The latest issue of Famitsu magazine has a new coverage for Guilty Gear Strive. Following up on the official live stream that revealed the release date along with more characters, it goes in-depth on the major overhaul made to the online mode. [Thanks, Ryokutya2089.]
The online lobby gets a renewal with pixel-styled avatars. Although these avatars may look like 2D, they are actually made in 3D. The coverage also confirmed that Arc System Works is abolishing Ranked Matches—where players had to keep winning to raise their ranks. In place of that, players can enter a “Floor” that is suitable for their aptitude levels and have matches without having to worry about points.
The magazine also has an interview with Daisuke Ishiwatari and Akira Katano from Arc System Works, and you can read some of the highlights right below:
- Daisuke Ishiwatari: “We forget all traditions from past titles for once and reconsider how Guilty Gear ought to be like; that’s how we’re developing this game.”
- “There is a clear split between pros and cons from existing fans in regards to the system reform; that left quite the impression.”
- Akira Katano: “The ratio of people who desire new things is higher than we thought; I saw opinions like ‘It was fun’ so I’m glad about that.”
- “We’re thinking of a structure that didn’t exist in the series until now, where you can enter online battles without any stress.”
Guilty Gear -Strive- will officially launch for the PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC on April 9, 2021. The Ultimate Edition and the digital-only Deluxe edition will be available on the PS5 and PS4 three days earlier on April 6, 2021. 13 characters including the newcomer Giovanna will be selectable on early access, while Anji Mito and one more character will round up the launch roster. An open beta test for the game is also scheduled to take place in early 2021.
