BlazBlue: Continuum Shift has a release date of July 27, 2010 for Xbox 360 and PS3. Downloadable content will be released for the game soon after it’s launch in the form of a new character named Makoto.
BlazBlue: Continuum Shift is an updated version of BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger and is an update similar to Super Street Fighter 4 in relation to the original Street Fighter IV.
The gameplay evolutions for this update include a complete rebalancing of all of the characters and includes new characters, new modes, new moves, new stages and updating fighting mechanics. Developer Arc System Works has striven to listen to the complaints of fans and implement them in this version. It will be released in Europe this October.
New characters that will appear in this game include: Tsubaki Yayoi and Hazama (from the Arcade version of the game), ?-12 (An all-new console-exclusive character), and Makoto Nanaya, Platinum the Trinity and Hellsing Valkenhayn, which will all be released as downloadable content, starting with Makoto.
Updates and changes include:
* Guard Libra has been replaced with “Guard Primer”. Each character has a unique number of points that deplete when Guard Break moves are blocked. If all points deplete that character is stunned (“Guard Crush”). Points regenerate over time.
* Barrier Blocking can be used to prevent a Guard Crush but consumes 50% of your Barrier Gauge.
* Barrier Bust has been replaced with “Break Burst”. The Break Burst can only be used twice in a single match, with the second use only available if you lose a match. Changes include the fact that the Break Burst doesn’t drain your Barrier Gauge permanently anymore and the “Danger” penalty has been removed. Different properties for your Burst depend on when it’s used and a free unused burst is required to perform Astral Heats. Primer Points lost due to Barrier Burst are gone for good.
* Astral Heats can now happen on a match point round with your opponents health at 35% instead of 20%. An unused Burst and 100% heat still required.
Here is a new trailer for the game featuring Makoto.
Other key features of BlazBlue: Continuum Shift include:
* New Modes featuring Beginner Mode, Tutorial Mode and Challenge Mode.
* Take over Kagutsuchi by creating your own army in Legion Mode. Defeat the enemy armies positioned at various locations on the map. The ultimate goal is to color the entire map with your color by defeating all the enemy hubs. Recruit enemy soldiers by defeating them!
* Brand new characters, stages, soundtracks and moves.
* Online battling domestically and overseas! Players can battle others from around the world via Xbox Live. Players can not only search for matches, play games, and observe matches online; they can also chat with friends while playing.