Melty Blood: Type Lumina - A Bloody Good Time for Fighting Game Fans!

Melty Blood: Type Lumina isn’t your typical fighting game. Drawing inspiration from the visual novel series “Tsukihime,” this anime fighter throws you into a world where vampires, sorcerers, and other supernatural beings clash in a flurry of blood-soaked combat. Developed by TYPE-MOON and published by French Bread, Melty Blood: Type Lumina serves as both a reboot and evolution of the franchise’s fighting game legacy, offering accessibility for newcomers while retaining the intricate depth that veterans adore.
But what exactly makes this game tick? Let’s delve into its fascinating world!
A Tapestry of Tragedy and Transformation
Melty Blood: Type Lumina’s narrative unfolds in the shadows of a mystical conflict. The story revolves around Shiki Tohno, a young man struggling with his own vampiric nature. Caught between the mortal realm and the supernatural underworld, Shiki confronts enemies both human and otherworldly, unraveling secrets about his past and destiny.
While the game’s fighting mechanics are its core attraction, the narrative threads woven throughout provide a deeper layer of engagement. Cutscenes rendered in breathtaking anime style bring the characters to life, showcasing their motivations and complex relationships. Exploring the individual storylines unlocks hidden depths within the Melty Blood universe, enriching the overall experience beyond simple button-mashing.
Character | Archetype | Fighting Style |
---|---|---|
Shiki Tohno | Balanced | Precise swordplay with unique Mystic Eyes abilities |
Arcueid Brunestud | Rushdown | Aggressive, close-range combat with powerful magic |
Ciel | Zoning | Long-range attacks and projectiles for control |
Akiha Tohno | Grappler | Powerful throws and close-quarters pressure |
A Symphony of Swords and Spells: The Gameplay Mechanics
Melty Blood: Type Lumina distinguishes itself through a unique blend of high-speed action and intricate mechanics. Players can choose from a diverse roster of 14 characters, each boasting distinct fighting styles and special moves rooted in their individual stories.
The game employs a six-button layout (light, medium, heavy attack, plus three magic buttons), offering a versatile range of offensive and defensive options. Melty Blood: Type Lumina encourages creative combos and skillful execution. Mastering the timing and rhythm of attacks is crucial for success, rewarding players with satisfying stringers that unleash brutal damage.
The Lunar Drive System: Central to Melty Blood’s combat depth is its “Lunar Drive” system. By building up a meter through successful attacks and defense, players can activate this powerful resource.
- Crescent Moon: Enhances your special moves for increased damage and range.
- Full Moon: Grants access to unique Super Moves, capable of turning the tide of battle with devastating force.
Managing your Lunar Drive efficiently is key. Knowing when to unleash its power for maximum impact can mean the difference between victory and defeat.
The Roman Cancel System:
Melty Blood: Type Lumina also features a “Roman Cancel” system, adding another layer of tactical depth. This mechanic allows players to cancel the recovery frames of their attacks and moves, enabling extended combos, rapid-fire offense, and cunning escapes from unfavorable situations.
- Red Roman: Cancels a single attack, offering offensive flexibility
- Blue Roman: Cancels multiple consecutive attacks for extended combo potential
- Gold Roman: A powerful cancel that allows for mix-ups and tricky mind games
Learning the nuances of Roman Cancels can elevate your gameplay from competent to truly masterful.
Accessibility Meets Depth: A Game for Everyone
One of Melty Blood: Type Lumina’s greatest strengths lies in its balance between accessibility and depth. The game features an intuitive tutorial mode that introduces newcomers to its mechanics, gradually building up their understanding of combos, special moves, and system mechanics.
For seasoned fighting game veterans, Melty Blood: Type Lumina offers a wealth of complexity and strategic options. The vast roster of characters, diverse playstyles, and intricate Lunar Drive and Roman Cancel systems provide endless possibilities for mastering the game’s intricacies.
Beyond its core gameplay loop, Melty Blood: Type Lumina boasts a robust online multiplayer mode, allowing you to test your skills against opponents from around the world. Ranked matches let you climb the competitive ladder, while casual lobbies offer a more relaxed environment to hone your techniques and experiment with different characters.
Melty Blood: Type Lumina is more than just a fighting game; it’s an experience that blends anime aesthetics, compelling storytelling, and deep gameplay mechanics into one bloody good time. Whether you’re a seasoned fighter looking for a fresh challenge or a newcomer eager to dive into the world of anime brawlers, Melty Blood: Type Lumina has something to offer everyone. Prepare to unleash your inner warrior and carve your path to victory!