yourself swinging the Wii remote like a madman so be prepared to have some aching wrists. That being said, you’ll likely want to play for 10-15 minutes at a time before you’ll seriously need a break as is noted when playing Wii Sports.
When battling, it’s generally a race to see who can build up their Bankai meter faster than the other so that you can transform and put a beating on your opponent. In this way, the game feels somewhat shallow as there isn’t a ton of technique or strategy.
Lasting Appeal
I ran through the “Story Mode” in roughly 15 minutes which didn’t seem much like a story mode at all. You basically have to fight different characters in your search for the missing pieces of the legendary blade. There are a few cut scenes that don’t add too much to the story except that others are also in search for the shattered pieces of said blade. This mode actually felt more like Street Fighter II in which there’s somewhat of a story there but it feels more like an arcade mode. The arcade mode itself is pretty straight forward, allowing you to run up against 8 opponents.
Versus mode will likely keep you coming back for more although running through story mode various times will net you some credits to purchase stuff and will also unlock new characters.
The 411
Fans of the series will likely enjoy this title what with being the first of its kind in North America. It’s an enjoyable title that definitely deserves a rent and a pretty good rookie performance for its first Wii title.
Graphics
6.5
Cel-shaded look works, but very simplistic.
Gameplay
7.5
Your arm will get tired, but 1:1 movements.
Sound
8.0
Good music and character taunts.
Lasting Appeal
7.0
Super short story mode and lack of online hurt. Lots to unlock though.
Fun Factor
7.5
Single player mode can get repetitive but against a live opponent, the game shines.
