BlazBlue Continuum Shift Extend Review

Made2Game BlazBlue Continuum Shift II Extend review score: 9/10
Formats: Xbox 360, PS3, PSVita
Format Reviewed: Xbox 360
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Zen United

It's hard to know what to say here, you know? Who exactly am I talking to? This is the third iteration of BlazBlue to see a big console release – it's the fourth actual version, the third (Continuum Shift II) was available on console as an upgrade to Continuum Shift and released separately on 3DS and PSP – so who am I talking to?

Am I talking to fans? Surely those loyal to the ways of BlazBlue are already sweating buckets at the prospect of a brand new character, a remastered version of Calamity Trigger's plot, the extremely challenging Unlimited Mars mode and a host of minor balance tweaks to the existing roster. These guys have already got Extend ordered. They're already scrubbing up through message boards and YouTube. They've skipped straight to the bottom of this review just to make sure they can consider this website 'sane'.

Is it the BlazBlue 'hater' I address? I should hope not: this is a new version of that same game they apparently dislike so much. While it has been tweaked and refined over the years if someone had a basic issue with BlazBlue before then Extend is not out to change their mind. Although they should change their mind, BlazBlue is amazing. Silly haters.

 
Newcomer Relius brings a unique meaning to the term 'fisting'

Am I speaking to the casual fans? Those that tried BlazBlue out on a whim and want to know if it's worth diving in for another round? Well I'm not going to drag this out and bore you Mr. Almost-there-but-not-quite-a-fan - you should absolutely hop back in, BlazBlue Continuum Shift II Extend is everything you love and a whole bucket full more.

There's the brilliant 'Abyss' mode that has jumped up from the handheld Continuum Shift II which sees you fighting a seemingly endless stream of opponents while powering up your character, resulting in some delightfully broken single player shenanigans.

Then there's the full, undiluted, bacon ice cream barmy BlazBlue plot that is both mind bogglingly serious and quirk-ily self aware at the same time. Add to that the buckets of extra content from music and art to a comical cartoon that teaches you about the game and the BlazBlue universe at large and Continuum Shift II Extend is the culmination of all BlazBlue releases so far; no corners cut and bursting at the seams.

So I guess ultimately I should be talking to the uninitiated. But if someone has managed to ignore the great spectacle of BlazBlue for three years then why would they change their mind now? Why would they even open up a review for this latest version? And therein lies the issue, the issue that I aim to solve if you just click here...

But for those that need a number, here's a digit for you.

Words by James Bowden (@Dalagonash)

Please register or login to post comments