BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

From BlazBlue Wiki
ブレイブルー クロスタッグバトル
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle

BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Logo.png

Developer

Arc System Works

Publishers

JP: Arc System Works
US: Arc System Works[1]
EU: pQube[2]

Genre

Fighting

Releases

PS4, Nintendo Switch, PC (Steam)

  • JP: May 31, 2018
  • US: June 5, 2018
  • EU: June 22, 2018[3][4]
  • WW: November 21, 2019 (as Ver.2.0)

Arcade (NESiCAxLive 2, ALL.NET P-ras MULTI Ver.3)

  • JP: April 25, 2019[5]
  • JP: November 21, 2019 (as Ver.2.0)

XBox One, XBox Series, XBox Game Pass, PC (Windows)

  • WW: Spring 2023

BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is a spin-off game in the BlazBlue series that released on May 31, 2018 in Japan, June 5, 2018 in North America, and June 22, 2018 in Europe for PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. It was published by Arc System Works in Japan, Arc System Works America in North America, and pQube in Europe.

The game combines four franchises: Arc System Works' BlazBlue, Atlus' Persona 4 Arena and its sequel, French Bread's Under Night In-Birth, and Rooster Teeth's RWBY. A fifth franchise, teased at Evo 2018 as a pink square,[6] was revealed to be Team Arcana's Arcana Heart (formerly co-owned by Examu as of the end of February 2020) at Evo Japan 2019. A sixth franchise, represented by a light blue square, was also teased at Evo Japan 2019,[7] which was later revealed at Evo 2019 to be Marvelous Entertainment's Senran Kagura. A seventh franchise, represented by a grey or brown square, was announced and revealed to be Subtle Style's Akatsuki Blitzkampf at the same event.

The game was revealed at the main stage of the 2017 Evolution Championship Series (Evo 2017). [8] An arcade port along with version 1.5 for both arcade, console, and PC were announced for NESiCAxLive2 and ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Ver.3 machines at Japan Amusement Expo 2019 (JAEPO 2019) that would release on April 25, 2019,[9]. At the 2019 Evolution Championship Series (Evo 2019), version 2.0 was announced along with four out of nine new characters[10], with the remaining five later getting revealed on September 21, 2019. Version 2.0 was released for both Consoles and Arcade on November 21, 2019. At Community Effort Orlando 2021 (CEO2021), on November 5, 2021, a rollback netcode patch for the Steam & PS4 version was announced, scheduled for 2022.[11] A public oben-beta for the rollback update was published on Steam on February 23, 2022[12], and was officially implemented into the Steam and Playstation version on April 14, 2022.[13] During Tokyo Game Show 2022[14], it was announced that BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Special Edition will be available on XBox One, XBox Series, Windows PC and XBox Game Pass in spring 2023.

Story

On the stage of stories, mixing the four worlds together into a special alternate "Phantom Field."

The fighters have been abruptly summoned to that world, with an unknown "voice:"
"If you wish to return to your world, protect the [Keystone]."
—In the end, is that voice telling the truth?

The entrusted keys number four.
Enemies, or friends?

The fighters take a risk in order to return to their own world, and throw themselves into the battle to steal each other's "Keystone"—.[15]

Modes

  • EntranceBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 040.jpg
    - A cute room with 3D avatars! It serves as the entrance to all the other game modes, and includes fun gimmicks as well.[16] If you open the menu in Entrance Mode, you can choose between the various modes of the game.[17]

Offline

  • Episode ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 025.jpg
    - Enjoy BBTAG's story. What lies before their intersecting fates!?[17]
    • Episode Mode - Episode BlazBlueBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 025.jpg
    • Episode Mode - Episode PersonaBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 027.jpg
    • Episode Mode - Episode Under Night In-BirthBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 028.jpg
    • Episode Mode - Episode RWBYBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 030.jpg
  • Training ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 018.jpg
    - Set a variety of parameters and enemy actions to practice your moves.[18]
  • Versus ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 047.jpg
    - Choose characters, stages, and music freely. A mode that you can enjoy versus friends or CPUs.[16]
  • Tactics ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 019.jpg
    - A mode which will give you a lecture on various techniques. Those new to fighting games should check out this mode first.[15]
    • Basics
    • Special
    • Characters
    • Missions
  • Survival ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 048.jpg
    - Fight against the computer to test your own strength and limits in a mode where you fight against all sorts of opponents.[15]
  • Gallery ModeBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 022.jpg
    - With pictures of each character and such, you can zoom and shrink to see them. You can also see movies you've already seen before.[15]
  • Replay TheaterBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 023.jpg
    - Online battles and so on that have been recorded can be replayed in this mode. Watch for patterns in matches with your friends, and reflect upon the battle.[15]

Online

  • Casual LobbyBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 041.jpg
    - Chat with other players and participate in online battles.[19]
  • Rank LobbyBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 043.jpg
    - Aim for the top! Put your own rank on the line in the Ranked Lobby. You will be matched with opponents close in ability to you.[19]
  • Room MatchBlazBlue Cross Tag Battle Promotional Screenshot 045.jpg
    - Have fun in a private space![19]

Customize

  • Item Shop - A place to obtain character colors and avatar characters. Purchase them with Platinum dollars (P$) which can be obtained from other modes and online battles.[17]
    • Lobby Avatar
    • Icon
    • VS Plate
    • Nameplate
    • Standard Comments[20]

Options

Playable Characters

BlazBlue

Persona 4 Arena/Arena Ultimax

Under Night In-Birth

RWBY

Arcana Heart

Senran Kagura

Akatsuki Blitzkampf

* Downloadable Content (DLC)

Stages

BlazBlue

Persona 4 Arena

  • Entrance
  • School Gate (Yasogami High Entrance in P4A)
  • Junes Food Court
  • Convenience Store
  • Ring (new)

Under Night In-Birth

  • Town Center - Crossing (Metropolitan Centre: Intersection in UNI)
  • Sleeping Fountain Plaza
  • Riverside Space (Riverside Plaza in UNI)
  • Central Station (new)

RWBY

  • Abandoned Temple (new)

Arcana Heart

  • Gyoen Metropolitan Girls' Academy (School Gates in AH)

Senran Kagura

  • Tropical Shrine (new)

Music

Battle BGM

BlazBlue

Persona 4 Arena/Arena Ultimax

  • Reach Out To The Truth -in Mayonaka Arena- - Yu Narukami's theme
  • The Junes Hero - Yosuke Hanamura's theme
  • Like The Dragon - Chie Satonaka's theme
  • Princess Amagi-ya - Yukiko Amagi's theme
  • A Pure-Hearted Beast - Kanji Tatsumi's theme
  • Kuma Kuma Circus! - Teddie's theme
  • Seeker Of Truth - Naoto Shirogane's theme
  • Missions For The Brilliant Executioner - Mitsuru Kirijo’s theme
  • The Wandering Wolf - Akihiko Sanada’s theme
  • Heartful Cry -in Mayonaka Arena- - Aegis' theme
  • Battle Hymn of the Soul - Elizabeth's theme
  • Spirited Girl - Labrys’ theme
  • A Fool or Clown? - Tohru Adachi's theme
  • Pursuing My True Self - Persona 4 theme + VS. Persona 4 (Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Teddie, Naoto, Adachi)
  • Shadow World - Persona 4 Golden theme + VS. Persona 4 (Yu, Yosuke, Chie, Yukiko, Kanji, Teddie, Naoto, Adachi)
  • Burn My Dread - Persona 3 theme + VS. Persona 3 (Mitsuru, Akihiko, Aegis, Elizabeth)
  • Fog - Persona 4 Arena characters Astral Finish theme
  • Time To Make History - Persona 4 Arena Ultimax characters Astral Finish theme
  • Crossing Fate feat.P4A - Persona 4 Arena version of BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle theme

Under Night In-Birth

  • Scraper Sky High - Hyde's theme
  • Night Walker - Linne's theme
  • Maximize Power! - Waldstein's theme
  • Bad Surface - Carmine's theme
  • Purity & Strictly - Orie's theme
  • Rushing Heart - Gordeau's theme
  • Unseen Entities - Merkava’s theme
  • Snow Sisters - Vatista's theme
  • Monochrome Memory - Seth's theme
  • Walking Lily Flower♪ - Yuzuriha’s theme
  • Overwhelm Despair - Hilda's theme
  • Forceful Step - Mika’s theme
  • Open War -Again- - Akatsuki's Under Night In-Birth theme
  • Mutual Situation - Hyde and Seth's team theme
  • Unknown Actor - VS. Under Night In-Birth + Under Night In-Birth characters Astral Finish theme
  • Crossing Fate feat.UNI - Under Night In-Birth version of BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle theme

RWBY

Arcana Heart

  • Heartful! - Heart Aino's theme
  • Arcana Heart 3 - Arcana Heart 3 theme + Arcana Heart characters Astral Finish theme

Senran Kagura

  • The Bewitching Gessen Girl's School - Yumi's theme
  • It's Summer! Shinobi on the Sunny Beach! - Senran Kagura: Estival Versus theme
  • Grandfathers Wish - Yumi's Astral Finish theme

Akatsuki Blitzkampf

  • Awakening - Akatsuki's theme
  • Iron Horse - Blitztank's theme
  • Dawn of War - Akatsuki Blitzkampf Ausf Achse theme
  • War's End - Akatsuki Blitzkampf characters Astral Finish theme

Jukebox Exclusive

BlazBlue

  • CENTRALFICTION
  • Blood Pain
  • Blood Pain II
  • Fatal Judge
  • Flos
  • Pandora tears
  • Deep Blue (AKA Shinsou)
  • Stardust Memory
  • Endless Despair II
  • Black Onslaught II
  • THE HIGHLANDER

Persona 4 Arena/Arena Ultimax

Under Night In-Birth

  • Gathers Under Night...
  • Good Mooning End
  • Agitation Signs
  • Silent Moonlight
  • heart beat breaker
  • As Seen Through an Orphan's Eyes
  • Thousands in the Scarlet Darkness

RWBY

Arcana Heart

Senran Kagura

Akatsuki Blitzkampf

  • War's End

DLC

Characters

<tabs plain container="width:65%; text-align:center;"> <tab name="NA" style="width:100%">

Icon Item Details Price
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Ver2 Content Pack 2.jpg
Ver. 2.0 Expansion Pack
(Celica A. Mercury, Susano'o, Elizabeth, Tohru Adachi, Hilda, Neo Politan, Yumi, Akatsuki, Blitztank, related lobby avatars, icons, VS plates; a new scenario; new character interactions and colors)
November 21, 2019
$24.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Cross Tag Character Selection.jpg
BBTAG DLC Characters Vol.1~Vol.7 Pack[DLC 1]
(Includes character packs 1-7)
June 5, 2018
$19.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 1 (2).jpg
Character Pack 1
(Platinum the Trinity, Orie, Kanji Tatsumi)
June 5, 2018
$4.99 [DLC 2]
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 2 (2).jpg
Character Pack 2
(Aegis, Carmine, Jubei)
June 19, 2018
$4.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 3 (2).jpg
Character Pack 3
(Naoto Shirogane, Vatista, Hakumen)
June 19, 2018
$4.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 4.jpg
Character Pack 4
(Izayoi, Merkava, Mitsuru Kirijo)
August 6, 2018
$4.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 5.jpg
Character Pack 5
(Mai Natsume, Akihiko Sanada, Yuzuriha)
August 6, 2018
$4.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 6.jpg
Character Pack 6
(Nine the Phantom, Labrys, Mika)
August 6, 2018
$4.99
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 7.jpg
Character Pack 7
(Heart Aino, Naoto Kurogane, Teddie, Seth)
May 21, 2019
$9.99 [DLC 3]
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Blake Belladonna 2.jpg
Additional Character Blake Belladonna
June 5, 2018
Free (Console)
Unlocked by default (PC)
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Yang Xiao Long 2.jpg
Additional Character Yang Xiao Long
June 19, 2018
Free

</tab> <tab name="JP" style="width:100%">

Icon Item Details Price
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Ver2 Content Pack 2.jpg
Ver2.0追加コンテンツパックVer2.0 Tsuika Contentsu Pakku
(Celica A. Mercury, Susano'o, Elizabeth, Tohru Adachi, Yumi, Akatsuki, Blitztank, Neo Politan, related lobby avatars, icons, VS plates, additional story episode, new character colors)
November 21, 2019
¥2,700
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Cross Tag Character Selection.jpg
追加キャラクター Vol1~Vol7パックTsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol1~Vol7 Pakku[DLC 4]
(Includes character packs 1-7)
May 31, 2018
¥2,400
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 1 (2).jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol1Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol1
(Platinum the Trinity, Orie, Kanji Tatsumi)
May 31, 2018
¥600[DLC 2]
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 2 (2).jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol2Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol2
(Aegis, Carmine, Jubei)
June 19, 2018
¥600
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 3 (2).jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol3Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol3
(Naoto Shirogane, Vatista, Hakumen)
June 19, 2018
¥600
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 4.jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol4Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol4
(Izayoi, Merkava, Mitsuru Kirijo)
August 6, 2018
¥600
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 5.jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol5Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol5
(Mai Natsume, Akihiko Sanada, Yuzuriha)
August 6, 2018
¥600
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 6.jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol6Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol6
(Nine the Phantom, Labrys, Mika)
August 6, 2018
¥600
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Pack 7.jpg
追加キャラクターセット Vol7Tsuika Kyarakutā Setto Vol7
(Heart Aino, Naoto Kurogane, Teddie, Seth)
May 21, 2019
¥1,000
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Blake Belladonna 2.jpg
追加キャラクター 【ブレイク・ベラドンナ】Tsuika Kyarakutā [Bureiku Beradonna]
(Blake Belladonna)
May 31, 2018
Free (Console)
Unlocked by default (PC)
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Yang Xiao Long 2.jpg
追加キャラクター 【ヤン・シャオロン】Tsuika Kyarakutā [Yan Shaoron]
(Yang Xiao Long)
June 19, 2018
Free

</tab> </tabs>

Additional Colors

<tabs plain container="width:65%; text-align:center;"> <tab name="NA" style="width:100%">

Icon Item Details Price
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 1.jpg
Additional Color Pack 1
(Color 14)
June 5, 2018
$3
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 2.jpg
Additional Color Pack 2
(Color 15)
June 5, 2018
$3
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 3.jpg
Additional Color Pack 3
(Color 16)
June 5, 2018
$3

</tab> <tab name="JP" style="width:100%">

Icon Item Details Price
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 1.jpg
追加カラーセット1Tsuika Karā Setto 1
(Color 14)
May 31, 2018
¥400
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 2.jpg
追加カラーセット2Tsuika Karā Setto 2
(Color 15)
May 31, 2018
¥400
BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle DLC Additional Color Set 3.jpg
追加カラーセット3Tsuika Karā Setto 3
(Color 16)
May 31, 2018
¥400

</tab> </tabs>

Notes

  1. Previously the Cross Tag Character Collection, which included character packs 1-6
  2. 2.0 2.1 Free for the first two weeks after release
  3. Free if BBTAG DLC Characters Vol.1~Vol.7 Pack, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Deluxe Edition, or individual character packs 1-6 were previously purchased
  4. Previously 追加キャラクター All-in-One パックTsuika Kyarakutā All-in-One Pakku, which included character packs 1-6

Publicity

Release Date Title Issue Contents
June 7, 2018 Weekly Famitsu June 14, 2018 Cover / BlazBlue 10th Anniversary Special Feature
System, Modes, DLC Characters Overview

Weekly Famitsu 20180614 Cover.png
Article Preview

May 24, 2018 Dengeki PlayStation 663 Introductory Article
Modes, Roster Overview, Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee
May 24, 2018 Weekly Famitsu June 7, 2018 Release Week Special Feature
Episode Mode, Roster Overview
Article Preview
April 26, 2018 Dengeki PlayStation 661 Introductory Article
Hakumen, Naoto, Vatista
April 25, 2018 Weekly Famitsu May 10-17, 2018 Introductory Article
Hakumen, Naoto, Vatista
Article Preview
April 19, 2018 Weekly Famitsu May 3, 2018 Golden Week Releases Feature
March 29, 2018 Dengeki PlayStation 659 Introductory Article
Jubei, Aegis, Carmine
March 29, 2018 Weekly Famitsu April 12, 2018 Introductory Article
Jubei, Aegis, Carmine
Article Preview
February 22, 2018 Dengeki PlayStation 657 Introductory Article
Platinum the Trinity, Kanji Tatsumi, Orie, Yang Xiao Long
February 21, 2018 Weekly Famitsu March 8, 2018 Introductory Article
Story Mode, Platinum the Trinity, Kanji Tatsumi, Orie, Yang Xiao Long
Article Preview
January 26, 2018 Weekly Famitsu February 2, 2018 Introductory Article
Initial Roster, Gameplay
Article Preview

Development

Information

It was announced early on that BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle would not take place in the main BlazBlue storyline, but was said to be a possibility. The main story would focus on the crossover of the four series, and Guilty Gear characters would not be present. Futhermore, there would be no arcade version, and it would be a straight release to consoles. Mechanically, it would be different from BlazBlue.

At the time of the game's announcement, the "expected" or obvious characters had already been decided for the roster. The game was announced relatively early in its development cycle due to the developers wanting to hear the players' requests for characters.[21] Overall, characters were chosen with the game balance and game system in mind first and foremost, so that a wide variety of players would be able to play and enjoy the game. The characters from other (non-BlazBlue) franchises were chosen by sending a list of characters over to their companies. The list would be whittled down there, and sometimes they would make a request for a specific character to be included.[22]

Cross Tag Battle's first gameplay video was released during New York Comic Con, on Oct 6. Character trailers and additional gameplay videos are shown during the monthly Japanese-language ARC SYSTEM WORKS Official Live Regular Broadcast, aka ArcNama Regular Broadcast (あーくなま定期便 Ākunama Teikiben) or simply ArcNama (あーくなま Ākunama), hosted by Arc System Works. ArcNama Regular Broadcast is an offshoot of the original, irregularly-streamed ArcNama, which featured various Arc System Works games. The ArcNama Regular Broadcast, on the other hand, is streamed on the third Friday of every month at 8 pm JST on both Twitch and NicoNico simultaneously,[23]. Its first episode was streamed August 2017.

Following RTX London, Arc System Works published an article with updated screenshots of gameplay for the newly-announced characters Weiss and Hazama.[24] An additional character trailer (Character Introduction Trailer #2) was revealed at RTX London 2017.

Characters included in the demo for EVO Japan 2018

A "Special Promotional Trailer" was broadcast during Arc System Work's Fighting Game Awards (ASW FGA) at the end of the BlazBlue portion of the tournament, prominently featuring and introducing all twenty characters that had revealed up until then, as well as revealing the Japanese release date, Blake, and the final character count of forty characters, twenty of which (including Blake) would be downloadable content (DLC). This was followed up with further details about the release, including the North America release date, prices for physical and downloadable versions, and details about the limited edition.

On Feb 6, 2018 it was announced that Cross Tag Battle would be the fourth game present at the Evolution Championship Series 2018 (Evo 2018). Along with a broadcast of a fully English-subtitled version of the ASW FGA trailer, it was revealed that Blake and Yang would be provided as free DLC.[25]

On Feb 7, 2018 the first English-language Arc System Works Official Livestream, ARC Live!, was announced on Twitter[26] and streamed on Twitch at 4 pm PST. Mirroring the Japanese-language version of the livestream, various Arc System Works titles are showcased during the live with gameplay, including Cross Tag Battle. It was mentioned on stream that the series would be streamed weekly. During the first ARC Live!, an ASW staffer reconfirmed that Blake and Yang would be free DLC, that the four RWBY characters would have both English and Japanese voices, and clarified that Blake would be available at launch, while Yang would be available shortly after launch.[27]

At a press release in mid February 2018, attended by BlazBlue producer Mori Toshimichi and Arc System Works CEO Kidooka, it was announced that Cross Tag Battle would support dual audio with full English and Japanese voices.[28]

Development Builds

October 2017

A playable build was first exhibited in October 2017 at four events worldwide: New York Comic Con (NYCC) in New York (Oct 5-8), South East Asia Major @ GameStart 2017 in Singapore (Oct 14-15), RTX London in London (Oct 14-15), and Arc Revolution Cup 2017 (Arc Revo) at Toushinsai in Tokyo (Oct 21).[29] Arc Revo's playable demo featured an updated build referred to as the "Toushinsai build" in the gameplay manual, which included the third introduction trailer's characters as playable except for Weiss.[30] Following these events, Arc System Works put out a survey on BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle's official website in both English and Japanese requesting feedback from participants of any of the four events. It was available until Nov 8, 2017 at 8 am PST. [31]

In this first build in October 2017 at Toushinsai, Reject Guard used only half a skill gauge and Distortion Duo only used one skill gauge. Resonance Blaze had a maximum of four levels, and the amount of time spent in Resonance Blaze was extended depending on its level. One round lasted only 120 seconds, and players started with all three out of three skill gauges. The initial roster consisted of Ragna the Bloodedge, Jin Kisaragi, Yu Narukami, Yosuke Hanamura, Hyde, Linne, and Ruby Rose. Hazama, Rachel Alucard, and Weiss Schnee were added to the roster in the Toushinsai build. [32]

January 2018

During ASW FGA, it was announced that Arc System Works would appear at the 2018 Japanese Evolution Championship Series (Evo Japan) with a new demo featuring twenty playable characters (the twenty non-DLC characters).[33] It was announced at a later date that Arc System Works would also be appearing at Taipei Game Show 2018 (TaGS, TGS) along with a playable demo of Cross Tag Battle. This second playable build of Cross Tag Battle was presented simultaneously at Evo Japan (Jan 26-28, 2018) and Taipei Game Show (Jan 26-29, 2018).

In January 2018's build, Reject Guard and Distortion Duo had their costs changed to use 1 skill gauge and 2 skill gauges respectively, Resonance Blaze's max level was increased to five, and the amount of time spend in Resonance Blaze was changed to fifteen seconds excluding hitstun regardless of level. One round's length was increased to 180 seconds, and players started the round with only one skill gauge available out of a maximum of six. Additionally, this build added stage names to the pre-battle cutscene, as well as the Crash Assault "Crash!" indicator. [34] The roster was increased to twenty, adding in Noel Vermillion, Azrael, Iron Tager, Makoto Nanaya, Nu-13, Es, Chie Satonaka, Yukiko Amagi, Waldstein, and Gordeau.

April 2018

On March 8, 2018, Arc System Works America revealed that Cross Tag Battle would be playable at Anime Ascension at Irvine, California (Mar 31-Apr 1), and Anime Boston at Boston, Massachusetts (Mar 30-Apr 1).[35] A week after, it was also revealed to be at Sakura-Con in Seattle, Washington (Mar 30-Apr 1). These three conventions were the first to have available a playable build of Cross Tag Battle featuring the English dub.[36] The English dub would also continue on to be featured in the ARC Live!s following these three events.[37] They were followed by Sakura Fight Festa in London (Apr 7-8), the Brussels Challenge in Brussels (Apr 7-8),[38] and Next Level Battle Circuit in New York City (Apr 11)[39].

From Apr 8 to May 19, Cross Tag Battle playable demos were featured in various stores across Japan, alongside demos of Persona 3 Dancing Moon Night and Persona 5 Dancing Star Night.[40]. Demos were also made available in various GameStops across North America the week after April 11[41], and users were encouraged to provide feedback through the hashtag #BBTAGdemo.[42]

May 2018

The fighting game tournament KSB 2018 in Kansai (May 4-6) featured a new build of Cross Tag Battle containing the twenty base roster characters with their finalized command lists, as well as allowing Blake and Kanji, Orie, and Platinum from the DLC Character Pack 1 to be playable for the first time.

August 2018

BBTAG released a free trial on Steam for the duration of Evo 2018's weekend, allowing players to try out any of the twenty base characters in the roster.[43] After Evo 2018, the DLC characters for Character Packs 4, 5, and 6 were revealed and made available to demo at Evo's Bar Fights afterparty.[44]

February - March 2019

The news of Version 1.5 and BBTAG in arcades was announced at JAEPO 2019, and arcade location tests for version 1.5 were held at Akihabara Hey in Tokyo, Taito Station Phoedra Osu, and Taito Station Osaka Nipponbashi on February 9 - 10, 2019.[45]

Console demos of Version 1.5 including the English dub were available at the Game Developer's Conference 2019 (GDC 2019) in San Francisco between March 18 to 22[46] and at SoCal Climax in Long Beach, California on March 22[47].

Open Beta and Demo

<tabs plain> <tab name="NA"> Hosted by Arc System Works America, the North American demo covers the beta and demo available to Canada, Mexico, and the USA for the PS4 and Switch.[48]

PS4
Date Details
May 9 - May 12, 2018 Open beta for PSN pre-orders
  • 20 characters
  • Casual Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU), VS Mode (2P)
May 12 - May 14, 2018 Open beta for all PSN users
  • 20 characters
  • Casual Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)
  • VS Mode (2P) for PSN pre-orders only
May 14, 2018 ~ Offline-only demo for regular users
  • 4 characters
  • Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)

Offline-only demo for PSN pre-orders

  • 20 characters
  • Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice, VS Mode (CPU), VS Mode (2P)
Switch
Date Details
May 10 - May 14, 2018 Online demo for all users
  • 20 characters
  • Casual Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)
May 14, 2018 ~ Offline-only demo
  • 4 characters (Ragna, Yu, Hyde, Ruby)
  • Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)

</tab> <tab name="EU"> Hosted by PQube Games, the European demo covers the beta and demo available to Europe for the PS4. They did not host a demo or beta for the Switch.[49][4]

PS4
Date Details
May 18 - May 20, 2018 Open beta
  • 20 characters
May 21, 2018 ~ Offline beta
  • 4 characters

</tab> <tab name="JP"> Hosted by Arc System Works, the Japanese demo covers the beta and demo available to Japan for the PS4 and Switch.[50]

PS4
Date Details
May 9, 2018 15:00 - May 14, 2018 24:00 Open beta for PSN pre-orders
  • 20 characters
  • Casual Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU), VS Mode (2P)
May 12, 2018 16:00 - May 14, 2018 24:00 Open beta for all users
  • 20 characters
  • Casual Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)
May 14, 2018 ~ Offline demo for PSN pre-orders
  • 20 characters
  • Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)
May 14, 2018 ~ Offline demo for all users
  • 4 characters (Ragna, Yu, Hyde, Ruby)
  • Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)
Switch
Date Details
May 11 16:00 - May 14, 2018 24:00 Open beta for all users
  • 20 characters
  • Online Lobby, Tactics Mode (Tutorial & Practice), VS Mode (CPU)

</tab> </tabs>

My Tag Cheer Campaign

On March 2, 2018, the BlazBlue official twitter announced a special campaign called the My Tag Cheer Campaign (推しタッグ応援キャンペーン Oshi Taggu Ōen Kyanpēn)[51]. During this campaign, fans could tweet with the hashtag #BBMyTag to express their favorite tag-team in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle. Tweets in the hashtag containing original art would be retweeted by BlazBlue's official account, and fans could like or retweet others' tweets to show support. Especially popular tag teams would have a gameplay video made for them. Additionally, players who participated in the hashtag were automatically entered into a drawing for a specially-illustrated tapestry drawn by HIGUCHI Konomi, the main designer for Cross Tag Battle.[52] It was later clarified that only participants living in Japan could be sent the prize, although participation itself was open to everyone.[53] The event closed on May 31, 2018.

#BBMyTag Gameplay Videos
  1. Mar 2, 2018
    Beginning today, the "My Tag Cheer Campaign." Our starting tag-team ended up being Weiss × Waldstein! Although it's a surprising combination, there's more than enough potential! Please enjoy, and be sure to turn the sound on.
    Weiss/Waldstein
  2. Mar 15, 2018
    We're grateful so many have participated in the "My Tag Cheer Campaign." We introduce today the hot topic of Blake・Azrael's tag team! The two of few words...
    Blake/Azrael (@tansandaisuki3's tweet)
  3. Mar 31, 2018
    This time's tag team is Ruby・Orie! The bright Ruby and calm Orie, whether in public or in private will form a good team! Please enjoy it with the sound on.
    Ruby/Orie (@yonuishi's tweet)
  4. Apr 13, 2018
    This time's tag team is Es・Linne! The two that shoulder great destinies on their small frames. Can they become friends as well as partners in battle? Please enjoy with the sound on!
    Es/Linne (@comics_HasiBiro's tweet)
  5. Apr 27, 2018[54]
    This time's tag team is Makoto・Chie! Kicks, punches, and guts interweave; these two's combination is unstoppable! Please enjoy with the sound on!
    Makoto/Chie (@fukuitakumi's tweet)
  6. May 11, 2018[55]
    This time's tag team is Hakumen・Weiss! Beautiful yet stern, graceful yet dauntless. When the two fight together, none can look away! Please enjoy with the sound on!
    Hakumen/Weiss (@migimigis' tweet)

Twitter Beta Test Countdown

The BlazBlue official Twitter (@BLAZBLUE_PR) began posting a series of tweets counting down to the first day of beta testing for Cross Tag Battle two weeks before the test. Each tweet featured a tag-team and a movie showing off the team's unique intro and outro lines.

Countdown Tweets
  • Apr 25, 2018
    [2 Weeks Until the Start of BBTAG's Beta Test!]The forever bickering Ragna and Jin. However, when forced to fight together, the siblings depend on each other...!?
    Ragna/Jin
  • Apr 26, 2018
    [13 Days Until the Start of BBTAG's Beta Test!]The exchange of high-fives is proof of their friendship. At Yosuke's words, Yu is in a surprisingly good mood?
    Yu/Yosuke
  • Apr 27, 2018
    [12 Days Until the Start of BBTAG's Beta Test!]From wielding the same type of weapon comes a certain harmony. Just which part of Ruby's high spirits does Gordeau find amusing?
    Ruby/Gordeau
  • May 7, 2018
    [2 Days Until the Start of BBTAG's Beta Test!]Yukiko's fire and Weiss' ice dance. Although it makes for a breathtaking show, the two seem a little dissatisfied...?
    Yukiko/Weiss
  • May 8, 2018
    [1 Day Until BBTAG's Beta Test Begins!]Yosuke speaks, yet Linne reacts philosophically...!? But when it comes down to it, these two can finish the job!
    Yosuke/Linne
  • May 8, 2018
    [BBTAG's Beta Test Begins Today at 16:00!]Ruby takes a deep interest in Ragna's weapon. Even being scolded isn't discouraging...!
    Ragna/Ruby
  • May 9, 2018
    [BBTAG's Beta Test Begins!]Noel's caution contrasts against Hyde's aggression. However, they don't forget to follow [each other]...!
    Noel/Hyde

Videos

Upload Date Video Featuring
Trailers
Jul 16, 2017 Initial teaser trailer Ragna the Bloodedge
Yu Narukami
Hyde
Ruby Rose
Dec 8, 2017 PlayStation Experience 2017 trailer
Mar 16, 2018 Europe announcement trailer
Mar 28, 2018 Promotion Video (TV CM Version) (Japanese)
Mar 30, 2018 Promotion Video (Pre-release)
Apr 12, 2018 [Note 1] English dub trailer
May 11, 2018 [Note 2] Persona 4 Arena highlight trailer
May 23, 2018 Under Night In-Birth highlight trailer
May 16, 2018 [Note 3] RWBY highlight trailer
Jun 5, 2018 Launch Trailer + Developer Message
Jan 24, 2019 Arcade Version Trailer
Aug 4, 2019 Version 2.0 Announcement Video Yumi
Akatsuki, Blitztank
Neo Politan
Nov 5, 2021 Rollback Netcode Update Announcement
Character Trailers
Sep 15, 2017 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #1 Jin Kisaragi
Yosuke Hanamura
Linne
Oct 15, 2017 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #2 Rachel Alucard
Hazama
Weiss Schnee
Oct 20, 2017 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #3 Noel Vermillion
Chie Satonaka
Waldstein
Nov 17, 2017 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #4 Gordeau
Yukiko Amagi
Azrael
Dec 15, 2017 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #5 Iron Tager
Makoto Nanaya
Nu-13
Es
Jan 13, 2018 [Note 5] Special Promotion Movie Blake Belladonna
Feb 15, 2018 [Note 4] Character introduction trailer #6 Platinum the Trinity
Orie
Kanji Tatsumi
Mar 15, 2018 Character introduction trailer #7 Aegis
Carmine
Jubei
Apr 19, 2018 Character Introduction Trailer #8 Naoto Shirogane
Vatista
Hakumen
Aug 4, 2018 Incoming Character Updates Trailer (EVO 2018) Nine the Phantom
Izayoi, Yuzuriha
Akihiko Sanada, Mika
Merkava, Mitsuru Kirijo
Labrys, Mai Natsume
Aug 8, 2018 [Note 6] Character Pack 4-6 Reveal Trailer (English Language) Nine the Phantom
Izayoi, Yuzuriha
Akihiko Sanada, Mika
Merkava, Mitsuru Kirijo
Labrys, Mai Natsume
Feb 16, 2019 Arcade BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Character introduction trailer (EVO Japan 2019 Naoto Kurogane
Teddie
Seth
Heart Aino
Sep 21, 2019 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Version 2.0 Character Introduction Trailer Celica A. Mercury
Elizabeth
Tohru Adachi
Hilda
Susano'o
Openings
May 10, 2018 Opening Movie
Gameplay
Oct 6, 2017 New York Comic Con build Ragna/Yu vs. Ruby/Hyde
Ruby/Yu vs. Jin/Linne
Jin/Hyde vs. Yosuke/Linne
Ragna/Hyde vs. Ruby/Linne
Oct 24, 2017 (Famitsu) Toushinsai build video Ruby/Hyde vs. Ragna/Yu
Ruby/Yosuke vs. Jin/Rachel
Ruby/Yosuke vs. Ragna/Yu
Ruby/Jin vs. Hyde/Jin
Ruby/Linne vs. Ragna/Ruby
Oct 25, 2017 (Dengeki) Toushinsai build video 1 Ruby/Hyde vs. Ragna/Yu
Ruby/Yu vs. Yu/Linne
Oct 25, 2017 (Dengeki) Toushinsai build video 2 Jin/Yu vs. Ruby/Rachel
Jan 29, 2018 (Bahamut Gamer) Taipei Game Show build Yukiko/Weiss vs. Noel/Hyde
Linne/Ruby vs. Linne/Noel
Yu/Gordeau vs. Makoto/Ragna
Yosuke/Nu-13 vs. Waldstein/Yu
Jan 29, 2018 (macyayaya) Taipei Game Show build See video description for timestamped matchups
Mar 3, 2019 Naoto Kurogane Introduction
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)
Naoto Kurogane
Mar 12, 2019 Teddie Introduction
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)
Teddie
Mar 15, 2019 Seth Introduction
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)
Seth
Mar 22, 2019 Heart Aino Introduction
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)
Heart Aino
Mar 22, 2019 (PS360HD2) Version 1.5 Seth/Naoto Kurogane vs. Heart Aino/Teddie
Sep 22, 2019 BBTAG 2.0 Character Gameplay Reveal Stream
Twitch (EN)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)
All characters introduced in version 2.0
Sep 27, 2019 Ver 2.0 Yumi - Introduction Video
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)
Yumi
Oct 15, 2019 Ver 2.0 Neo Politan - Introduction Video
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)
Neo Politan
Oct 15, 2019 Ver 2.0 Akatsuki - Introduction Video
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (JP)Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)
Akatsuki
Oct 17, 2019 Ver 2.0 Blitztank - Introduction Video
Favicon-yt.png YouTube (EN)
Blitztank

External Links

Notes

  1. First revealed on Twitter Apr 11, 2018, via @PlayStation
  2. First revealed on Twitter May 17, 2018 via @AtlusUSA
  3. First revealed on Twitter May 10, 2018, via @RoosterTeeth
  4. 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Re-uploaded Aug 22, 2018 with the game's ESBR rating
  5. Uploaded on YouTube Jan 22, 2018, unlisted
  6. First revealed Aug 4, 2018 at the EVO 2018 afterparty, Bar Fights

References

  1. Gematsu, Arc System Works America to publish BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle in North America
  2. Dualshockers, pQube is bringing BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle to Europe this summer, pre-orders now open
  3. Twitter, PQube (@PQubeGames), #BBTAG NEWS! Europe will be getting a PS4 offline demo from May 18 until release! There will also be a PS4 closed beta: May 18 to May 20 with 4 characters! There will not be pre-orders on the PSN or the e-Shop. Switch will not have a demo or beta. Release slated for June!
  4. 4.0 4.1 Twitter, PQube (@PQubeGames), The release date for BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE in Europe is June 22nd on PS4 and Switch! The ultimate fighting crossover is almost there! The open beta started today and boasts the full base roster of 20 characters on PS4! Offline demo (4char) from May 21st until release! #BBTAG
  5. https://twitter.com/BLAZBLUE_PR/status/1118711664583405568
  6. Gematsu, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle DLC Character Packs 4, 5, and 6 announced; fifth franchise teased
  7. Gematsu, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle DLC characters Naoto Kurogane, Teddie, Seth, and Heart Aino announced
  8. Polygon, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle announced at Evo 2017
  9. Famitsu.com (JP), 『ブレイブルー クロスタッグバトル』がアーケードに登場! 2019年春より稼動開始、2月9日と10日にはロケテストも実施
  10. Gemtasu, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle version 2.0 update launches November 21, adds nine DLC characters
  11. Arc System Works Blog, Steam版『BLAZBLUE CENTRALFICTION』、Steam / PS4版『BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE』にロールバックネットコード実装が決定!
  12. https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/702890/view/3108050393090250417
  13. https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/702890/view/6150237114771395229
  14. https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2022/09/15/tokyo-game-show-xbox-stream-2022-recap/
  15. 15.0 15.1 15.2 15.3 15.4 Weekly Famitsu, March 8 2018 issue, p. 22
  16. 16.0 16.1 BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Official Site (JP), Offline Mode
  17. 17.0 17.1 17.2 Dengeki Online, 『ブレイブルー クロスタッグバトル』最新プレイレポート。エピソードモードと『RWBY』のワイスに注目
  18. Twitch, ArcSystemWorksU, May 2, 2018 ARC Live EP13
  19. 19.0 19.1 19.2 Weekly Famitsu, April 12 2018 issue, pp. 40-41
  20. Famitsu.com, これを読めばゲーム内容が丸わかり!『ブレイブルー クロスタッグバトル』最速リポート
  21. Famitsu (JP), Interview with Mori Toshimichi (EVO 2017)
  22. Twitch, ArcSystemWorksU, Feb 12, 2017 ARCLive - Live Q&A with the Producers of BlazBlue and Guilty Gear
  23. Twitch, Arc System Works, Arc System Works Official Live: August Episode
  24. Arc System Works (JP), BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle announced for the platforms PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam!
  25. Twitch, redbullesports, 2018 EVO USA Announcement Show
  26. Twitter, ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU), ARCLive Announcement
  27. Twitch, ArcSystemWorksU, Feb 7, 2018 ARC Live EP1
  28. Shoryuken, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle reveals US pricing, English dubbing questions answered
  29. Arc System Works (JP), BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle's first playable demo will be available in four cities worldwide!
  30. Arc System Works (JP), BBTAG Command List (Toushinsai Build)
  31. Twitter, BLAZBLUE OFFICIAL (@BLAZBLUE_PR), BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Free Play Survey Announcement
  32. BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, Toushinsai Build Manual & Movelists (JP) (pdf)
  33. Famitsu (JP), BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle's release date, Blake Belladonna revealed!
  34. Reddit, r/BlazBlue, u/mactonya, BBTAG Command List & Informations
  35. Twitter, ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU), "BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle" playable over Easter weekend
  36. Twitch, ArcSystemWorksU, Mar 14, 2018 ARC Live EP6
  37. Twitch, ArcSystemWorksU, Mar 28, 2018 ARC Live EP8
  38. Twitter, PQube (@PQubeGames), BBTAG will be at Sakura Fight Festa and Brussels Challenge
  39. Shoryuken, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle will be playable at Next Level Battle Circuit on Wednesday, April 11th
  40. Arc System Works (JP), 「BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE」体験会&サイン会開催決定! あの人気作品との合同体験会も?!
  41. Twitter, Arc System Works (@ArcSystemWorksU) BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle will be playable at GameStop display cases next week
  42. Twitter, Arc System Works (@ArcSystemWorksU), The #BBTAG Gamestop demo rollout is still going strong! Who has had the chance to get their hands on it? Share your pics & thoughts with us with #BBTAGdemo!
  43. Twitter, @arcsystemworksu, #BBTAG is rocking the main stage at #EVO2018 - so let’s celebrate with a free weekend on Steam! Play with the base roster from right now until August 6th. Join the #EVO2018 hype and try it out!
  44. 4Gamer, Evo 2018 BBTAG Character Reveal
  45. Arc System Works (JP), 「BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE」がアーケードに登場!
  46. Twitter, @arcsystemworksu, 👀 #GDC19 #BBTAG
  47. Twitter, @SoCalClimax, [https://twitter.com/SoCalClimax/status/1109178898200199168 “Seems like we have a last minute special surprise! The newest BBTAG patch will be available to play at tonight’s event thanks to @ArcSystemWorksU! Come on down and try out the new characters before release! 😁
  48. Arc System Works, BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle Open Beta and Demo Comes to Switch!
  49. Twitter, PQube (@PQubeGames), #BBTAG NEWS! Europe will be getting a PS4 offline demo from May 18 until release! There will also be a PS4 closed beta: May 18 to May 20 with 4 characters! There will not be pre-orders on the PSN or the e-Shop. Switch will not have a demo or beta. Release slated for June!
  50. Arc System Works (JP), 「BLAZBLUE CROSS TAG BATTLE」PlayStation®4/Nintendo Switch™ Open Beta Test Begins 5/9(水)!
  51. Twitter, BLAZBLUE OFFICIAL (@BLAZBLUE_PR), "My Tag Cheer Campaign" Announcement
  52. Arc System Works (JP), Twitter campaign #BBMyTag "My Tag Cheer Campaign" Begins!
  53. Twitter, BLAZBLUE OFFICIAL (@BLAZBLUE_PR), "My Tag Cheer Campaign" Clarification
  54. Twitter, BLAZBLUE OFFICIAL (@BLAZBLUE_PR), https://twitter.com/BLAZBLUE_PR/status/984679507033374720
  55. Twitter, BLAZBLUE OFFICIAL (@BLAZBLUE_PR), https://twitter.com/BLAZBLUE_PR/status/989701404716486656