めがち

EVO is next week and I just wanted to write up a quick primer on what’s going on in Blazblue! I think it’s really exciting that a game that hasn’t been updated in 10~ years is still getting new storylines. XCaliburBladez - The reigning EVO2025 and current #1 player in the world. Not only is he an amazing player, but he is also using the strongest character in the game Carl Clover and was so dominant that the NA community got together and created a doc pushing to ban Carl. The plan failed and XCal is still winning everything he enters, although he is not unbeatable and definitely has had some very narrow victories. He’s entering EVO this year with a huge target on his back; can he unblockable loop his way to another championship? Monarch - Before XCal started his run, Monarch was the undisputed king of NA and won almost every tournament he entered for 3 years straight. He stepped back from the game to focus on Granblue, but after losing the crown he’s back on the grind. Known for his defense, he is content just blocking his way out of the scariest mixups and punishing his opponents once they get desperate and overextend. Unfortunately, you can’t block unblockables. Fenritti - Many consider him to be the greatest Blazblue player of all time back during the Arcade era. He stopped practicing the game seriously to focus on his SF6/COTW esports career, but has been playing the game again this past year. Maybe inspired by his recent defeats to the NA players? He’s coming off a poor performance at Combo Breaker this past month, so hopefully we can see the GOAT return. Japan Army - There are 12 (Twelve!) Japanese players flying out to EVO for Blazblue this year, which might be a record. While the scene in Japan is not as fierce as it was back in the day, many in this group are veterans who experienced (and won) during the strongest era. There is no doubt that these are all top players, but this will be the first time traveling overseas and playing in a tournament for many. Will they be able to handle the EVO experience and play their best? NA Zoomer Legion - In 2022, Blazblue got Rollback Netcode which unlocked an entire new generation of players. While they may not have as many years played as the veterans, they make up for it in pure grinding. It’s not uncommon to see these guys with 25,000+ matches played and dozens of tournaments entered. If anything, these are the players in the best condition and most accustomed to the current offline scene. NA Boomers - Old guys that are just in Vegas to drink and hang out at the pool and somehow make Top 8. Let’s go, boomers! International - Looking at the Top 32 seeding, I only see Division and LLon attending - both playing the zoner v13 and both very strong. But it’s worth noting there are incredibly strong players around the world who won’t be in attendance this year. Also need to give a shoutout to the Brazil scene who held a fundraiser tournament to send their top players out but got stopped by the visa hurdle. This is just a quick overview of what I’m watching; I’m sure there will be some upsets and big performances from people not on here. Can’t wait for this tournament and looking forward to how the storylines progress after it’s over!