Blazing Strike Review

Blazing Strike is a 2D 1v1 fighting game which aims to mesh classic old school arcade feel with more modern innovations. The game features a roster of 14 unique characters with their own moveset and special abilities; ensuring fighting game fans can find a fighter that meets their playing style.

While the core gameplay of fighters rely heavily on the roster diversity; no one wants to play a game where each character is a clone of each other, is the gameplay content and Blazing Strike does have a decent variety. The first mode, obviously is Arcade mode. While the core of it is simple; climb the proverbial ladder by going through everyone, levels will have unpredictable modifiers where things from the environment will cause you and your opponent damage.

Once you’ve conquered (once or how many times you wish) Arcade, you can jump into a more meaty mode: Story mode. It takes players through Jake and his pals’ journey through a world that’s falling apart. As you challenge the regime and cause a city wide uproar, you’ll discover secrets about the shady events. Story mode does bring a bit of variety as some sequences are most Final Fight/Streets of Rage rather than simple 1v1. You can also practice your skills in training or play against other players; either online or sitting next to you.

The mechanics are inspired by the same 2D fighters we all know and love; Street Fighter, Fatal Fury, Art of Fighting; just to name a few. Pulling moves require to do things like quarter-circle forward motion with a punch or a kick; or half circle forward/backward motion. As with more fighters nowadays, your character has a special meter that builds up over time and always you to pull off a “devastating” move. Fighters can also block, parry and dash.

Blazing Strike looks great as a whole; it’s a visual throwback to classic fighters such as Street Fighter III or any SNK fighting games, which it clearly draws inspirations from, and the by gone, but never dead, good old CRT TV era. It meshes a darker tone, yet each character as it own colorful style and fighting moves, but set on darker background offering a distinct contrast. The soundtrack is highly forgettable and easy to drown out as you focus on the fighting and the little voiceover work there is feels phoned in; even A.I.-y a bit.

The main nuisance that stops Blazing Strike from being a top notch fighter is its speed; or lackthereof. The combat is slow and sluggish; and there’s not even a run button to compensate. It even feels slower than Street Fighter II on the Super NES/Famicom.

Blazing Strike is a highly enjoyable and surprisingly decent fighter jam packed with content to keep fans entertained for some time; only once you’ve adapted to the slower movement. Also releasing this so close to Capcom Fighting Collection 2 won’t do this game any favors. Thanks to its slow movement, it’s a great entry point for those looking to dip their toes in the genre; while hardcore fans of the genre might find the lack of speed boring.