Blade Strangers Reviews

Blade Strangers is ranked in the 48th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Evan Norris
Top Critic
7 / 10
Aug 27, 2018

Eschewing the Byzantine systems of many modern anime fighters, Blade Strangers invites fans weaned on early 90s arcade fighters back into the fold.

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8.5 / 10.0
Aug 28, 2018

In all, as a part-time fighting game fan, I’ll say that I’m both surprised by and very satisfied with this initial entry into the genre by Studio Saizensen. Feeling more polished and comparable than you’d expect with more established series it seems to have struck a nice balance between accessibility and leaving room for more technical fighters to explore. While it doesn’t have a massive roster the characters are varied and there should be match for pretty well everyone here whether you prefer more traditional or a little off-center. Only time will tell if this can break into the big leagues and gain acceptance from the greater fighting community but if you’re looking for something that feels fresh and plays well it’s a solid package.

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7.5 / 10.0
Sep 21, 2018

Nicalis kicks off its original game universe with Blade Strangers. A 2D fighting game with great animation and a solid fighting game that can knuckle up with the greats of the genre. With characters from their own franchises and some indie darlings we love, there's a fighter for everyone here.

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8 / 10
Aug 28, 2018

Blade Strangers does a decent enough job at building the bridge between the simplicity of Pocket Rumble and the anime flair of BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle. The lean towards concentrating on core fundamentals makes this all-star brawler an approachable but enjoyable throwdown for those that are keen to make their mark in the genre.

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6.5 / 10.0
Sep 5, 2018

Blade Strangers is a less-than-unique fighting game with excellent graphics. Unfortunately great visuals alone don’t make a fun game. If you have an affinity toward the characters and don’t mind a paint-by-the-numbers fighting game, then definitely pick this one up.

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Sep 11, 2018

For $39.99 Blade Strangers is the kind of game where you will know right away whether or not it is for you. It’s not a hardcore fighting game which is fine since it’s really not trying to be one. This is just a fun little game to appreciate some of the lesser known characters in gaming and give them some spotlight. For that, Blade Strangers is a lot of fun, however that does mean its audience will likely end up being very limited. While it can provide a few solid hours of fun, its lasting value will depend on how much you enjoy the characters featured here. If you are someone who really enjoys Code of Princess or Umihara Kawase, you should check this one out and can probably add half a star to the review score.

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7.1 / 10.0
Sep 6, 2018

Although I enjoyed Blade Strangers quite a lot, it still doesn't reach any particularly high notes for a fighter.

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6 / 10.0
Aug 28, 2018
Blade Strangers: REVIEW (Indies Clash) video thumbnail
Unscored
Aug 27, 2018

This is a fun, accessible fighter that casuals can jump into that also has depth that more seasoned fighting fans will appreciate. It's definitely worth checking out.

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Aug 28, 2018

As a first effort out it's genuinely impressive, offering a clean and enjoyable combat system that can also be used to introduce new players to the joy of modern 2D fighters. I firmly believe there's a role for fighters like that in the market, and Blade Strangers is a very fine first effort indeed.

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7 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2018

An incredibly user-friendly game that is basically developed for the casual fighting game fans. It lacks proper depth but offers a fun combat system and plenty of fan service moments.

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Heavy
Top Critic
6.5 / 10.0
Sep 2, 2018

You'll get a quick dose of fun from it, but quickly move on to something more fulfilling in the fighting game genre soon after.

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7 / 10
Sep 3, 2018

Blade Strangers' unique approach to fisticuffs won't appeal to everyone, but those looking for something with both depth and accessibility will find it here. It might not be FGC-ready, but it manages to provide a good time for those with an open mind.

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7 / 10.0
Aug 30, 2018

It's not going to keep you entertained for as long as a Street Fighter or BlazBlue game, but those familiar with its characters will have fun pitting the likes of Shovel Knight against Issac. Those unfamiliar with its characters will just enjoy it for the fact that there are no barriers to enjoying its gameplay. Blade Strangers is simple, and all the better for it.

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Sep 6, 2018

Will you be picking up Blade Strangers, or do you have it already? What do you think of the game? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter, and keep an eye on Rice Digital for more coverage of both fighting games and other Japanese titles.

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Ofisil
Top Critic
6 / 10
Sep 6, 2018

Decent. That's the only thing that comes to mind when thinking about Blade Strangers. Besides the novelty of being able to choose amongst indie game characters from Studio Sanzensen and Nicalis, there's nothing special about this fighter, other than the fact that it's built in such a way that it makes it a perfect entry for genre greenhorns.

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80 / 100
Sep 15, 2018

Blade Strangers is a great fighting game that seeks simplicity in its commands and, perhaps for the first time, has accomplished this. The graphics are attractive and the characters are cool, especially the guests. Online mode is also functional, including with people from different regions. The story mode, however, is somewhat bad (though each character has its own novel visual style plot) and maybe not everyone will approve the simplicity in the commands. Unfortunately, there is still hope that the online mode will not become deserted, since it is a niche title.

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6 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2018

While Blade Strangers is a perfectly competent fighting game it will struggle to find an audience. Too simple for fighting fans, too niche for kids and not enough story for fans of the source material, it simply fails to meet the mark.

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9 / 10.0
Aug 31, 2018

If Super Smash Bros. and Marvel Vs. Capcom made sweet love, Blade Strangers would be their beautiful baby. Fighting game veterans might find the gameplay a little too user-friendly and ultimately shallow. Still, it's hard not to get addicted to the elegant combo system, and playing as all your favorite indie legends.

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8 / 10.0
Sep 4, 2018

Blade Strangers is accessible to players of any skill thanks to simplified combat, but still leaves room for the more competitive players to shine.

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