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BlazBlue: Central Fiction – Definitive Anime Fighter Review
BlazBlue: Central Fiction delivers a gigantic roster, dense systems, and a huge story, earning an impressive 8.5/10 from critics and fans.
Game Info
Verdict
A dense, feature-rich anime fighter whose deep mechanics and enormous story pay off for players willing to invest the time.
Pros
- Deep, expressive combat systems with unique Drive mechanics per character
- Large and varied roster that supports many playstyles
- Massive story mode that concludes the long-running BlazBlue narrative
- Strong critical reception with mid-80s aggregate scores on major platforms
- Rollback netcode on PC significantly improves online play quality
- Low hardware requirements make it easy to run on modest systems
- Special Edition bundles most content in a convenient package
Cons
- Steep learning curve and dense mechanics can overwhelm newcomers
- Heavily story-driven pacing may feel slow if you only want quick matches
- Older menus and UI elements show the game’s age
- No cross-play, which fragments the online player base across platforms
Performance Notes
BlazBlue: Central Fiction delivers locked 60 fps 2D action on PC, PlayStation, and Switch, with low input latency and rollback netcode on PC. Resolution scales cleanly to 1080p and higher, making sprites look crisp without stressing even aging hardware, while Switch handheld play remains responsive for on-the-go sessions.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction stands as the culmination of Arc System Works’ long-running anime fighter saga, combining intricate mechanics, rollback-updated netcode on PC, and a massive story that blends visual novel density with tournament-ready combat. This review explains how its systems interlock, why its Metacritic scores stay mid-80s years later, and which players will benefit most from diving into its intimidating but rewarding depth.
How to Play BlazBlue: Central Fiction
BlazBlue: Central Fiction is a one-on-one 2D fighter with four attack buttons, character-specific Drives, and advanced systems like Overdrive, Exceed Accel, and Active Flow that reward relentless offense and smart resource use.
- Controls – Light, medium, heavy, and Drive attacks combine with directional inputs, universal overheads, and air dashes, demanding practice but responding crisply.
- Progression – You unlock gallery art, music, and encyclopedia entries by finishing story chapters, arcade routes, score attack, and character challenges.
- Combat/Mechanics – The loop centers on stagger pressure, jump cancels, safe gatlings, and high-damage corner conversions powered by Overdrive and character-specific Drive tools.
- Tips – Start with recommended beginner characters, use mission mode to learn practical routes, and lean on barrier guard to manage chip damage and pushback.
Who Should Play BlazBlue: Central Fiction
BlazBlue: Central Fiction best serves players who enjoy complex systems, anime aesthetics, and story-heavy fighting games rather than quick, pick-up-and-play sessions.
- Player 1 – Lab-focused competitors who like optimizing long strings and exploring character-specific tech.
- Player 2 – Visual novel fans who want dozens of hours of voiced story wrapped around a fighting engine.
- Player 3 – Anime fighter enthusiasts migrating from Guilty Gear or Persona 4 Arena.
- Skip if – You prefer minimalist systems, tiny move lists, or straightforward, short campaigns.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction Platform Performance
BlazBlue: Central Fiction targets 60 fps across every platform, with crisp 2D sprites and modest system demands that keep action fluid, whether on older consoles, Switch handheld, or mid-range PCs.
| Platform | Resolution | FPS | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC (High) | 1080p/4K | 60 | Locks to 60 fps with sharp scaling and rollback netcode, even on older GPUs and CPUs. |
| PS5 | 1080p (BC) | 60 | Runs the PS4 version smoothly via backward compatibility with near-instant loading. |
| Xbox Series X | N/A | N/A | No native or backward-compatible version is available on Xbox hardware. |
| Switch | 1080p/720p | 60 | Special Edition maintains stable frame rate, with only minor drops during heavy effects in handheld. |
BlazBlue: Central Fiction System Requirements
On PC, BlazBlue: Central Fiction asks for only entry-level hardware, reflecting its 2D sprite heritage, so most modern laptops and desktops can handle the game comfortably.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| OS | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 | Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 or newer 64-bit |
| CPU | Intel Core i5 / i7 | Intel Core i5 / i7 or equivalent modern CPU |
| GPU | NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT or AMD Radeon HD 3700 | Dedicated GPU equal or better than minimum for higher resolutions |
| RAM | 4 GB | 8 GB |
| Storage | 18-52 GB free space | SSD Recommended |
Similar Games to BlazBlue: Central Fiction
BlazBlue: Central Fiction sits in a niche alongside other anime fighters that prioritize expressive movement, meter-heavy systems, and character-driven storytelling over mainstream accessibility.
- Guilty Gear -Strive- – Shares developer and flashy presentation, but simplifies systems and neutral for modern audiences.
- Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising – More grounded pacing and simpler inputs, still with anime flair and rollback netcode.
- Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes – Focuses on intricate pressure and GRD tug-of-war while maintaining strong aerial movement.
- Dragon Ball FighterZ – Adds 3v3 tag mechanics and cinematic supers while keeping air-dash heavy offense.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction vs Competitors
Compared with more recent fighters, BlazBlue: Central Fiction offers unmatched story volume and roster breadth, but demands more learning time and tolerating older UI sensibilities.
| Feature | BlazBlue: Central Fiction | Dragon Ball FighterZ | Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $39.99 | $59.99 | $49.99 |
| Playtime | 20-80 hours (story and extras) | 24 hours (main + extra) | 10-20 hours (story and side modes) |
| Multiplayer | Online lobbies, ranked, player rooms | Ranked, casual, arena battles | Ranked, casual, party modes, online events |
| Metacritic | 84 (PS4), 86 (Switch) | 85 (PS4) | 80 (multi-platform) |
BlazBlue: Central Fiction Story & World
BlazBlue: Central Fiction concludes the Azure Saga with an expansive narrative that can stretch past forty hours, mixing multi-route chapters, animated cut-ins, and dense lore explanations. The world blends magic, science, and parallel timelines, often revisiting prior events from new angles while tying up long-running character arcs. Tonally it jumps between serious existential stakes and lighthearted skits, rewarding fans who followed earlier entries.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction Multiplayer & Online
Multiplayer is where BlazBlue: Central Fiction continues to shine, especially on PC where rollback netcode updates have revitalized online play and made learning high-execution characters more practical.
- Ranked Matches – Structured ladder that pairs you with similarly skilled players, useful for steady progression.
- Player Rooms – Customizable lobbies with multiple stations, spectating options, and room titles for specific match goals.
- Online Events – Community-run tournaments and regular casual lobbies provide varied matchups and character diversity.
- Cross-Play – Not available, so each platform maintains its own separate online population.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction DLC & Expansions
BlazBlue: Central Fiction kept post-launch monetization modest, focusing mainly on a small number of additional characters and cosmetic add-ons that rounded out the roster rather than fragmenting it.
- Es – Added as a downloadable character with unique projectile-heavy tools and story cameos.
- Jubei – Fan-favorite Six Heroes member released later with distinct movement and combo routes.
- Season Pass – Bundles character DLC and sometimes cosmetic packs at a discount for late adopters.
- Free Updates – Balance patches, mode refinements, and later rollback netcode on PC extended the game’s life.
BlazBlue: Central Fiction Editions and Value
BlazBlue: Central Fiction appears in various formats, with the Special Edition on Switch offering the most straightforward all-in-one purchase for players who want every character and scenario unlocked from the start.
| Edition | Content Focus | Ideal Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (PC/PS) | Base game with huge roster | First-time players on PC or PlayStation | Requires separate purchase of some DLC characters, but already offers dozens of fighters. |
| Special Edition (Switch) | Includes DLC characters and updates | Handheld or docked console fans | Most convenient version, consolidating character content and later balance changes. |
| Collections | Bundles with earlier BlazBlue titles | Lore-focused players | Great for those wanting to experience the full narrative arc from previous entries. |
BlazBlue: Central Fiction Community & Support
The community surrounding BlazBlue: Central Fiction remains active years after release, sustained by rollback netcode, character variety, and grassroots events rather than new DLC announcements.
- Official Forums – Arc System Works channels archive patch notes, system explanations, and character spotlights.
- Reddit/Discord – Central hubs for matchup charts, combo routes, and beginner primers organized by character.
- Mod Support – PC players use cosmetic mods, training overlays, and input displays to refine practice routines.
- Updates – Major patches are infrequent now, but rollback implementation and prior balance passes left the game in a stable state.