Summary
After over ten years,Bleachis finally getting a full-fledged console game. TamSoft Corporation is developingRebirth of Souls, seeking to bringBleachinto the fighting game genre once again. The last game wasSoul Resurreccionfor the PlayStation 3, and it was a hack-and-slash, Warriors-style game. For years, Bleach only had mobile Gacha games to its name, but that all changes now with Rebirth of Souls.
Rebirth of Soulswill be a 3D-action fighting game. Akin toTekkenorSoul Calibur, but most comparisons bring it close to theNaruto Ultimate Ninja Stormseries orDemon Slayer Hinokami Chronicles. Developers have stated that the game will adapt up to the Arrancar Saga, so characters from theLost Agent and Thousand-Year Blood War arcswon’t be in the base roster.
Team Karakura
The Fighters From the World of the Living
Starting with the confirmed characters,Ichigo Kurosaki, Uryuu Ishida, Yasutora “Chad” Sado, and Yoruichi Shihouinrepresent Team Karakura. It is unclear whether Orihime Inoue will be playable, but considering her abilities are not suited for battle, her inclusion is unlikely.
Kisuke Uraharais a shoo-in, as he’s such an important character who also fights enough to warrant being playable. As forIchigo’s other forms, anime fighters are known for including multiple versions of a character as separate slots. This could be howIchigo’s Hueco Mundoself with the use of hisHollow Maskand hisVasto Lordetransformation could be implemented. As well asDangai IchigowithMugetsuas his Awakening.
Another confirmed character isWhite Zangetsu. He’s seen at the end of one of the first trailers. White Zangetsu has been playable in past games, so it makes sense he’s playable, especially after he gained popularity thanks to"The Blade is Me"being animated.
The Gotei 13
Soul Reaper Captains and Lieutenants
So far, the confirmed characters areRukia Kuchiki, Byakuya Kuchiki,andRenji Abarai, two of whom have already received a gameplay trailer. As for the other members of the Gotei,Toushirou Hitsugayahas never skipped a game, so he’s guaranteed to make it.Shunsui Kyorakuis one of the most popular captains, and his abilities fit well into a fighting game.With the spotlight he’ll receive in the anime soon, he’ll be a worthy inclusion.Zaraki Kenpachiis an obvious choice, as the series' icon for all-out, brutal fights. Zaraki is practically made for fighting games.
Soi Fonhas a high chance of making it. She’s designed to fit into a fighting game better than most characters, as her melee-focused fighting style flows perfectly into a rushdown-type fighter.Mayuri Kurotsuchi’s unique abilities would do wonders for the game, giving the roster even more variety. His out-of-the-box fighting style would make him a setplay-based, tricky character. And finally, captain commanderGenryuusai Shigekuni Yamamotocan’t be left out, his fire-based powers will be spectacular in this game’s visuals, andthanks to his epic battle with Yhwach, fans want to play as him more than ever now.
As for the Vizored,Shinji Hirakomight be the only member to make it into the base roster. Shinji’s by far the most popular member of the team, as well as the most powerful. How his Sakanade could be adapted into a fighting game might be a difficult task for the developers, but if done right, Shinji could be another unique character.
The Espada and The Three Traitors
Sousuke Aizenis more than guaranteed, as no Bleach gamecan leave the main villainout of the playable roster. Aizen’s secondhand men,Gin IchimaruandKaname Tosen, are also made to fit into the game. Gin’s speed and deceptive range with Shinsō could immediately make him a top-tier character. Tosen’s extreme power in his Hollowfication alongside his sense-altering abilities would make him incredibly challenging to fight, as is in the original story.
As for theEspada, the selection is very easy.Ulquiorra CiferandGrimmjow Jaegerjaquezare by far the most popular members as well as two of the most iconic characters from Bleach, so their inclusion is obvious.Coyote Starrkwould fit the zoner archetype just like Uryuu Ishida is confirmed to be as well. Starrk would be different, though, asLos Lobosnot only shoots from a distance but is also known for its blinding speed.Tier Harribelwould be another anticipated addition, as she remainsone of the most beloved Espada. Tier’s water abilities would look spectacular in this game’s art style, and she would be a mid-range fighter just like Byakuya and Toushirou.Nelliel Tu Odelschwankwould round up the female fighters for the base roster, and her melee-focused, powerful fighting style, along with her Gamuza, would make her a powerful brawler.
Gotei 13:
The Espada:
This roster would satisfy most fans, leaving other characters for possible DLC. Good representation of the three main factions and has decent character variety in terms of gameplay diversity.Rebirth of Soulsis shaping up to be a great return to console gaming forBleach.
