Guilty Gear Xrd -SIGN

Though there are updated versions that improve upon the game with more characters, in no way should this be overlooked and not receive it’s praises. Immediately the change from the series’ usual pixelated sprites to cel shaded models is staggering but it looks FANTASTIC and is still used in games like Strive. Detailed, unique, and still carries the unique stylishness of Guilty Gear. Cutscenes are in game so during arcade mode you do get to see your character in your changed color palette. With the inclusion of roman cancels, best state of Instant Kills, blitz shields, and (admittedly underused) clash system incredibly open up the freedom in playstyles and interesting fast action gameplay. Something in particular I enjoyed is how the game penalizes players for playing too safe by reducing their special gauge if they don’t attack frequently enough, encouraging more aggressive tactics. Story mode is entirely a visual novel which felt a little odd not having some battles in between but if you treat it like an episodic anime you can get through it comfortably. It doesn’t have quite the same complex story of sibling series Blazblue, it instead redirects that insanity into it’s character designs with obtuse weird weapons and JJBA-like styles. Characters have fun and unique mechanics, if not sometimes confusing, but you are likely to find a character you enjoy. This game also includes an English Voice cast …in which I’m a bit mixed about. There are fantastic performances but there are more than a few that the voice didn’t either fit or felt didn’t give the energy I thought the character needed. It only really feels as bad when this is the case for a main character like Sol Badguy. Arcade mode is pretty standard by is used to flesh out the story of story mode. It’s nice, but a bit disappointing as only a few characters really add much to the narrative while others seem to get only a few additional lines. It also means we don’t get particularly unique or “what if” ending scenarios that normal arcade modes often offer. Also, DLC/extra characters get no scenes despite being in the actual story mode. M.O.M. mode actually captured my interest giving a sort of RPG like experience with earnable skills and battles. Couldn’t/Didn’t try any multiplayer though like most it is probably not as much of an active scene these days. Recommend? If there’s any game that is responsible for making Guilty Gear what it is? It’s probably this. It finds and refines what it wants to be and does it WELL. Strive will later reach wider audiences but this setup a lot of the basework for what makes the series really rock! Certainly worth the buy even if you own the updated versions. Preferred characters: I-No, Slayer, Ramlethal

Absolutely amazing. Not difficult to get into, but there's layers upon layers of depth to build on. The arcade mode has a great story, progressively more difficult fights, and pretty decent endings in an era where AAA titles from other companies offer you stills with captions. But above that the in-game graphics are absolutely ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ OUTSTANDING. It really feels like you're playing a character in an animated movie.

i paid like five bucks for a worse version of xrd just to hear Elizabeth voice I-No and i don't miss a cent of it. the wax just packed up and walked out of my ears to make way for more of her voice.