Hey guys! Get ready to ignite your cosmos because we're diving deep into the world of Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul! This game is a total blast for any fan of the classic anime and manga series. Whether you're a seasoned veteran of the Sanctuary or a newbie just discovering the power of the constellations, there's something here for everyone. Let's break down what makes this game so special and why it deserves a spot in your collection.

What is Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul?

Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is a fighting game developed by Dimps, the same folks behind the Dragon Ball Xenoverse series. That should give you a clue right away that we’re talking about some high-octane, over-the-top action! Released in 2015, it’s available on PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PC. This installment builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers, with enhanced graphics, smoother gameplay, and a roster packed with even more iconic characters.

The game primarily focuses on retelling the major arcs of the Saint Seiya storyline. You'll relive the intense battles of the Sanctuary arc, where Seiya and his bronze saints must fight through the twelve Gold Saints to save Athena. Then you'll journey into the Poseidon arc, facing off against the mighty Mariner Generals in the underwater temple. And, of course, you can't forget the epic Hades arc, where the saints descend into the underworld to confront the God of the Dead himself. Each arc is brought to life with stunning cutscenes and faithfully recreated environments that will transport you straight into the anime.

But what really sets Brave Soldiers Soul apart is its focus on the Soul of Gold arc. This storyline, which was airing alongside the game's release, features the resurrected Gold Saints and their battles in Asgard. It's a fantastic addition that gives long-time fans something fresh and exciting to play through. You get to see the Gold Saints in a whole new light, with powerful God Cloths and unique abilities that make them even more formidable.

Beyond the story mode, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul offers a variety of gameplay options to keep you entertained. You can test your skills in Versus mode, challenging your friends or the CPU to intense one-on-one battles. There's also a Survival mode where you face wave after wave of enemies, pushing your endurance to the limit. And for those who love customization, the game features an extensive collection of unlockable costumes, accessories, and support characters that you can use to personalize your favorite saints.

The combat system in Brave Soldiers Soul is designed to be accessible yet deep, allowing both casual players and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts to enjoy the action. You can pull off flashy combos with simple button presses, but mastering the advanced techniques like Cosmo charging, Seventh Sense Awakening, and Big Bang Attacks is key to dominating your opponents. Each character has their own unique moveset and fighting style, so experimenting with different saints is crucial to finding the ones that suit your playstyle.

In summary, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is a comprehensive package that delivers a thrilling and authentic Saint Seiya experience. With its engaging story mode, diverse gameplay options, and a massive roster of characters, it's a must-have for any fan of the series. So go ahead, unleash your Cosmo and prepare for battle!

Key Features of the Game

Okay, let’s break down the key features that make Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul a standout title. These are the things that really make the game shine and why you should definitely consider picking it up if you're a Saint Seiya fan.

Massive Roster of Characters

First off, the character roster is absolutely huge. We're talking about nearly 50 playable characters, including all the Bronze Saints, Silver Saints, Gold Saints, and even some Gods and other powerful entities. Each character is meticulously recreated with their signature moves, costumes, and voice acting. Whether you're a fan of Seiya's Pegasus Meteor Fist, Shiryu's Rising Dragon Blow, or Ikki's Phoenix Illusion Demon Fist, you'll find your favorite techniques faithfully represented in the game.

What's really cool is that the game doesn't just include the main characters; it also features many of the more obscure and niche saints from the series. This gives you a chance to experiment with different fighting styles and discover new favorites. Plus, each character has their own unique story and motivations, which adds depth to the gameplay experience.

Faithful Story Adaptation

As mentioned before, Brave Soldiers Soul covers the major story arcs of the Saint Seiya series, including the Sanctuary, Poseidon, and Hades arcs. The game does an excellent job of capturing the drama and intensity of these storylines. You'll relive the most iconic moments from the anime and manga, from Seiya's desperate battles against the Gold Saints to the climactic showdown with Hades in the depths of the underworld.

The cutscenes are beautifully animated and feature the original Japanese voice cast, which really helps to immerse you in the world of Saint Seiya. The game also includes a lot of fan service, with plenty of references and Easter eggs that will delight long-time fans of the series.

Soul of Gold Content

One of the biggest selling points of Brave Soldiers Soul is its inclusion of the Soul of Gold storyline. This arc, which was airing alongside the game's release, features the resurrected Gold Saints and their battles in Asgard. It's a fantastic addition that gives long-time fans something fresh and exciting to play through. You get to see the Gold Saints in a whole new light, with powerful God Cloths and unique abilities that make them even more formidable.

The Soul of Gold content adds a significant amount of playtime to the game and provides a deeper understanding of the Gold Saints' personalities and motivations. It's a must-play for any fan of the series and a great reason to pick up Brave Soldiers Soul.

Enhanced Gameplay Mechanics

Brave Soldiers Soul improves upon the gameplay mechanics of its predecessor with smoother animations, faster combat, and more responsive controls. The game features a unique Cosmo system that allows you to charge your energy and unleash devastating special attacks. Mastering the Cosmo system is essential to winning battles and dominating your opponents.

The game also introduces the Seventh Sense Awakening, a powerful transformation that boosts your character's stats and unlocks new abilities. Awakening your Seventh Sense at the right moment can turn the tide of battle and give you the edge you need to emerge victorious.

Customization Options

Finally, Brave Soldiers Soul offers a wide range of customization options that allow you to personalize your favorite saints. You can unlock new costumes, accessories, and support characters by completing challenges and progressing through the game. These customizations not only change the appearance of your characters but also affect their stats and abilities.

The ability to customize your saints adds a layer of depth to the gameplay experience and encourages you to experiment with different combinations. It's a fun way to express your creativity and create your own unique team of warriors.

In conclusion, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is packed with features that will appeal to both casual fans and hardcore enthusiasts. With its massive roster of characters, faithful story adaptation, Soul of Gold content, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and customization options, it's a game that you can play for hours on end. So what are you waiting for? Grab your controller and prepare to fight for justice!

Gameplay and Mechanics

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of gameplay and mechanics in Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul. This is where we talk about how the game actually feels to play, the systems it uses, and how you can master them to become the ultimate Saint.

Combat System

The combat system in Brave Soldiers Soul is designed to be accessible to newcomers while still offering depth for experienced fighting game players. At its core, it's a 3D arena fighter where you control your chosen Saint and battle against opponents in various environments inspired by the anime series.

You have a range of basic attacks at your disposal, including punches, kicks, and special moves. These attacks can be chained together to create combos that deal significant damage. Timing and positioning are crucial, as you'll need to anticipate your opponent's moves and react accordingly.

One of the key elements of the combat system is the Cosmo gauge. This gauge represents your character's spiritual energy, and it's used to perform special attacks and techniques. You can charge your Cosmo by holding down a button, but be careful, as you're vulnerable to attacks while charging. Managing your Cosmo effectively is essential to unleashing your full potential.

Special Attacks and Big Bang Attacks

Speaking of special attacks, each character in Brave Soldiers Soul has a unique set of signature moves that are instantly recognizable to fans of the series. These attacks range from simple projectiles to devastating melee strikes, and they're all visually stunning and true to the source material.

To perform a special attack, you'll need to input a specific button combination while having enough Cosmo in your gauge. Some special attacks can be charged for extra power, while others can be chained into combos for even more damage. Mastering your character's special attacks is key to dominating battles.

But the real showstoppers in Brave Soldiers Soul are the Big Bang Attacks. These are the ultimate techniques that represent the characters' most powerful abilities. To perform a Big Bang Attack, you'll need to fill your Seventh Sense gauge, which is a separate meter that charges as you take and deal damage.

Once your Seventh Sense gauge is full, you can activate your character's Seventh Sense Awakening, which temporarily boosts their stats and unlocks their Big Bang Attack. These attacks are incredibly powerful and can often turn the tide of battle in an instant. However, they're also risky to use, as they leave you vulnerable if they miss.

Cosmo and the Seventh Sense

Cosmo is basically your energy bar. It lets you do special moves and other cool stuff. Seventh Sense is like going Super Saiyan – it makes you stronger and unlocks even more powerful attacks. Mastering these two is key to winning!

Dodging and Blocking

Of course, offense isn't everything in Brave Soldiers Soul. You'll also need to be able to defend yourself against your opponent's attacks. The game features a simple but effective blocking system that allows you to negate most incoming attacks. However, blocking consumes your Cosmo, so you can't rely on it indefinitely.

Dodging is another crucial defensive maneuver. By pressing a button at the right moment, you can evade your opponent's attacks and create openings for counterattacks. Dodging requires precise timing and anticipation, but it's a valuable skill that can save you from taking a lot of damage.

Aerial Combat

Brave Soldiers Soul also features a unique aerial combat system that allows you to take the battle to the skies. By jumping and dashing in mid-air, you can engage in fast-paced aerial dogfights with your opponents. Aerial combat requires a different set of skills and strategies than ground-based combat, but it can be a lot of fun and add a new dimension to the gameplay.

Strategy Tips

• Learn Your Character: Each Saint has unique moves and playstyles. Spend time in training mode to master them! This is extremely important because you get to discover your character's special abilities and limitations.
• Manage Your Cosmo: Don't just spam special moves. Conserve your Cosmo for critical moments. If you overuse it, you'll be left vulnerable. This can be a game-changer in tough battles!
• Time Your Dodges: A well-timed dodge can save you from a Big Bang Attack! This takes practice, but it's worth it. Dodging not only avoids damage but also creates opportunities for counterattacks.
• Exploit Weaknesses: Every character has weaknesses. Find them and exploit them! Observe your opponent's patterns and habits to find openings. Knowing when and where to strike can make all the difference.

So, that's the lowdown on the gameplay and mechanics of Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul. With its accessible combat system, deep strategic elements, and stunning visuals, it's a game that's easy to pick up but hard to master. So grab your controller, unleash your Cosmo, and prepare for battle!

Final Verdict

Alright guys, let's wrap things up with the final verdict on Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul. After diving deep into the game's features, gameplay, and content, it's time to deliver the ultimate judgment. Is this game worth your time and money? Let's find out!

Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is a fantastic fighting game that truly captures the essence of the beloved anime and manga series. With its massive roster of characters, faithful story adaptation, Soul of Gold content, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and customization options, it's a package that's sure to delight fans of all ages.

The gameplay is accessible yet deep, offering a satisfying experience for both casual players and hardcore fighting game enthusiasts. The combat system is easy to pick up, but mastering the advanced techniques like Cosmo charging, Seventh Sense Awakening, and Big Bang Attacks requires skill and dedication.

The graphics are impressive, with beautifully animated cutscenes and faithfully recreated environments that transport you straight into the world of Saint Seiya. The character models are detailed and expressive, and the special effects are flashy and visually stunning.

The sound design is also top-notch, with a memorable soundtrack that captures the epic scale of the series. The original Japanese voice cast does an excellent job of bringing the characters to life, and the sound effects are impactful and immersive.

However, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is not without its flaws. The story mode can be repetitive at times, with some battles feeling like filler. The AI can also be inconsistent, with some opponents being surprisingly challenging while others are easily defeated. And the online multiplayer mode can suffer from lag and connectivity issues.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul is still a must-have for any fan of the series. It's a loving tribute to the world of Saint Seiya that's packed with content and features that will keep you entertained for hours on end.

So, what's the final score? I'm giving Saint Seiya: Brave Soldiers Soul a solid 8.5 out of 10. It's a fantastic game that's well worth your time and money. Whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to have a blast with this epic fighting game.

So go ahead, unleash your Cosmo, and prepare for battle! The fate of the world depends on it!