Hackinformer Your device needs to transform, we are here to inform
Every once in a while a good 2D fighting game comes along, and this is one of those times. Our good friends over at XSEED Games have sent us a nice little gem. I would like to introduce you to… Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel!
It takes the best of many 2D fighters and compiles them nicely into it’s own formula. It focuses around many of the female characters of the Nitroplus universe pulled into one shared universe. Now, lets break down the fine points of the game.
That’s some fine “art” ya got there
Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinte Duel’s graphics uses some of the best 2D art I’ve seen in a game. The characters look exactly like their anime counterparts. It literally feels like you are playing through an anime. The developers EXAMU have done a fantastic job with this one. Graphically I am in love. The backgrounds look impressive as well. Everything about this game is visually stunning, and in a phrase: Pure eye candy.
Easy to learn, difficult to master
The games controls are quite simple. You have weak, medium, and strong attacks. You also have a launch attack, but this doesn’t always launch them upwards; however, sometimes it smashes them into the side of the screen where they bounce off, then you can continue with a nice combo. All in all, it’ll take some time to learn how to combo properly with every character, but if you’re a true fighting game fan you’ll be taking the time to do so. I have included some gameplay I captured below.
A nice selection of characters.
There are a total of 12 characters to choose from with two more available as DLC which are free for the first month in Nitroplus Blasterz.
Each character has their own style too. They don’t feel like the same characters with a different skin with slightly different moves (I am looking at you Ryu and Ken of Street Fighter). They have their own unique fighting styles and combos as well as weapons and special attacks. Not all use weapons though. And while this may seem unfair, let me warn you… the ones without weapons are the ones to watch out for just as much, if not more. All in all, there is going to be a character you’ll enjoy using if not more than just one, like myself. In addition to the 12 playable characters there are 20 partners to choose from.
After picking your playable character, you’ll be given the choice of 2 partner characters. Each has their own uses. It’ll take some time to find perfect pairings; however, the game puts stars on the characters it recommends you choose to pair with your playable character, which is nice. I have enjoyed mixing and matching for different combo choices and how to utilize each partner to the best of their and my ability. I have a feeling you will all enjoy doing the same.
Not for the young at heart.
The game, while being for the most part censored in all the normal ways visually, there are some quite adult themed moments in the “Another Story” Game mode.
This is opened when you have beat the story mode once. It continues the story surrounding the aftermath of the main conflict and plot. Nothing is revealed to the eyes in terms of nudity. If I had to compare it to anything I’d say certain dialogue in the game is comparable to that of an adult romance novel. The game bears a T for teen rating, but in moments like this I think an M would have been more accurate. Parents, don’t get mad at the developers or publishers. You’ve been warned. If you let your kids play this, thats on you. Aside from the subtle mental images it will create, the game is mostly PG-13.
A few nit picks here and there
Overall, Nitroplus Blasterz:Heroines Infinite Duel is good… no, it’s great! But there are a few little things that disappoint me. One, the story mode for each character is incredibly short. Only lasting 8 fights per character. There is no english spoken or subtitles for the fights. Often characters will say something to one another before the fight and they all say something afterwards. However, with no subtitles or english dub, there is no real way to know what they are saying unless you are fluent in Japanese which I am not. So a minor gripe there. I also don’t like how there is no profiles to be read for each character. You can’t even tell what series each one is from unless instead of choosing to start the game you go to the game manual instead.
Choosing the game manual will open up a browser automatically. Near the end of the manual you can see each characters moves and brief description about them, as well as what series they are from. I knew some of the characters, and others I had no idea what they were from. It would have been nice to have this in game; say, along side the “Gallery” option, but I digress.
My final say
Through it all, the gameplay, graphics, and story…basically the whole game succeeds; which is great, considering it’s yet another 2D fighter thrown in with the already saturated market of them. To be able to hold its own against the competetion says enough as it is. But I always score the games I review on a scale of 1-10. (drum roll please) Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinte Duel in my book gets a well deserved 8/10. A definite buy, and at $39.99 it’s an awesome value for this calibur of a game. So what are you waiting for? It’s out right now, GO GET IT!
As always all, until next time:
Stay Safe and Happy Gaming!
