Below is the first of a series of exclusive features about Arc System Works' upcoming BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 for the Nintendo 3DS. Arc Systems Works was kind enough to supply us with series information for research, guidance and a lot of media (be sure to check out our gallery!) to use for these features and for that we thank them. Over the next few weeks leading up to the game's release on November 4th we will have more features to come, including an interview with the game's director Toshimichi Mori and of course a review to cap it all off.

1. What is BlazBlue?

BlazBlue is a 2D fighting series developed by Arc System Works, who are also famous for the Guilty Gear series. The series has appeared in arcades and on a number of consoles but BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 marks the first time it has appeared on a Nintendo console.

2. What other games have there been in the series?

The first was BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger released in Japanese and American arcades back in 2008, before being released on the PS3 and Xbox 360 the following year and the PSP and PCs in 2010.

This was followed by BlazBlue: Continuum Shift, which was released in Japanese arcades in 2009 and for the PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2010. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 is the sequel to this and after having already been released in arcades in Japan, America and Europe, as well as downloadable updates for the PS3 and Xbox 360, it is due out in Europe on the PSP and Nintendo 3DS on November 4th. BlazBlue: Continuum Shift Extend is also due out on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PlayStation Vita later this year in Japan.

While BlazBlue: Continuum Shift 2 is the first 'proper' title released for a Nintendo console a DSiWare spin-off game called BlayzBloo: Super Melee Brawlers Battle Royale was released in the Japanese and American markets last year. Unlike the other games it is a 3D arena fighting game that up to four players could participate in.

3. How does BlazBlue play?

The BlazBlue series, excluding BlayzBloo: Super Melee Brawlers Battle Royale, belongs to the 2D traditional fighting genre. Players compete in one to five "rebels", i.e. rounds, and the winner is whoever obliterates their opponents health completely or who has the most health once the time runs out.

As well as a weak, medium and strong attack each fighter has a unique technique known as a Drive attack, which are also known as A,B,C and D moves. Combo attacks are a staple of a genre and of course feature in the BlazBlue games as well as other staples such as grabs and blocking moves..

BlazBlue also features a heat gauge that is affected by characters either inflicting or receiving damage. Once the heat gauge has more than 50% heat special 'distortion drive' moves can be performed, which are moves that cause a lot of damage to the opponent.

A number of new features have been implemented in BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 including the "Abyss" mode where players must fight their way down an abyss spending their earned points on improving their characters in and RPG-lite take on the fighting genre. There are also two additional story mode elements exclusive to BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 that are centered around the universe's two main factions: the NOL Academy and the secretive Sector Seven organisation. Players can also purchase unlockables by gathering experience points, rewarded for reaching certain goals, and exchanging them in the Gallery.

4. What about the fighters?

The BlazBlue series contains 18 playable characters and 23 non-playable characters who play a role in the story elements. BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 allows you to play as all 18 fighters, all of which are wildly different and unique - something the series is renowned for.

The fighters have all been meticulously designed to not only be visually appealing but also feel natural, with elements such as clothing, movement and character all considered during the planning stages, as can be seen in our behind-the-scenes images. The series director Toshimichi Mori claimed in our exclusive interview (coming soon) that he wanted to create a game that allows you to become "emotionally involved with the characters".

Toshimichi Mori promises a world that people can "get involved in" with characters who all have their own paths so stay tuned as more details about what each of these characters are like will be coming in a different feature.

5. How many stages will there be?

A fighting game always needs interesting and well designed backgrounds for their fighters to compete against and BlazBlue Conitnuum Shift 2 is no different. With a wide variety of stages based on characters and their personal backgrounds there is plenty to keep you from getting bored. Be sure to check out the artwork we have included for a detailed look at how much detail is involved in each of these.

6. How will BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 utilise the unique 3DS features?

BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 will, of course, use the stereoscopic 3D display available on the Nintendo 3DS. Toshimichi Mori told us that creating a 2D fighter for a 3D console proved quite a challenge, but in the end they combined 3D models and 2D layers in the background and used lighting and shading techniques to blend them.

Unfortunately the game does not other Nintendo 3DS features such as StreetPass and SpotPass due to Arc System Works wanting to focus on making an accurate port of BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2, but they seem eager to continue the series so hopefully future iterations will include support for these features.

7. What kind of unlockables are there in BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2?

Just like many contemporary fighting games BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 contains a variety of unlockable content that rewards players who work their way through the game. We won't say what exactly is contained, nor how you can get it, but expect to be able to unlock original artwork, character variations and medals as well as much more! Needless to say BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 will certainly reward eager players for their time and effort.

8. Is there a special edition version for fans of the franchise?

Fans of BlazBlue are in for a treat as Arc System Works is set to release BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 Manga Edition to satisfy all collectors needs. This special edition is limited to 200 copies and only available from their online store and contains the prologue manga BlazBlue: Phase Zero and a chibi Ragna keyring - all for �49.99.

9. What's in the future for the series?

Toshimichi Mori states that there is still more story to be told for BlazBlue so don't expect the series to go anywhere any time soon. In addition to idea of a BlazBlue vs Guilty Gear game has been proposed and in our exclusive interview Mr. Mori seemed interested in the Nintendo Wii U.

We hope you enjoyed our introductory look into BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2 and feel free to leave us comments below. Stay tuned over the coming weeks for even more exclusive BlazBlue content!