"Bleach DS - Anime style gaming at it's finest."

Bleach DS is by far - one of the most addicting, creative and of course, really fun fighters I have ever played (right next to Marvel Versus Capcom). Bleach DS is based on the anime of course, which involves Death Gods, and the few humans who entered their world.

For those of you who watch the anime, Bleach DS's story starts from Season 2, and goes straight to the end of that arc. All the events that occur in the anime occur in this game, there are 23 different character story modes to complete. I'll head on with individual specifications now.

[Graphics - 9/10]

If you appreciate anime art, you'll definitely appreciate the transition Sega has made from the anime to the DS. A variety of techniques available for every character, beautiful sprites, just as you saw them in the anime! The character models are excellent, the backgrounds are all creative, detailed and in some cases, funny (Nanao-chan throwing flowers!). Oh, of course, the eye candy is also there for you [Ban-kai!] which features a special scene for each of the 6 characters who have the Ban-kai option available. No chippyness at all, very smooth.

[Gameplay - 10/10]

Where the game shines most - the gameplay. First of all - 28 of your favorite Bleach characters with tons of unique moves, Bankais, and such, all implements into a 2D Fighter. Flash jump/Shunpo is also part of the game, as well as a deck system called the 'Reifu'. These cards have various effects and can come in handy at times when you're in a tight spot - and can be used in chain combos to create massive strategies. Unlike the anime, Bleach DS made 90% of their characters equal in terms of efficiency and damage, so you can pick Orihime and still end up beating an Ichigo. There are several modes of play, Story mode, Arcade mode, Versus Mode [with Wi-fi!], Challenge mode, Survival mode, and so much more! You'd never get tired of playing it, I can guarantee you!

[Music/Sound - 10/10]

Wow - direct from the anime! If you're a fan of the anime, you'd recognize those tunes on the spot. The opening song that is played during the initial Bleach cutscene is the famous, 'Ichirin no Hana' by High and mighty color! Each cbaracter has over 20 sayings, which can be heard in game or unlocked from the Urahara shop! Background music is excellent as well - some ripped straight from the anime - some entirely new. A feature that I SIMPLY loved was the fact that you can set the title screen menu voice to any character in the game! For the Japanese-lacking, on the title screen whenever you go over a certain mode, a Japanese styled English voice of a character in Bleach will announce what it is. Story mode, Arcade mode, you name it, they say it.

[Replay Value - 10/10]
Oh my goodness. How can you possibly get tired of this game? Let's start with the Urahara Shop. There are TONS of unlockables there! And I mean, about 200 pictures for your viewing pleasure, 300+ character sound tests, 40+ background musics, the list can go on and on. The versus mode alone is enough to keep you going, 4 player battles with CPUs, 3 on 1, 2 on 2, or just free for all, play it how you like it! The challenge mode and survival modes offer great prizes for those who are skilled and can make it far - reaching those goals isn't a 5 minute job, my friend. I guarantee you, you will NEVER get bored of Bleach DS. Online mode is also an addicting feature - rank yourself against the world!

[Final Comments]
Is this game worth it, even if I don't know Japanese? Let me tell you something, I don't know any Japanese at all. This game is probably one of the most import friendly games I have ever encountered, it's so comprehensive! There is nothing here that an Englishman cannot undertstand, I recommend anyone who has the option of getting this game to get it right away! Doesn't matter if you're a fan of the series, or not, you will NOT be dissappointed!

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 08/28/06