Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- – A Fighting Game Masterpiece

Review: Guilty Gear -Strive- – A Fighting Game Masterpiece

Guilty Gear -Strive-, the latest entry in the iconic Guilty Gear series, marks the seventh mainline installment and the 25th overall in the franchise. Developed and published by Arc System Works, this 2023 release redefines the fighting game genre with its stunning visuals, deep combat mechanics, and a soundtrack that hits all the right notes. Here's an in-depth look at what makes Guilty Gear -Strive- stand out in the crowded field of fighting games.

Gameplay: Accessible Yet Deep

One of the most striking aspects of Guilty Gear -Strive- is its ability to cater to both newcomers and seasoned veterans. The game introduces simplified mechanics compared to previous entries, making it more accessible to new players without sacrificing the depth that hardcore fans crave. The controls are responsive and intuitive, allowing players to perform flashy combos and special moves with ease.

The "Roman Cancel" system, a staple of the series, returns with new features that add layers of strategy to the gameplay. This system allows players to cancel their moves to extend combos, create mix-ups, or escape tight situations, offering a wealth of tactical possibilities. Each character in the game feels unique, with a distinct playstyle that caters to different types of players, from rushdown fighters to zoners.

Graphics and Art Style: A Visual Feast

Guilty Gear -Strive- is a visual masterpiece, thanks to Arc System Works' signature "2.5D" art style, which combines hand-drawn animations with 3D models. The result is a game that looks like a living, breathing anime, with vibrant colors, fluid animations, and attention to detail that is second to none.

The character designs are intricate and stylish, with each fighter exuding personality and flair. The stages are equally impressive, featuring dynamic backgrounds that react to the action happening on screen. Whether you're battling in a futuristic cityscape or a lush forest, the environments add to the game's overall aesthetic appeal.

Soundtrack: A Headbanger’s Dream

The soundtrack of Guilty Gear -Strive- deserves special mention, as it is one of the game’s standout features. Composed by Daisuke Ishiwatari, the series' creator, the music is a mix of heavy metal, rock, and electronic elements that perfectly complement the fast-paced action of the game. Each character has a unique theme song that reflects their personality and fighting style, making every battle feel like an epic showdown.

The voice acting is also top-notch, with performances that bring the characters to life. Whether you’re a fan of the English or Japanese voice tracks, both deliver with passion and intensity, adding depth to the game’s story and characters.

Story Mode: An Engaging Narrative

Guilty Gear -Strive- offers a rich story mode that is both engaging and cinematic. Continuing the complex narrative of the Guilty Gear universe, the story mode is presented as a series of beautifully animated cutscenes interspersed with battles. While the story can be dense and may require some knowledge of previous games, it’s still accessible enough for newcomers to follow.

For those who prefer to focus on the gameplay, the story mode can be skipped, allowing players to dive straight into the action. However, fans of the series will appreciate the continuation of the saga and the character development that comes with it.

Online Play: Smooth and Competitive

Online play is a critical component of any modern fighting game, and Guilty Gear -Strive- delivers a robust and competitive online experience. The game uses rollback netcode, which ensures smooth and responsive matches even when playing against opponents from across the globe. The matchmaking system is efficient, and the ranking system provides a sense of progression as players climb the ranks.

One of the standout features of the online mode is the "Arcade" style lobbies, where players can walk around, challenge others, and even customize their avatars. It adds a layer of immersion and community interaction that enhances the overall online experience.

Final Verdict

Guilty Gear -Strive- is a triumph for Arc System Works and a must-play for fighting game enthusiasts. With its stunning visuals, deep combat mechanics, and an unforgettable soundtrack, it sets a new standard for the genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive into the world of fighting games, Guilty Gear -Strive- offers something for everyone.

While the story mode might be a bit complex for newcomers, the accessibility of the gameplay and the quality of the online experience make it easy to recommend. Guilty Gear -Strive- is not just a great fighting game; it’s one of the best games of 2023.

Guilty Gear -Strive- FAQ

Q: What platforms is Guilty Gear -Strive- available on?
A: Guilty Gear -Strive- is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC, and Xbox Series X/S. The game also supports cross-play between platforms.

Q: Is Guilty Gear -Strive- beginner-friendly?
A: Yes, Guilty Gear -Strive- has been designed to be more accessible to newcomers compared to previous entries in the series. The game introduces simplified mechanics and an extensive tutorial mode to help new players learn the basics.

Q: What makes Guilty Gear -Strive- different from other fighting games?
A: Guilty Gear -Strive- stands out for its unique 2.5D art style, deep combat system, and a strong emphasis on music and visual presentation. The "Roman Cancel" system and diverse character roster offer a level of strategic depth that sets it apart from other games in the genre.

Q: How does the online play perform in Guilty Gear -Strive-?
A: The online play in Guilty Gear -Strive- is excellent, thanks to its use of rollback netcode, which provides smooth and responsive matches even with players from different regions. The game also features ranked matches and arcade-style lobbies for a more immersive online experience.

Q: Does Guilty Gear -Strive- have a story mode?
A: Yes, Guilty Gear -Strive- includes a cinematic story mode that continues the narrative of the Guilty Gear series. While the story can be complex, it’s presented through high-quality cutscenes and offers plenty of content for fans of the series.

Q: Are there any microtransactions in Guilty Gear -Strive-?
A: Guilty Gear -Strive- does offer additional content through DLC, including new characters, stages, and cosmetics. However, these are optional and do not impact the core gameplay experience.

Q: What is the "Roman Cancel" system in Guilty Gear -Strive-?
A: The "Roman Cancel" system is a unique mechanic that allows players to cancel their current action, extending combos, creating mix-ups, or escaping difficult situations. It adds a layer of strategy and creativity to the gameplay.

Q: How many characters are available in Guilty Gear -Strive-?
A: Guilty Gear -Strive- launched with a roster of 15 characters, with additional characters added through DLC. Each character has a distinct fighting style and playstyle.

Conclusion

Guilty Gear -Strive- stands as a shining example of what a modern fighting game can achieve. It successfully blends accessibility with depth, allowing both newcomers and veterans to enjoy its fast-paced, strategic gameplay. The game’s breathtaking visuals and dynamic soundtrack create an immersive experience that is hard to match, while the refined combat mechanics offer endless possibilities for mastering each character.

Whether you're drawn to the story, the competitive online scene, or simply the thrill of intense one-on-one battles, Guilty Gear -Strive- delivers on all fronts. It’s a must-play for fans of the genre and a strong contender for one of the best fighting games of its generation. Arc System Works has crafted a masterpiece that will be remembered for years to come.