Based on the cult classic visual novel Tsukihime, French Bread, TYPE-MOON, and DELiGHTWORKS enter the ring once again with their new fighter Melty Blood: Type Lumina. Rebuilt from the ground-up, does it have what it takes to stand out in a crowded space?
Melty Blood: Type Lumina Review
When it comes to the world of 2D fighters, the anime fighters of the lot are in a league of their own. Melty Blood falls squarely into this territory, with dashes, recovery ukemi moves, and enough flash to make any otaku beam with pride. Those who have traded blows in Guilty Gear -Strive- or Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late[cl-r] (from the same team, no less) will take like a duck to water with its system.
However, there are a number of factors that make Melty Blood: Type Lumina stand out. This starts with its control scheme – while players will be comboing and cancelling with the best of them with light, medium, and strong attacks, players can also make use of a shield with a fourth button. Though also a viable option, this is different from simply blocking in that it has its own properties like a Shield Counter. Don’t worry if this is a bit too much to wrap your head around; players can also choose to let the game do the heavy lifting and auto-combo with its Rapid Beat system.
The Moon Icon also comes into play – sectioned to the corner of the screen, players can make use of Moon Skills and Moon Drives as it fills up from damage dished out and received. With it in place, players can get an extra dash or jump in, and can also add a bit of extra power to their beatdowns. It’s another thing to keep track of, but it’s a welcome addition nonetheless.
Needless to say, players will need all the help they can get when battles are this frantic. Rushdowns are the name of the game here, with players pulling off multi-hit combos at the drop of a hat. Getting the advantage is absolutely crucial – those who get the first strike in can juggle their opponents like a pinball and can even continue their combo while in the air. Those weaned on the Marvel vs. Capcom line of fighters will know what to expect.
These mechanics extend to most of Melty Blood: Type Lumina’s cast. While the lighting strikes of Michael Roa Valdamjong differ from the fire blows of Kouma Kishima, it pays to be on the offensive. It’s a hallmark of the anime fighter genre, but those weaned on slower fighters best come prepared.
The suite of options in Melty Blood: Type Lumina is par for the course, but is welcome nonetheless. Those just starting out can learn the basics with its Tutorial, and can then fine-tune their abilities with its Free Training and Mission Modes. Single Play has a Story, Score Attack, Time Attack and Survival Mode, while those who want to play against a friend can do so in its Versus Mode. Online play keeps things streamlined with Ranked and Character matches, with the inclusion of Replay Data and rollback netcode a plus.
For those looking for replayability, a number of illustrations and videos can be unlocked with in-game currency in its Gallery mode. Players can also strive to reach rank S in its Survival Mode, and there’s also achievements for Perfect Clear Rates.
Those with a taste for speedy fighters will be right at home with Melty Blood: Type Lumina. The series’ in-depth mechanics are alive and well in this reboot, making this arguably the best entry yet.
This review of Melty Blood: Type Lumina was done on the PC. The game was purchased digitally.
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