Bleach: The Blade of Fate - Nintendo DS

by Sega

• Exciting Multiplayer fighting action. Up to four players will enjoy the fighting action via Wi-Fi connection. This game supports the Download Play feature where one gamer transmits the game to another gamer's DS which allows them to play head to head.
• Variety of multi-plane 2D fighting arenas. Players can switch between the foreground and the background battlelines to chase after or escape from opponents.
• Large cast of popular characters. Players will select from 28 of their favorite characters who are all voiced by the actors from the anime series.
• Seven thrilling gameplay modes. Story, Arcade, Versus, Training and Challenge plus two unlockable modes will provide hours of replayability and keep players coming back for more.
• Customizable Spirit Card Deck. By using the lower screen, players are able to customize and manage their deck of Power-up Cards for boosts to Health, Attack and Defense, and much more. Players can earn new cards which allows them to fine-tune their decks.

Product Details

• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000TA8N4G
• Product Dimensions: 4.8 x 5.2 x 0.5 inches ; 4 ounces
• Media: Video Game
• Release Date: October 9, 2007
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #24,535 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Shonen Jump Bleach: The Blade of Fate DS The award-winning Bleach anime series, currently featured on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, is coming to the Wii and Nintendo DS this fall. Timed with the launch of the highly-anticipated second season, up to four gamers will experience the cinematic, sword fighting action of Bleach. The series follows the life of a 15-year-old boy named Ichigo Kurosaki who is able to see spirits and becomes a Soul Reaper with supernatural powers.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars In regards to the previous poster. October 30, 2007

By McCaffrey

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

Look, this game is hands down the best fighter on the DS and one of the best fighters out there today 2d or 3d. It doesn't beat virtual fighter 5 or anything like that but as far as fighters of this type go its up there. As for the language. The mild profanity included in the game which respects its rating isn't just ok, its actually needed because believe it or not the few vulgarity's in it are part of the characters catch phrases in the show or things they are known to say in certain situations. If they took that out it wouldn't be true to the anime or the manga so, while I respect your point of view, giving it a rating of 3 over language is incorrect. You are rating the game on how it plays. Not rating the game on what age you should be to play it. Thats what the other company does. So, as far as sticking to the main topic as far as this being a fighter for the DS and based off an anime. It sticks true to both with 5 stars easy. There is no better handheld fighter. It could be even more addictive than your console one even.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome fighter! November 2, 2007

By Travis M. Kronenberg

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

All you need to know is that this game is developed by Treasure. Buy any game made by Treasure, you will be satisfied. Whether you watch Bleach or not, this game is an awesome 2-d fighter. I did find the story mode a bit lacking as you can only play as Ichigo(EDIT: incorrect, beating it with Ichigo unlocks other story modes!), but with the other modes and ONLINE play it doesn't really matter.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars best handheld fighter November 15, 2007

By "rarrr"

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

If you dont know what bleach is and you like fighting games, buy this!

This is the best fighting game I've ever played on a handheld. I usually expect handheld fighters to be inferior to console ones but this one breaks the mold, its really good and I love playing it on ds and dont find myself wishing it was on a tv. The spirit cards really add a ton of strategy to the game. Online is really fun but the auto-guard option can be kinda cheap when its on, it helps new players but sometimes its cheap when you know a human couldnt block your attack that fast without it. Using the touch screen for special moves is great because it lets newer players keep up with advanced and the spirit power guage keeps them from button mashing to win. Hope they bring the sequel to the usa...

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great fighter for fans and non-fans July 13, 2008

By Cloud

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

Years ago I used to be heavily into multiple genres. Even ones I've all but ignored today like fighting and racing games got heavy play, mainly due to having people I can actually play the game with. But over time, my interest changed to RPG's and action games and I literally haven't played a fighter in years. But since I'm a big Bleach fan, I just had to check out the game. Fans of the show will find plenty to love about the game and even makes a great fighter for those not into the show.

Story: The story mainly centers on Ichigo Kurosaki, a high school student who absorbed the powers of Soul Reaper Rukia Kuchiki, a fighter part of a group who hunts Hollows, giant monsters that human eyes can't see. While able to save his family, Ichigo all but drained Rukia of her powers which is a big no-no and Rukia is taken away to be executed. Ichigo along with friends Orihime, Uryu and Chad as well as cat guide Yoruichi travel to the Soul Society to rescue Rukia.

Graphics: The graphics are pretty usable for a fighter and since this is a DS fighter it's not going to have the wow of Final Fantasy IV but sprites are animated quite well, there's barely any slowdown even when things get hectic and some special moves of characters look pretty awesome.

Sound/Music: Racing, like fighting, is the kind of genre where I kind of prefer having my own music playing. It's not that the music is bad here as its serviceable but it's not really memorable in the least and the voice acting can get annoying when every move has the accompanying sound effect for each one.

Gameplay: With a wide assortment of characters to choose from, the variety is quite welcome from the big and powerful like Chad or Kenpachi to more agile opponents like Yachiru or Yoruichi. The move lists are pretty much the same for everyone but it becomes strategic in figuring out how to use each one's strengths. So one move might be projectile based while the same move for a different fighter is a combo that shoots your opponent in the air. Some fighters though are just simply too clumsy to use and don't really feel enjoyable while others are kind of a blast and become favorites.

Added to the mix are Spirit Cards which you tap on the touch screen which will give you brief benefits such as disabling your opponent's ability to jump while another might exchange your spiritual power for theirs which allows you to activave your special moves. Since using the moves is part of a meter that recharges, it's a good benefit to switch yours with theirs. Only problem is that because your fighting with a normal playing position, it's awkward to hit the card with your thumb or nail. And activating the special moves can be frustrating, especially with some of the story mode's you against 2-3 opponents. Luckily, there's a different menu you can switch to on the touch screen where the moves can simply be pressed to activate.

With challenge modes, versus, Wi-Fi play, download play as well as the somewhat lengthy (and rather repetitive) story mode, there's plenty to love about the game though it helps if you're a Bleach fan since it's a lot more cooler. Even when my hand cramped a bit, I still kept playing which says something about the game...or me being stubborn about taking breaks. Read more ›

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Action Game December 25, 2007

A Kid's Review

Fun: 5.0 out of 5 stars   

I got it recently and i've been stuck to it ever since! This game is great for Bleach fans and even if you dont know Bleach, you will enjoy it. The 2-D fighting is challenging and fun! Although the story was a bit short, you can enjoy playing 22 other episodes with other characters. Versus mode is great to have fun with friends. It never gets boring as you pratice new skills such as bankai. I am very sastisfied with my purchase. =^_^=

4.0 out of 5 stars Double-Edged Sword April 12, 2008

By J. Sherman

Fun: 4.0 out of 5 stars   

Developed by Treasure and licensed by Sega, "Bleach: The Blade of Fate" is a rare case of being both a DS fighting game that's actually playable and an anime-based game that doesn't suck. Before you even press the Start button, you're treated to a Japanese rock ballad, in the form of an actual theme song from the show. From there, you take part in a slugfest of epic proportions.

At first the game's story mode--following the second season of the anime--can only be played with the show's sword-slashing hero, Ichigo Kurosaki. Once you win, you unlock stories for the other 22 characters in the game. Basically the more you play, the more characters and features pop up, including picture and music galleries. If you want to play without having to read all that dialogue, though, switch to Arcade Mode.

While the special and super moves for each character are still performed with D-pad/button combinations (listed on the pause menu), the game compensates for the DS' unforgiving controls by providing special "hot keys" on the touch screen, enabling players to pull off specials and supers with one tap. The problem here is that you leave yourself vulnerable to attack the instant you move your thumbs from the buttons to the touch screen. But having more wins than losses, I can't really complain.

On the touch screen you can also switch to a pair of power-up cards that strengthen your fighter's attributes and weaken those of your opponent. On top of that, you can spend your winnings (cause you do win currency with each victory) on new cards to customize your default deck or create your own. My other gripe with "Bleach" is that while playing against other gamers, to literally have such power-ups at your fingertips may give you an unfair advantage over everyone else and vice-versa, if my bouts with the game's AI are any indication.

Still, you can't deny that Sega has quite a goldmine on its hands. With solid graphics, gameplay that suits beginner and expert gamers alike, and even voice-overs from the English cast of the anime, "Bleach: The Blade of Fate" is sure to keep you busy--at least until the sequel is released this year.

This game is rated T for Teen: Violence, Adult Language. Read more ›