Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- (PlayStation 4) Review

Picking up from where Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN- left off, this newest instalment's story is about what's come to be expected of the series: confusing and definitely not beginner-friendly. While those who actually play the series for the storyline won't have any issues jumping back into the plot, it's pretty incomprehensible otherwise. There is a helpful glossary of characters and terminology, but it's still pretty dense going.

Despite that, the story does have some great-looking visuals. The animation quality is quite a bit above what you'd normally expect from a 2D fighter, and there are enough moments in the story that make the hour or so it takes to get through it worthwhile. Unlike BlazBlue, Guilty Gear goes about presenting its story through just a straight shot of cut-scenes, opting not to break the pace with scripted battle segments or branching paths. On the plus side, it keeps the story feeling very well-constructed and streamlined, but the lack of options makes the experience feel un-interactive.

Gameplay-wise, not much has changed from the previous instalment, aside from the usual balance tweaks characters normally undergo between fighting game iterations. There are a few new characters that will, for the most part, feel familiar to long-time fans, bringing back favourites Johnny and Jam, while also adding a couple totally new ones. Fan favourite Dizzy does return here, but is being added in later as DLC.

The characters all feel unique; there really aren't any that play exactly the same. No matter what your playstyle is, there's always going to be a character for everyone. It does increase the already steep learning curve, as practicing the massive variety of matchups is going to take time, but it's a fair trade-off for having such a diverse cast. They're all full of personality and charming in their own ways, and it makes for one of the most memorable ensembles in a fighting game.

Guilty Gear has always been known for its tight controls, and this entry is no different. It's still a fast-paced fighter that's easy to learn but hard to master, and the intricate combos and flashy visuals make it an appealing title for genre vets and newcomers alike. The cast is big enough to support all sorts of playstyles, ranging from Sol Badguy's old-school rushdown style, to newcomer Jack-O's unique fighting style that borrows elements from RTS games, of all things.

The basics of the controls are easy to learn, with four main action buttons that can perform different attacks in combination with the directional controls. Add in the usual specials and super abilities, and each character ends up having a pretty major learning curve, as most have come to expect from the genre. Luckily, there is a tutorial mode to walk newer players through the basic controls, as well as character-specific tutorials to detail the execution of their abilities, plus combos unique to each character.

In addition to the basic control setup, there's a stylish option that can be used in most of the modes. Borrowed from Arc System Work's sister series, BlazBlue, the control mode allows for intricate combos to be made without having to input the exact commands. It's a great way for newer players to get a sense of exhilaration and a feeling for the abilities they can develop through playing the characters more and mastering the mechanics. The option isn't a substitute for practice, and it's easy for experienced players to exploit the weaknesses in the playstyle, but it's still a great way for players to get a feel for the game.