How to Play Blade Arcus (Location Test ver.)

The location test of Blade Arcus, Beast Note's most anticipated fighting game, has now begun, and we have the first version of how to play already! The things look good. But only time will tell whether it can beat Beast Note's best fighting game of all time Ougon Musou Kyoku.

Please note that how to play here is based on location test build. The game is currently 50% complete and scheduled for this Summer.

Blade Arcus is the upcoming fighting game based on Sega's Shining RPG series. Strictly speaking, the game uses characters mainly from Shining Tears, Shining Wind, Shining Hearts, Shining Blade, and Shining Ark–all which were designed by famous illustrator Tony.

The first thing you'll notice is the characters are all likeable, although that's an understatement. We daresay it has the best roster in fighting games history. But that's not the only good thing about it. Its system is also better than most of fighting games.

Blade Arcus's tag system is rather unique. You can only switch between main character and partner only between a round (after round end), but the partner can provide an attack during the fight via Link Attack (calling assist). The Link Attack, however, borrows some of elements from Ougon Musou Kyoku–Calling for an assist in Blade Arcus allows the player to extend a combo or defend even when taking damage. Blade Arcus also features no comeback mechanics nor air dash.

Control

Lever movement = Same as average fighting games
Tap forward twice = Dash
Tap backward twice = Back Dash

A = Light Attack
B = Medium Attack
C = Strong Attack
D = Support Link (calling assist)

A+B = Throw
A+B+Left or Right = Throw to the direction you want

Gauge/Meter
Support Link Gauge = Short 4 bars.
Force Gauge = Long bar

Force Action
This's what they call typical special move (Hadoken or Shoryuken). It doesn't cost Force Gauge.

Super Force Action
This's what they call typical "Super." Each character has 2 SFAs and all have the same inputs. It costs 100% Force Gauge.

Offensive Force
By pressing B+C while attacking, it returns you to neutral and allows you to continue with another attack. It costs 50% of Force Gauge (cannot activate below that). (This's basically Roman Cancel.)

Link Attack
You can call for an assist by pressing D or D+Left/Right/Down. The timing will determine the type of assists. Furthermore, the direction you tap (Left/Right/Down) affects how your partner attacks.

There're 3 types of assists.

1. Calling an assist under normal circumstance costs 1 Support Link Gauge. (Can use to extend combo)
2. Calling an assist when blocking costs 2 Support Link Gauges. (Can use to escape blockstring)
3. Calling an assist when taking damage costs 4 Support Link Gauges. (Can use to escape combo)

Link Force Attack
Press D during Super Force Action startup will activate an ultimate move involving partner character. It costs all bars–both Support Link Gauge and Force Gauge.