Despite Being A Diehard Bleach Fan, I’m Unsure How To Feel About Rebirth Of Souls

Bleach was a pretty significant existence in the anime industry a few years back. Proudly known as one of the “big three,” the legend suffered some unfortunate circumstances and was prematurely canceled before completion.

Not only that, but it was miles behind its colleagues when it came to video game adaptations. While Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece have innumerable big games, Bleach was stuck with only minor titles and mobile games. But that’s all in the past. Both of its dilemmas are about to be solved with a bang. Bleach is getting its very own console game for the first time.

The Triumphant Return Of Bleach

Bleach’s problems began with the anime adaptation. Filled to the brim with fillers (close to 50%), rushed stories, and the abrupt ending of the manga (circumstances forced Tite Kubo), all this contributed to Bleach’s plummeting reputation.

This fading fame and dwindling sales led to the cancelation and an indefinite dormancy. However, Bleach’s content didn’t cease. Novels like CFYOW and SAFWY brought the spark back, but the most influential figure proved to be a mobile gacha game called Bleach: Brave Souls, which uplifted the series so much that a revival was possible.

Can we appreciate just how good BBS is?
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And man, was it an explosive revival. The last arc, Thousand Year Blood War, was revived with an animation unlike anything you’ve seen. Coupled with a much-needed revamp to certain story elements, Bleach is back to its rightful place.

Bleach: Rebirth Of Souls — Joining The Big Leagues

As I’ve mentioned, the only thing Bleach had going for it was Bleach: Brave Souls. Don’t get me wrong, it is in no way a bad game. In fact, putting the gacha aside, it’s probably the most complete and meaningful adaptation of an anime around.

Still, at the end of the day, it’s a mobile game that can’t compete with the likes of gameplay and visual detail a proper console game could’ve achieved. But fear not, for Bleach: Rebirth of Souls has graced us with its presence on the Bandai Namco showcase.

https://twitter.com/afrokami/status/1809400798670942233

Not only does it look like a visual masterpiece, but the fact that I get to relive the iconic Bleach saga in a glorious video game jam-packed with fast-paced action is a treat nothing else can match. Bleach has always been in a class of its own when it comes to heated battles, and a video game where you get to be in control holds a ton of potential.

With a visual design taking inspiration from the new Thousand Year Blood War style, the legendary story born anew, and glimpses of the adrenaline-heavy combat encounters, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is a video game the desperate Bleach fan in me has been longing for since time immemorial.

Sneak peak image to the new Bleach: Rebirth of Soul. (A console game made by bandai namco)
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My Greatest Fear, Yet Another Arena Fighter

So far, I’ve done nothing but praise Bleach, so you must be confused. “What exactly is this guy unsure about then if everything’s so good?” That, my friends, is the never-ending plague of a genre we anime fans are stuck with now.

Did you guess my plight? That’s right, from the glimpses of the gameplay and subsequent confirmations, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is going to be an arena fighter, and that’s what frightens me. I know it’s Bleach’s first game and I should be delighted, but for the life of me, I can’t stomach another anime arena fighter.

A meme showing frustration with anime fighting games these days
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If this game arrived a decade earlier, I would’ve been celebrating the loudest. A Bleach game with tons of action and fighting, and the iconic plot with a new presentation, the fan in me would’ve been overjoyed. “It’s an arena fighter? Bring it on I love it” is what the past me would’ve said. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.

With how much anime games have overused this genre, to the point that soulless, blind fighting with nothing creative only remained, can you even blame me for holding doubts? There are countless genres around that anime games can shine in a lot more, yet they refuse to do so and stick to this exhausted concept, following the trend set by Dragon Ball and Naruto.

We need less anime arena fighters and more games that capture the true essence of the shounen genre
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The Only Thing I Can Do: Fingers Crossed

If these two succeeded in this genre, doesn’t mean that it is the only thing on the planet an anime game can adapt, or that other genres can never be as successful and “profitable” as this one. Multiple anime games arrived that tried something new, and they did a surprisingly good job. Why can’t we follow their example?

I don’t have anything against arena fighters specifically. In fact, I’m the biggest supporter of Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero. But that’s a different case, Dragon Ball initiated and perfected this. My problem is every other anime trying to do the same when it should be looking at something innovative or different to excel in.

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Thus, I have mixed feelings about Bleach: Rebirth of Souls. On one hand, I’m excited beyond belief for Bleach’s triumphant return, but on the other, another arena fighter scares me. Even more so if it’s another bland and hollow take on the concept. Well, what else can I do but hope for the best? I’ll let the overexcited fan take over and hope this is the break we’ve all been waiting for.