Bleach: Soul Carnival 2 (PSP)

Bleach: Soul Carnival 2 is an enjoyable – if somewhat relatively short – sidescrolling action RPG for the PSP, based on Tite Kubo’s Bleach franchise. The game looks visually appealing and goes for a “cute” look by using chibi versions of the characters. Despite the simplistic visuals, there’s depth in the gameplay and you’ll be amazed at the kind of fights that you’ll take part in as a bobble head-like version of Ichigo hacks, slashes, busts out getsuga tenshous, and even transforms into hollow mode while mowing down armies of hollows and the occasional Arrancar.

Notes:

I own both Bleach: Soul Carnival and Soul Carnival 2, but I’m only posting about Soul Carnival 2 for two simple reasons: first is that they use the same game engine, which means they can be treated as two parts of a single game. Second is that all the cool powers and fights usually happen in later installments of the Bleach franchise. So for all intents and purposes, Bleach: Soul Carnival 2 should be the game you have to get. The only exception is if you care too much about the story of the first (which you shouldn’t, if you can’t read Japanese or if you already know the story from the anime and manga.)

As mentioned above, it’s in Japanese but you can ignore the text as it’s all about the action (alternatively, there are translations floating all over the web.) You control Ichigo (or any of the other characters that the game will throw at you in order to suit the story) and you go from one side of the screen to the next. Fairly straightforward hack and slash stuff.

It has RPG elements built in, where the characters can improve its stats via the “soul board, where you slot in “soul pieces”), but it’s fairly easy to ignore as you focus more on the action elements. Anybody who’s played Muramasa Blade on the Wii will be familiar with the gameplay. Soul Carnival 2 plays a lot like a slower and less complex Muramasa Blade. You hack away at various cannon fodder until you get to a boss. It’s a fairly linear experience that is made worthwhile by the pleasing visuals and the fact that you’re playing a Bleach game, especially one with a Chibi Full Hollow Ichigo (you do have to work at it, as it can only be unlocked by completing certain tasks.)


There are a number of improvements SC2 had over SC1, but the one that will be noticed most is the upgraded roster. Once you’ve unlocked all the characters (generally simply by beating specific stages in the story mode,) you’ll have access to Yoruichi, Hitsugaya, Renji, Kenpachi, Byakuya, and Shunsui. Of course there’s your starting character, Ichigo. The increased roster adds a little bit of replay value to the game.

Additionally, it’s worth pointing out that having save data for Heat the Soul 6 and Soul Carnival 1 will net you free accessories in Soul Carnival 2, such as the “Heat of Soul” and “Soul Carnival,” which provide bonus stats.