Review: BlazBlue Chronophantasma Extend (Playstation 4)

November 6th, 2015 at 2:44 pm -

BlazBlue Chronophantasma Extend for PlayStation 4 is essentially the same game as BlazBlue: Chronophantasma, which was released last year on PlayStation 3 by Aksys Games. What separates this release from its predecessor, though, is a myriad of updates that include additional DLC, the reintroduction of a character, and a new story that focuses on the events of Blazblue: Remix Heart (i.e. named Remix Heart Gaiden).

The gameplay changes that were based on the Arcade 2.0 update  (and implemented in the previous PS3 version of Chronophantasma) have made the transition to Chronophantasma Extend. But most importantly, all DLC content that provided new characters, stages and music have been included, eliminating the need to purchase additional DLC. In fact, the exclusive story contents(s) from the PSVita game(s) were added to enhance the overall experience.

The game also provides three additional stories  — The Rat, Determination and Collision. These three scenarios focus primarily on Kagura, Mutsuki, Bullet and Kokonoe respectively. The extended story also sees the reintroduction of Lambda-11 as a playable character, along with the inclusion of Celica A. Mercury.

While the core gameplay mechanics have remained the same since Chronophantasma, it’s the changes made to certain game modes that make this release stand out from its predecessor. For example: the items in Abyss mode now have a cost parameter, which explains how many items a fighter can carry. The maximum cost value per character is three, and this cannot be exceeded. However, each item has a different ‘cost’ value that allows your fighter(s) to carry more than one item.

Network mode and its 13 ‘worlds’ now have two lobbies dedicated to the PS4 version of the game. Each ‘world’ contains 10 lobbies capable of maintaining a maximum of sixty-four players. The Play Match feature also has a new function named ‘My Room’, where the player can design the style of the lobby using in-game currency. The room is also used to invite friends to battle online.

With updates aside, Chronophantasma Extend is a solid 2D fighter that still delivers all the knuckle-whitening, sword wielding action of its predecessors. Its online component is strong; it delivers a stable netcode where input delays and lag are nonexistent. The online community is also quite active and contains a wealth of experienced players. It’s worth noting that most of the online community has abandoned ‘Ranked Matches’ and has migrated to the ‘Player Match’ portion of the server. This was discovered during the course of this review. The number of active rooms available via Player Match is staggering.

Chrono Phantasma contains all the niceties of its predecessors, including Arcade Mode, VS Mode, and Training, to mention just a few. The mode, ‘Teach Me More, Miss Litchi!’ helps beginners and veterans alike brush up on their history regarding the series. Displayed as ‘Tips’, this mode uses SD characters as they stand before a chalk board,  explaining the backstory to BlazBlue. It’s also full of entertaining scenarios as Miss Litchi and Taokaka banter back and forth. This mode is a fun diversion from the actual game, and it can teach you a thing or two in the process.

BlazBlue: Chronophantasma Extend (despite being an update of sorts) continues to lead the 2D fighting genre with innovative gameplay, solid controls, and a memorable cast of characters. In fact, it’s one of the best fighting games currently available on Sony’s next gen console, bar none.

Mike Pittaro
Platform: PlayStation 4 (Also Available for Xbox One)
Developer: Arc System Works
Publisher: Aksys Games
ESRB: T (Teen)
Price: $49.99

BlazBlue Chronophantasma Extend Official Website