Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax

Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax is a tribute to SEGA, fighting games, and some of the hottest anime properties out there today. The fanservice may bring all the fans to the battlefield, but the deep fighting mechanics will keep them around for weeks (if not months) to come.

While decent enough, Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax may be too simplistic for most hardcore fighting game fans to enjoy as anything more than an ephemeral lark, but is also perhaps still too complex for those that find the genre intimidating. It feels like another instance of game designers shaving off any sharp corners in an attempt to please as many people as possible. Fighting Climax shows a clear reticence to take risks, and its failure to do so betrays its potential to become truly remarkable or distinctive.

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax has made the leap West. Released for the Vita and PlayStation 3 eleven months ago in Japan, the assist-based 2D fighter brings together characters from the Dengeki Bunko portfolio in a Sega-themed world to battle against a mysterious, evil force.

Dengeki Bunko: Fighting Climax is a decently fun game despite its faults, and is easy for just about anyone to play. Hardcore or competitive fighting game players may lose interest quick though. If you’re looking to pick it up, I’d say it’s worth your time, but I’d recommend waiting for a sale.

As fun as Dream Duel is, Dengeki Bunko just isn’t worth the $39.99 that it’s being advertised for. The gameplay is mildly satisfying, however, that doesn’t make up for the lack of real variety in the game, outside of PvP matches. Story mode is god awful, and Dream Duel, while amazing, is short. Also, if you’re not a fan of fighting games, anime or both, this game serves no real purpose to you in the long run.