Shining Resonance demo gameplay videos (Excela's Drago Machina)

Sega posted today Shining Resonance gameplay video of the demo version.

As mentioned before, the demo has three scenarios featuring the Excela's dragons: Gae Bolg, Trishula, Gungnir.

Gae Bolg (Easy Mode)


Trishula (Easy Mode)


Gungnir (Easy Mode)


Shining Resonance will be released on December 11. Sonia is expected to be playable in Beast Note's best fighting game of generation Blade Arcus.

Official Blade Arcus Twitter icons & headers arrive

The official Blade Arcus Twitter icons and headers set is added to the official website today.

Support Beast Note's best fighting game of generation by using them now!

Shining Resonance preorder up on PSN

The digital version of the upcoming PS3 RPG Shining Resonance is now available for preorder on PlayStation Network (JP).

Details

• Availability: Now - December 7
• Preorder bonus: Marching Band Idol Costume for Sonia, Kirika, Yuma
• Preinstall: December 9
• File size: 7.2GB

Shining Resonance will be released on December 11. Sonia is expected to be playable in Beast Note's best fighting game of generation Blade Arcus. 

Blade Arcus Tuesday at Ko-Hatsu (Nov 25)

It was crowded tonight at Blade Arcus Tuesday at Ko-Hatsu game center. The meeting had 15 players on 6 Blade Arcus cabinets (3 sets).

Highlights

• Ryuga player
• Pairon's 44 hit combo

See also:
20141111 Blade Arcus Tuesday
20141118 Blade Arcus Tuesday

Akiba LL's 2nd Blade Arcus tournament feat. Japan's top 5

A Blade Arcus tournament was held on Monday (Nov. 24 - Japan's national holiday) at Akihabara Leisure Land. This's the second tournament of this game center (go here for first tournament). Next tournament will be held on December 7.

01:35:00 - Tournament starts / Pairon/Ryuga vs. Pairon/Ryuga
01:40:00 - Sakuya/Pairon vs. Pairon/Rage
01:43:00 - Melty/Isaac vs. Ryuga/Sakuya
01:47:00 - Sakuya/Rage vs. Isaac/Rage
01:50:50 - Sakuya/Rage (currently Japan's No.1 player) vs. Rage/Ryuga
01:53:40 - Pairon/Roselinde vs. Pairon/Ryuga
01:57:40 - Pairon/Sakuya vs. Pairon/Rage
02:02:30 - Sakuya/Pairon vs. Isaac/Rage (Japan's No.3)
02:05:50 - Roselinde/Xiaomei (Japan's No.5) vs. Melty/Isaac
02:09:00 - Sakuya/Rage vs. Roselinde/Pairon
02:13:00 - Pairon/Sakuya vs. Melty/Rage (Japan's No.2 who just won a tournament on Sunday)
02:16:00 - Rage/Isaac vs. Ryuga/Melty
02:19:45 - Sakuya/Pairon vs. Sakuya/Rage (Japan's No.1)
02:23:00 - Pairon/Ryuga vs. Pairon/Rage
02:26:40 - Isaac/Rage (Japan's No.3) vs. Roselinde/Xiaomei (Japan's No.5)
02:31:10 - Melty/Rage (Japan's No.2) vs. Roselinde/Pairon
02:34:50 - Sakuya/Rage (Japan's No.1) vs. Ryuga/Melty
02:37:50 - Pairon/Rage vs. Roselinde/Xiaomei (Japan's No.5)
02:42:10 - Sakuya/Rage (Japan's No.1) vs. Melty/Rage (Japan's No.2)
02:46:20 - Pairon/Rage vs. Melty/Rage (Japan's No.2)
02:51:00 - Roselinde/Xiaomei (Japan's No.5) vs. Sakuya/Rage (Japan's No.1)

http://www.twitch.tv/llakb/b/592197846

4th TOPANGA League Round 9 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules and format
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
4th TOPANGA League Round 1 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 2 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 3 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 4 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 5 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 6 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 7 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 8 summary


November 24 - Round 9

1. Kazunoko vs. Pugera
2. Momochi vs. Bon-chan
3. Nemo vs. Pugera
4. Tokido vs. Bon-chan
5. Momochi vs. Kazunoko

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Shiro (Abel/Makoto player)
(Opening skit: below)

4th TOPANGA League Round 8 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules and format
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
4th TOPANGA League Round 1 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 2 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 3 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 4 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 5 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 6 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 7 summary


November 23 - Round 8

1. Momochi vs. Tokido
2. Nemo vs. Kazunoko 
3. Tokido vs. Pugera
4. Nemo vs. Bon-chan
5. Momochi vs. Pugera

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Mago
(Opening skit: Mago doing JoJo things)

4th TOPANGA League Round 7 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules and format
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
4th TOPANGA League Round 1 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 2 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 3 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 4 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 5 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 6 summary


November 22 - Round 7

1. Kazunoko vs. Bon-chan
2. Momochi vs. Nemo
3. Kazunoko vs. Tokido
4. Bon-chan vs. Pugera
5. Tokido vs. Nemo

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Yoshiwo (Guile player)
(Opening skit: JoJo pose)

Blade Arcus director speaks for the first time

Toshinobu Kondo, from Studio Saizensen, spoke for the first time as the director of Blade Arcus last night on the official Blade Arcus stream.

Summary

• He designed the protagonist of Umihara Kawase series (1994, Super Famicom).
• He was into Street Fighter II back then. He even bought a cabinet of SF2 Dash. It cost around 250,000 yen which was a lot of money to him.
• He used to play World Heroes and reached 3rd place in a tournament.
• He was a Ken player in Super Street Fighter IV who used to reach Asia 20th place on Xbox Live (ranking).
• The pace of Blade Arcus was intentional. The damage output is high just like 3D fighting games or old-school 2D fighting games. (Blade Arcus' default format is FT3 which is unusual for a 2D FG) This puts the pressure on the players.

First look of Rick in Blade Arcus

A short gameplay video of Rick was showed tonight on the official Blade Arcus stream.

Rick, the protagonist of Shining Hearts, was confirmed as a playable character in Shining Fan Festa 2014 event. The character is scheduled to be added in Spring 2015.

Sega announces Blade Arcus national tournament

It's announced tonight on the official Blade Arcus stream that Sega will host Blade Arcus national tournament. Details will be released later.

At the same time, a short video of Rick was also showed on the stream.

Kotobukiya announces Roselinde

Kotobukiya announces today that it will release Roselinde in April 2015. The 21cm tall 1/8 scale figure is priced at 19,224 yen (tax included). The preorder starts today.

Roselinde appears in Shining Blade RPG and is playable in Beast Note's fighting game of generation Blade Arcus.

Figures from Shining series is known to be one of the most successful in the figure business.

Daigo Umehara in new manga about pro gamer's life

Tip from Mad Catz Japan. New manga about the life of pro gamers "Totsugeki! Tonari no Pro Gamer" will be released on December 17.

The cover has what appear to be Daigo Umehara, Tokido, Mago with their commendations. The manga seems to focus on the pro fighting gamers.

(On the cover)

Tokido "Good job showing fighting game scene"

Mago "Probably the first time a manga goes into this level of details about gamers"

Umehara "Well, isn't that interesting. Maybe."

First Week Sales: Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax

Media Create, the well-known Japanese console game market researcher, revealed yesterday that Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax has sold 60,278 copies total in its first week on both PS3 and Vita.

As always, we have chart so you can compare.

First week sales of fighting games between 2008-2014 in Japan by Media Create

1. [PSP] Dissidia Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2009.12.18} - 489,100 / NEW
2. [PS3] JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: All-Star Battle (Bandai Namco Games) {2013.08.29} - 425,718 / NEW
3. [PSP] Dissidia: 012 (Duodecim) Final Fantasy (Square Enix) {2011.03.03} - 286,117 / NEW
4. [PS3] Persona 4: Arena (Atlus) {2012.07.26} - 128,485 / NEW
5. [PS3] J-Stars Victory Vs (Bandai Namco Games) {2014.03.19} - 118,240 / NEW
6. [PS3] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2009.10.29} - 103,105 / NEW
7. [PSV] J-Stars Victory Vs (Bandai Namco Games) {2014.03.19} - 97,821 / NEW
8. [PS3] Persona 4 The Ultimax Ultra Suplex Hold (Atlus) {2014.08.28} - 89,468 / NEW
9. [PS3] Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Storm 3 (Bandai Namco Games) {2013.04.18} - 87,661 / NEW
10. [PS3] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 86,000 / NEW
11. [PS2] Fate/Unlimited Codes (Capcom) {2008.12.18} - 82,900 | NEW
12. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 80,882 / NEW
13. [PSP] Naruto: Shippuden Narutimate Accel 3 (Namco Bandai) {2009.12.10} - 76,596 / NEW
14. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Battle of Aces (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.21} - 76,088 / NEW
15. [PS3] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 74,607 / NEW
16. [PS3] BlazBlue: Chronophantasma (Arc System Works) {2013.10.24} - 72,464 / NEW
17. [PS3] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 67,187 / NEW
18. [PS3] Dead or Alive 5 (Koei Tecmo) {2012.09.27} - 66,586 / NEW
19. [PS3] Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Storm Generation (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.02.23} - 65,758 / NEW
20. [PS3] Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Storm 2 (Bandai Namco) {2010.10.21} - 63,675 / NEW
21. [PS3] Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.09.13} - 62,630 / NEW
22. [PS3] Street Fighter X Tekken (Capcom) {2012.03.08} - 58,471 / NEW
23. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast (Namco Bandai) {2009.11.09} - 57,972 / NEW
24. [PSP] Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha A's Portable: The Gears of Destiny (Bandai Namco) {2011.12.22} - 57,320 / NEW
25. [PS3] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 54,924 / NEW
26. [PSP] Naruto Shippuden: Narutimate Impact (Bandai Namco Games) {2011.10.20} - 53,148 / NEW
27. [PS3] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift (Arc System Works) {2010.07.01} - 49,871 / NEW
28. [PS3] Dragon Ball: Raging Blast 2 (Bandai Namco) {2010.11.11} - 47.610 / NEW
29. [3DS] Super Street Fighter IV: 3D Edition (Capcom) {2011.02.26} - 44,649 / NEW
30. [PS3] Dragon Ball Z: Ultimate Tenkaichi (Bandai Namco Games) {2011.12.08} - 44,593 / NEW
31. [PS2] Melty Blood: Actress Again (Ecole Software) {2009.08.20} - 44,292 / NEW
32. [PS3] Naruto: Narutimate Storm (Namco Bandai) {2009.01.15} - 44,065 / NEW
33. [PS3] Ultra Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2014.08.07} - 42,327 / NEW
34. [360] Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2009.02.12} - 38,000 / NEW
35. [360] Soul Calibur IV (Namco Bandai Games) {2008.07.31} - 34,786 / NEW
36. [PS3] Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax (Sega) {2014.11.13} - 34,671 / NEW
37. [PS3] Soul Calibur V (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.02.02} - 34,328 / NEW
38. [PSP] Fate/Unlimited Codes Portable (Capcom) {2009.06.18} - 34,205 / NEW
39. [PS3] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 33,768 / NEW
40. [PS3] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend (Arc System Works) {2011.12.17} - 32,992 / NEW
41. [PS3] Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z (Bandai Namco Games) {2014.01.23} - 30,192 / NEW
42. [PS3] Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers (Bandai Namco Games) {2013.10.17} - 29,314 / NEW
43. [360] Super Street Fighter IV (Capcom) {2010.04.28} - 28,454 / NEW
44. [PSV] Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax (Sega) {2014.11.13} - 25,607 / NEW
45. [PSP] Tekken 6 (Namco Bandai) {2010.01.14} - 25,131 / NEW
46. [360] BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger (Arc System Works) {2009.06.25} - 24,812 / NEW
47. [WII] Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Cross Generation of Heroes (Capcom) {2008.12.11} - 24,100 / NEW
48. [PSP] BlazBlue: Continuum Shift II (Arc System Works) {2011.03.31} - 23,808 / NEW
49. [3DS] Dead or Alive: Dimensions (Koei Tecmo) {2011.05.19} - 23,078 / NEW
50. [PSV] Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Z (Bandai Namco Games) {2014.01.23} - 22,901 / NEW
51. [PS3] Ultimate Marvel Vs. Capcom 3 (Capcom) {2011.11.17} - 22,436 / NEW
52. [PS3] The King of Fighters XIII (SNK Playmore) {2011.12.01} - 21,525 / NEW
53. [PS3] AQUAPAZZA (Aquaplus) {2012.08.30} - 20,935 / NEW
54. [PSP] Dragon Ball Z: Tenkaichi Tag Team (Bandai Namco) {2010.09.30} - 19,080 / NEW
55. [PS3] Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate (Koei Tecmo) {2013.09.05} - 18,608 / NEW
56. [PS3] Arcana Heart 3 (Arc System Works) {2011.01.13} - 17,219 / NEW
57. [360] Dead or Alive 5 (Koei Tecmo) {2012.09.27} - 14,811 / NEW
58. [360] Marvel Vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds (Capcom) {2011.02.17} - 13,779 / NEW
59. [PSV] Dead or Alive 5+ (Koei Tecmo) {2013.03.20} - 13,291 / NEW
60. [360] Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition (Capcom) {2011.06.30} - 12,326 / NEW
61. [PS3] Darkstalkers Resurrection (Capcom) {2013.03.14} - 11,591 / NEW
62. [PSV] BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma (Arc System Works) {2014.04.24} - 10,709 / NEW
63. [360] Phantom Breaker (5pb.) {2011.06.02} - 9,960 / NEW
64. [360] Persona 4: Arena (Atlus) {2012.07.26} - 9,801 / NEW
65. [3DS] Tekken 3D: Prime Edition (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.02.16} - 9,421 / NEW
66. [PS3] Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late (Arc System Works) {2014.07.24} - 9,171 / NEW
67. [360] Street Fighter X Tekken (Capcom) {2012.03.08} - 8,527 / NEW
68. [360] Soul Calibur V (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.02.02} - 7,679 / NEW
69. [PSP] Saint Seiya Ω: Ultimate Cosmo (Bandai Namco Games) {2012.11.29} - 6,448 / NEW
70. [PS3] Arcana Heart 3: Love Max!!!!! (Arc System Works) {2014.05.29} - 6,273 / NEW
71. [PSV] Street Fighter X Tekken (Capcom) {2012.10.25} - 5,420 / NEW
72. [360] Dead or Alive 5: Ultimate (Koei Tecmo) {2013.09.05} - 4,862 / NEW
73. [PS3] Shin Koihime Musou: Otome Taisen Sangokushi Engi {2014.02.20} - 4,794 / NEW
74. [PS3] Phantom Breaker: Extra (5pb.) {2013.09.19} - 3,102 / NEW

Blade Arcus Tuesday at Ko-Hatsu (Nov 18)

This's recorded stream from tonight's Blade Arcus Tuesday at Ko-Hatsu game center.

Apparently there're too many participants so they don't offer special price anymore. (which is a good news nonetheless)

The highlight of tonight is Fenrir. Fenrir is currently the least popular character, despite his potential. This's probably the first long video of him on Internet.



See also:
20141111 Blade Arcus Tuesday

[Shining Resonance] Sonia's true form revealed

It's revealed last week that Sonia's true power will be awaken at some point in the upcoming RPG Shining Resonance. With this power, she'll be able to "dress up" when she performs music as the center of the B.A.N.D.

Shining Resonance will be released on December 11. Sonia is expected to be playable in Beast Note's best fighting game of generation Blade Arcus.

Umehara in Brothers Conflict Purupuru Pururu

This manga page featuring Daigo Umehara from a "4-panel" manga called Brothers Conflict Purupuru Pururu (drawn by female artist) was tweeted several days ago.

Apparently it's a spinoff of Brothers Conflict, a novel for female audience that was made into an anime last year.

"Please tell me what kind of career do you like. I'll be what you (older sister) like the most!"
"Of course, pro gamer!"
*Image of Umehara with JFGC's memes*

Note that this's the first time in a long while for an unofficial manga that Umehara isn't turn into a girl....

See also:

• Umehara turn into a girl in adult manga (feat. Nuki)
• Umehara in mahjong manga
• Umehara cameo in adult manga about Tokido X Mago
• Umehara in Kakugeibu!
• Umehara: To Live is to game
• Umehara: Fighting Gamers announced

4th TOPANGA League Round 6 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
4th TOPANGA League Round 1 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 2 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 3 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 4 summary
4th TOPANGA League Round 5 summary

November 16 - Round 6

1. Tokido vs. Pugera
2. Bon-chan vs. Kazunoko
3. Michael-tan  vs. Santarou
4. Momochi vs. Nemo
5. Sako vs. Tokido
6. Umehara vs. Uryo
7. Fuudo vs. Pugera
8. Nemo vs. Michael-tan
9. Kazunoko vs. Uryo
10. Bon-chan vs. Momochi
11. Umehara vs. Sako

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Shiro (Abel/Makoto player)
(Opening skit: Hiding)

4th TOPANGA League Round 5 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
Round 1-6 fixtures

November 15 - Round 5

1. Bon-chan vs. Pugera
2. Nemo vs. Santarou
3. Tokido vs. Fuudo
4. Sako vs. Kazunoko
5. Bon-chan vs. Santarou
6. Momochi  vs. Uryo
7. Fuudo vs. Nemo
8. Umehara vs. Pugera
9. Tokido vs. Uryo
10. Sako vs. Momochi
11. Umehara vs. Kazunoko

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Yoshiwo (Guile player)
(Opening skit: Screwdriver)

Umehara: Fighting Gamers! Vol.1 to be released on December 26

It's announced tonight that "Umehara: Fighting Gamers!" manga hard copy version will be published by Kadokawa and volume 1 will be released on December 26.

People who preorder the manga on Amazon Japan can win Mad Catz T-shirt, headphones, gamepad, and Umehara licensed T-shirt. You can also win an autograph and licensed T-shirt by participating in Kadokawa's Twitter campaign.

All details can be found in the special webpage.

4th TOPANGA League Round 4 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
Round 1-6 fixtures

November 14 - Round 4

1. Fuudo vs. Michael-tan
2. Kazunoko vs. Nemo
3. Tokido vs. Santarou
4. Sako vs. Pugera
5. Uryo vs. Michael-tan
6. Fuudo vs. Santarou
7. Kazunoko vs. Pugera
8. Bon-chan vs. Tokido
9. Momochi  vs. Michael-tan
10. Sako vs. Uryo
11. Umehara vs. Bon-chan

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Shiro (Abel/Makoto player)
(Opening skit: Mushroom)

[Blade Arcus] casual matches feat. Japan's No.1 Sakuya

Sakuya is made to break defense. What she does is getting into a certain range and put you on a fake blockstring, then make you fail to block.

To fight Sakuya:

• Don't be in a corner. Use the assist to get out.
• Remember that eating a sweep or throw is better than eating comboable strikes.
• Put her on defense instead.
• Use a character that has longer reach or can zone her.

Sega plans Blade Arcus stream on November 21

It's revealed that Sega will hold a special stream to introduce Blade Arcus on November 21. The stream will be hosted by famous voice actress Asami Shimoda (Ami/Mami from Idolm@ster, Rin from Infinite Stratos) who voices Pairon. It will also feature Itabashi Zangief and Kami-chan who gave advices to the developers.

Note that this game didn't get much PR at launch (Nov. 5), most likely because Sega wants to push Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax console launch (Nov. 13). So this's a very good news.

[Blade Arcus] video from Ninnin Radio episode 60

This's a weekly show from a-cho game center. This week's topic is Blade Arcus.

Please skip to 56:16 so you don't have to watch people who don't know footsie or don't know how to play their characters.

[Blade Arcus] video from Ko-Hatsu's Tuesday special

Casual matches from Ko-hatsu game center's Blade Arcus Tuesday special. In this period, the more players the less you pay. You pay 800 yen an hour if there're 2 players.

Introduction to Blade Arcus

The Game

• It is based on Shining RPG series (one of Sega's flagship RPG series, has successful line of merchandise).
• It uses 3D models to create 2D sprites. (By using this method: The sprites are 100% accurate in scale, in any angle, in every single frame.)
• [Official Statement] It is developed to be a footsie-based fighting game (called Sashiai (差し合い) game in Japanese). Same as Street Fighter.
• [Official Statement] The pace of the game is intentionally made so that players have time to think and react. 
• [Official Statement] The damage output is intentionally made high, just like 3D fighting games or oldschool 2D fighting games. This puts the pressure on the players.
• Jump-in is generally punishable.
• It has "Roman Cancel" (cancel recovery frames into neutral).
• It has "Burst" (escape a combo during hitstun).
• It has (Marvel's) "Team Hyper Combo."
• It has moves that provide RPG-like buffs and debuffs.
• All characters can be played or used as an assist. You can switch between two characters you choose, but not during the fight.
• The partner character can provide three kinds of assist. Stronger assists cost more Support Gauges.
• It doesn't matter who you choose as the main character, you can secretly switch right after character select screen.
• Strategically, you can counterpick, or switch between character that is strong with/without meters.
• All characters are viable as they all can do good damage from a simple hitconfirm Super. From the same reason, it is easy to get into this game. 
• It has "quick rise" after knockdown. 
• You can attack opponent's partner and prevent him/her to use the assist.
• No killing by chip damage. 
• No comeback mechanics.
• No air-blocking.
• No air-dashing. 
• No Aerial Combo.
• No dizzy. 
• No autocombo (one-button combo in P4U or DBFC).
• Default format of a game is first to three rounds. 
• Unlockables allow you to make your character say different things for each special move or when winning a round.
• Its release date is November 5 (2014).
• "Fighting game of generation" - Beast Note

Characters (12 confirmed)

• Ryuga - Original character. An all-rounder with projectile, antiair, divekick.
• Pairon - Original character. An all-rounder with projectile, antiair, Hundred Kicks, Speed Down debuff.
• Rage - Protagonist of Shining Blade. A power/rushdown hybrid fighter with long reach.
• Sakuya - Popular character from Shining/Hearts/Blade/Ark. A highspeed defense breaker and a frame trapper.
• Xiaomei - From Shining Hearts. Fast melee fighter with Demon Flip, Raging Demon, Speed Up buff.
• Altina - From Shining Blade. Projectile specialist. A charge character.
• Roselinde - From Shining Blade. A hardhitting charge character with armored move and Attack Up buff.
• Melty - From Shining Hearts. Grappler with traps and projectile reflector.
• Fenrir - From Shining Blade. Melee fighter with meterless comboable rush attack with projectile invincibility.
• Isaac - From Shining Hearts. A playmaker with multihit poking tools.
• Rick - Protagonist of Shining Hearts. Coming Spring 2015. (video)
• To be announced - Coming Spring 2015.

How to Play

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

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

Throw = A+B (or A+B plus left or right)
Throw Escape = A+B while being thrown
High Jump = quickly Down and Up
Flash Standing (quick rise) = A or B or C after knockdown

Gauge/Meter
Support Link Gauge (max 4) = blue bar
- Both players start a game with 2 blue bars.
- Fills only when blocking or taking damage.

Force Gauge (max 3) = red bar
- The typical Super gauge.

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

EX Force Action
Cost 1 red bar.
This's what they call typical EX version of special move. Press B+C instead of standard button (like 236+BC).

Super Force Action
Cost 1 red bar.
This's what they call typical "Super."

Offensive Force (Roman Cancel)
Cost 1 red bar.
By pressing A+C while attacking, it returns you to neutral, allowing you to continue with another attack.

Defensive Force 
Cost 1 red bar.
By pressing Back and A+C while attacking, it returns you to neutral and back step, allowing you to make an unsafe move safe.

Support Link Attack
Press D and the timing will determine the type of assists. However, you can manually choose which one.

Type	Timing	Cost (blue bar)	Manual Input
Weak Support	while not attacking	1	D
Medium Support	while attacking with normals	2	D+B
Strong Support	while attacking with super	3	D+C

(You need to try yourself who does what as a partner character.)

Support Interupt (Burst)
Cost 3 blue bars.
Press D while getting hit. The partner will jump out to help you.

Link Force Attack (Team Hyper Combo)
Cost 4 blue bars
Press D while the opponent is getting hit with your Super Force Action. The partner will jump out and follow with another Super Force Action. (You need to find a right combination so they can combo.)

First Attack & First Combination
Both first hit and first combo in a round will build extra meter to the player.


Video
Blade Arcus tournaments
Blade Arcus Tuesday

Trivia

• Characters are designed by Tony, one of the most famous illustrators.
• Melty and Rick appeared in Shining Hearts anime.
• It features Nana Mizuki (Sakuya's voice), Japan's highest-earning singer voice actress. 
• Song "Brave Heart: Kagayaki no Kanata e" is played in the last round if both players are on match point. 
• It has 8 stages of CPU. The last boss is the evil mode of your character.
• The game producer was into SF2.
• The game director was into SF2 and is a decent player in SSF4.
• Shining Hearts (PSP) is currently priced at 980 yen on PS Store (JP).
• Shining Blade (PSP) is currently priced at 1,500 yen on PS Store (JP).
• Shining Ark (PSP) is currently priced at 1,500 yen on PS Store (JP).

Beast Note has been following this game since it was announced. For more, please bookmark beastnote.blogspot.com/search/label/Blade%20Arcus.

Video from Akiba LL's first Blade Arcus tournament

There was first Blade Arcus tournament held by Akihabara Leisure Land game center on Sunday. You can see Spinking (currently JP's No.1, main Xiaomei) and Row (No.1 Isaac) here. (Note that Spinking was smart for not using his main and used Altina to counterpick characters with long reach.)

01:22:00 - Tournament start
02:22:00 - Semifinals 1
02:27:00 - Semifinals 2
02:31:00 - Final
The rest - Casual matches

[Blade Arcus] Day 2 casuals feat. Roselinde

Roselinde, a powerful charge character, has move with armor property and has super "Valhalla Guidance" that can antiair and also gives Attack Up buff which makes her even more powerful.

4th TOPANGA League Round 3 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
Round 1-6 fixtures

November 9 - Round 3

1. Uryo vs. Pugera
2. Kazunoko vs. Michael-tan
3. Tokido vs. Momochi
4. Sako vs. Santarou
5. Bon-chan vs. Michael-tan
6. Fuudo vs. Uryo
7. Umehara vs. Momochi
8. Tokido vs. Nemo
9. Uryo vs. Santarou
10. Kazunoko vs. Fuudo
11. Umehara vs. Nemo

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Shiro (Abel/Makoto player)
(Opening skit: The eyeglasses)

4th TOPANGA League Round 2 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
Round 1-6 fixtures

November 8 - Round 2

1. Tokido vs. Michael-tan
2. Kazunoko vs. Santarou
3. Bon-chan vs. Nemo
4. Momochi vs. Pugera
5. Sako vs. Michael-tan
6. Bon-chan vs. Fuudo
7. Nemo vs. Pugera
8. Umehara vs. Santarou
9. Sako vs. Fuudo
10. Kazunoko vs. Momochi
11. Umehara vs. Tokido

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Yoshiwo (Guile player)
(Opening skit: They swapped the eyeglasses)

4th TOPANGA League Round 1 summary

Information
The 4th TOPANGA League stream and ticket links
TOPANGA League rules
How to buy ticket using credit card
How to buy ticket using PayPal
Round 1-6 fixtures
TOPANGA League A promo video

Changes from last season

• Players promoted by finishing top 4 in B league: Sako, Santarou, Pugera, Nemo
• Fuudo gets to stay in A league by finishing 1st place in the play-off
• Tokido promoted by finishing 2nd place in the play-off
• Dashio relegated by finishing last place in the play-off
• Ninomae stayed in B league by finishing 3rd place in the play-off
• Wao quitted the league
• Haitani relegated from A and quitted the league

November 7 - Round 1

1. Sako vs. Bon-chan
2. Santarou vs. Pugera
3. Umehara vs. Michael-tan
4. Uryo vs. Nemo
5. Tokido vs. Kazunoko
6. Momochi vs. Fuudo
7. Michael-tan vs. Pugera
8. Bon-chan vs. Uryo
9. Momochi vs. Santarou
10. Sako vs. Nemo
11. Umehara vs. Fuudo

Commentators
R (Guy player) and Shiro (Abel/Makoto player)

The stream had an issue at the beginning so matches were delayed.

[Blade Arcus] a-cho day 1 recoding meeting

The famous game center in Kyoto, a-cho, uploaded today the Blade Arcus matches from day 1 "recording meeting" (event that players come to play a game together and have their matches uploaded).

[Blade Arcus] Day 1 casuals feat. Japan's No.2 Melty

This's still casual matches from day 1 which happened after this post. This time it's about Japan's No.2 Melty player. More will be added but most likely after weekend, since we have TOPANGA League (making it the busiest weekend since Evo.)

Umehara documentary project wins 3 awards

Mad Catz Japan revealed today that a documentary film project about Daigo Umehara titled "Living in Fighting Game" won 3 awards in Tokyo Docs 2014 (Japanese International Documentary Festival) event.

The project won Outstanding Project, ASD Award (candidate for event in China next year), and 1 million yen development funding.

Now in its fourth year, Tokyo Docs is an annual international documentary festival that encourages talented Japanese filmmakers to co-produce films with overseas partners and introduces documentaries by Japanese filmmakers to the rest of the world. The festival also seeks to provide a range of exciting co-production opportunities to filmmakers from other parts of Asia.

[Blade Arcus] casual matches featuring JP's No.1 from day 1

Casual matches featuring Altina player currently Japan's No.1 on CL ranking from day 1 (from this post).

Blade Arcus Day 1 impression

Quick impression, after watching this game around 5 hours (will upload later).

We are convinced that this's a great game, especially when it's played by top players. We spent several hours watching Japan's No. 1 (CL ranking) playing Altina against some decent players.

The assists are nice and can make an impact. And since you need to either block or take damage for Support Gauge (which is required for an assist), you can't overuse it. We saw the Altina player saved it to Burst because she's weak in close range, while other players used it to get close to her.

Super Force Attack hurts, just like Super Combo in Street Fighter II. We like it, because we feel that saving meters to do fancy stuff for little damage is pointless.

It seems like all the arcades use first-to-three format. Intentional? The pace of a match is good anyway.

System

• Stage 8 is last stage when you play with CPU.
• "Brave Heart: Kagayaki no Kanata e" is played in the last round if both players are on match point.
• You can make your character say different things when you win or when doing special moves. (These voices can be unlocked by trading in GP you gain from playing)
• Your characters gain level after a match.
• There's no "BP" ranking like SF4, but there's CL ranking. CL is character Level.
• It seems you can't kill with chip damage?

Melty

• She has command grab, so she needs to get in.
• She can use projectile for zoning and some tricks, but can't do fireball war.
• Her 236 is a launcher, can be a safe antiair, and also can reflect fireballs (but timing is not easy).
• Her falling Ice Cream (Super) has fast startup, has big hitbox, can antiair, combo after 236.
• In other word, she's most satisfying grappler.

Altina

• She's MorriDoom (can Soul First and Hidden Missiles).
• She also has Ibuki's Kunai setup.
• Good news, she's actually a charge character and is difficult to play at high level. (must avoid getting jump over and lose the charge)
• Her "Hidden Missiles" Super is a semi-homing attack. Arrows will fall on where opponent stands.
• It seems you can counterpick her with Pairon, because Pairon's projectile goes under her arrow.

Character usages (Day 1)

1. Rage 17.48%
2. Sakuya 14.30%
3. Altina 11.82%
4. Pairon 11.74%
5. Xiaomei 9.93%
6. Melty 9.52%
7. Roselinde 8.46%
8. Ryuga 6.85%
9. Isaac 6.19%
10. Fenrir 3.73%

Blade Arcus launch PV posted

Blade Arcus is playable in the arcades starting today.

Sega Akihabara ready for Blade Arcus

Sega Akihabara game center reported today that 9 cabinets of Blade Arcus will be available tomorrow. (2 sets for PvP, 2 sets for optional PvP, 1 for PvE)

Blade Arcus will be released to the arcades on November 5.

Blade Arcus recording meeting planned by a-cho

It looks like we're guaranteed to have a day one match video of Beast Note's most anticipated fighting game Blade Arcus, with the help of a-cho.

The game center in Kyoto announced today that it will hold a recording meeting (event that matches will be recorded and uploaded) for Blade Arcus at launch on November 5.

[Blade Arcus] Rick + 1 character scheduled for Spring 2015

Dengeki reported that Rick and one more character are scheduled to be added to Beast Note's most anticipated fighting game Blade Arcus in Spring 2015.

The news also revealed that registered players (on Sega's Aime network) can unlock smartphone wallpapers by reaching specific number of play days.

Blade Arcus will be released to the arcades on November 5.

4th TOPANGA League first half fixtures revealed

November 7 - Round 1

• Umehara vs. Fuudo
• Umehara vs. Michael-tan
• Sako vs. Bon-chan
• Sako vs. Nemo
• Bon-chan vs. Uryo
• Tokido vs. Kazunoko
• Momochi vs. Santarou
• Uryo vs. Nemo
• Michael-tan vs. Pugera
• Momochi vs. Fuudo
• Santarou vs. Pugera

November 8 - Round 2

• Umehara vs. Tokido
• Umehara vs. Santarou
• Sako vs. Michael-tan
• Sako vs. Fuudo
• Bon-chan vs. Fuudo
• Bon-chan vs. Nemo
• Tokido vs. Michael-tan
• Nemo vs. Pugera
• Kazunoko vs. Santarou
• Momochi vs. Pugera
• Kazunoko vs. Momochi

November 9 - Round 3

• Umehara vs. Nemo
• Umehara vs. Momochi
• Sako vs. Santarou
• Bon-chan vs. Michael-tan
• Tokido vs. Momochi
• Kazunoko vs. Fuudo
• Tokido vs. Nemo
• Uryo vs. Santarou
• Uryo vs. Pugera
• Fuudo vs. Uryo
• Kazunoko vs. Michael-tan

November 14 - Round 4

• Umehara vs. Bon-chan
• Sako vs. Uryo
• Sako vs. Pugera
• Bon-chan vs. Tokido
• Kazunoko vs. Pugera
• Kazunoko vs. Nemo
• Momochi  vs.Uryo
• Fuudo vs. Santarou
• Fuudo vs. Michael-tan
• Tokido vs. Santarou
• Nemo vs. Michael-tan

November 15 - Round 5

• Umehara vs. Pugera
• Umehara vs. Kazunoko
• Sako vs. Kazunoko
• Sako vs. Momochi
• Bon-chan vs. Pugera
• Bon-chan vs. Santarou
• Momochi  vs. Michael-tan
• Uryo vs. Michael-tan
• Nemo vs. Santarou
• Tokido vs. Uryo
• Tokido vs. Fuudo

November 16 - Round 6

• Umehara vs. Sako
• Umehara vs. Uryo
• Sako vs. Tokido
• Bon-chan vs. Kazunoko
• Bon-chan vs. Momochi
• Michael-tan  vs. Santarou
• Fuudo vs. Nemo
• Momochi vs. Nemo
• Tokido vs. Pugera
• Kazunoko vs. Uryo
• Fuudo vs. Pugera

(Match order will be announced on the stream.)

Shining Fan Festa 2014 event report

News sites posted event report of Shining Fan Festa 2014 that was held today.

• Gamer.ne.jp
• Game Watch
• Dengeki
• Famitsu

Game related news

• Blade Arcus release date officially announced, Rick confirmed
• Blade Arcus theme song "Brave Heart: Kagayaki no Kanata e" performed
• (Shining Resonance) Niji no Senritsu performed
• (Shining Resonance) Song "Lunatic Crave" revealed, performed by Souichirou Hoshi

See also

• Shining Fan Festa 2014 announced
• Event info 1
• Event info 2
• Post-event voice actors group picture from Satomi Akesaka
• Blog post by Nana Mizuki

The 4th TOPANGA League PV posted

Rick confirmed for Blade Arcus

It's announced today in Shining Fan Festa 2014 that Beast Note's most anticipated fighting game Blade Arcus will be released in the arcades on November 5. (Although some game centers already broke the release date.)

The actual news here is it's also announced that Rick (Shining Hearts, Shining Blade) will also join the roster (although it's teased since the game was announced.). No information about when he will be added.