Okay, so here's the thing: I have a soft spot for fighting games. Always have. Always will. And yeah, I know, there are the big names, the Street Fighters and Mortal Kombats that everyone knows. But what about the underdogs? The ones that tried something a little different? That's where Battle Arena Toshinden comes in. And guess what? It might be making a comeback.
Edia, the company that currently owns the rights to the series (and no, I hadn't heard of them either until recently), has apparently been dropping hints about a possible revival on current-generation consoles. Now, before you get too excited, let's manage expectations. This isn't a confirmation. It's more like... a breadcrumb trail. But a trail nonetheless. And honestly? I'm kind of excited.
Why Should You Care About Battle Arena Toshinden?
Well, for starters, it was one of the first fighting games to really embrace 3D movement. I mean, sure, Virtua Fighter got there first, but Toshinden had a certain… flair. Each character had their own weapon, which, back in the mid-90s, felt revolutionary. It wasn't just about punches and kicks; it was about swords, staves, and all sorts of other pointy things. Plus, the game had this weirdly compelling storyline about a mysterious tournament and a bunch of fighters with their own agendas. It was cheesy, sure, but in the best possible way. The frustrating thing about this topic is that it is not as famous as other fighting games, but it is still nostalgic.
But beyond the nostalgia, there was also genuinely interesting gameplay here. The controls were relatively simple, but the combat had a surprising amount of depth. And the characters! Lawnmower man Mondo, the mysterious Kayin Amoh, Sofia...all had unique fighting styles. It was definitely a game where you could find a character that clicked with you.
And the music! Oh man, the music. It was pure 90s cheese, but it was so good. Epic orchestral scores mixed with techno beats. It perfectly captured the game's over-the-top atmosphere. Speaking of atmosphere, I should mention that the stages in this game were very good!
Battle Arena Toshinden may not have reached the heights of some of its contemporaries, but it deserves respect for trying new things and creating a unique identity in a crowded genre.
The Potential Revival: What We Know (and What We Don't)
Okay, so what do we actually know about this potential revival? Honestly? Not much. Edia hasn't officially announced anything. But they have been teasing it on social media. Retweeting old screenshots, posting cryptic messages… the usual stuff. But it's enough to get the rumour mill churning. I keep coming back to this point because it's crucial.
There is so much history that makes it interesting. In fact this game series also appeared on the Playstation portable console. You might be wondering what is the reason for the decline in the series. After Toshinden 4, the series went silent.
I've been doing a little digging, and it seems like Edia has been focusing on mobile games and pachinko machines in recent years. So, the fact that they're even considering bringing back a classic console franchise is kind of a big deal. Plus, given the current trend of retro revivals, it makes sense that they'd want to cash in on the nostalgia factor. But here's the thing: if they're going to do it, they need to do it right. A half-baked port or a lazy remake just won't cut it. If this is a full revival, I hope the developers add online functionality to the game. And more fighters as the game goes on.
What a Modern Battle Arena Toshinden Needs
I've got to admit, this part fascinates me. If Edia is serious about bringing back Battle Arena Toshinden, what should they do to make it relevant for today's gamers? Here's my wishlist:
- Modern Graphics: Obviously. But not just a simple up-res. I want a full visual overhaul. Think Street Fighter IV or Guilty Gear Strive.
- Tight Gameplay: The core mechanics of the original were solid, but they could definitely be refined. Make the movement more fluid, the combos more intuitive, and the overall experience more satisfying.
- Online Multiplayer: This is non-negotiable. Any fighting game released today needs a robust online mode with ranked matches, leaderboards, and all the bells and whistles.
- A Compelling Story: The original story was… well, let's just say it wasn't exactly Shakespeare. But there's potential there. Expand on the lore, flesh out the characters, and create a narrative that's actually worth investing in.
- A Killer Soundtrack: Bring back the original composer! Or, at least, find someone who can capture the same epic, cheesy vibe of the original.
Look, I know this is a long shot. There's no guarantee that Battle Arena Toshinden will ever see the light of day again. But a man can dream, can't he?
Imagine this: playing on the new consoles, with updated graphics, and all the old familiar characters. I do believe that this can be a success with the right marketing, but only time will tell. If this revival happens, I really hope that Kayin Amoh and Eiji Shinjo are present, or I will riot.
FAQ About a Potential Battle Arena Toshinden Comeback
Will the original characters be included in the new game?
That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? While there's been no official confirmation, it's highly likely that Edia would want to include the classic roster to capitalize on nostalgia. Fan favorites like Eiji, Kayin, Sofia, and Mondo would almost certainly make the cut. However, whether they'd also introduce new characters or variations on existing ones remains to be seen. If this revival happens, I really hope that Kayin Amoh and Eiji Shinjo are present, or I will riot. This will make for a lot of revenue for the company.
How would a modern Battle Arena Toshinden improve on the original's gameplay?
A modern version of Battle Arena Toshinden could benefit from several key improvements. Refined movement and combo systems would make the combat feel more fluid and intuitive. Enhanced graphics and visual effects would bring the game up to modern standards. And of course, online multiplayer with ranked matches and leaderboards would be essential for competitive play. Plus, they could expand on the weapon-based combat system, adding new moves and strategies to master.
Why didn't Battle Arena Toshinden reach the same level of popularity as other fighting games?
There are a few reasons why Battle Arena Toshinden didn't quite reach the same heights as Street Fighter or Mortal Kombat. While it was innovative in its use of 3D movement and weapon-based combat, it also had some shortcomings. The controls could be a bit clunky at times, and the story wasn't particularly compelling. Plus, it faced stiff competition from other fighting games that had already established a strong fanbase. I've got to admit, the game can be clunky at times.
What current generation consoles could a revival be released on?
If a revival of Battle Arena Toshinden were to happen, it would most likely be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. These are the main platforms for modern console gaming, and they all have a large and active player base. I think it would do great on all current gen consoles!
