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In the world of games, fierce battles between players are unfolding all over the world. Even though many genres of games exist, the popularity of beat 'em up games stands firm among competitive games. Looking back at the history of beat 'em up games, it’s clear to recognize that a plethora of innovative games across many platforms and spanning a great variety of characters have been created by many different companies. One such company celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. That company is Arc System Works.
Arc System Works is responsible for such games as the Guilty Gear series, the Blazblue series, and Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena, a new game created with the cooperation of Index’s Persona Team. These are titles that any fan of beat em’ up games is surely familiar with. With this year also being the 15th anniversary of Guilty Gear and the fifth anniversary of Blazblue, it’s certainly a turning point for the company. To commemorate this momentous year, Arc System Works is holding the biggest event in the company’s history. The name of that event is “Arc System Works Festival.”
This massive festival is being held on May 19 in the large hall of Pacifico Yokohama. At the festival, the “Arc Revolution Cup,” the finals of the nationwide tournaments for Blazblue Chronophantasma, Guilty Gear XX Λ Core Plus R, and Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena, will be held. Other events include a live concert of game music called “Arc System Works Music Live” and a live recording of the popular web radio show “Buru Raji H (Hyper),” which features voice stars from Blazblue. It is going to be a jam-packed day.
The preliminary rounds for “Arc Revolution Cup” have already been held in arcades all over Japan, and those who won will convene at Pacifico Yokohama for the finals. In March 2012, the first official tournament for the Blazblue series called “Blazblue Revolution” was held. Over roughly two months, more than 500 players from all over Japan participated each week in the tournament. With such a high turnout, the same can be expected from “Arc Revolution Cup.”
“Buru Raji H (Hyper)” is a popular web radio program broadcast on the video distribution service Nico Nico Douga. To date, the show has attained more than 20 million views. On the day of the festival, a live recording of the show will take place that includes the voice stars Tomokazu Sugita, Asami Imai, and Kanako Kondo, as well as many other voice stars from related works. Surprise guests are also a possibility. This show is shaping up to be a truly great time.
Due to the fact that the best player of Arc System Works’ three hugely popular beat 'em up games will be crowned at the event, anticipation is high, and tickets are already selling out. For fans of beat ‘em up games who won’t be able to attend, don’t get down in the dumps just yet. The editorial team here at TOM will be covering the event just for you, and we will be bringing you an in-depth report to make you feel like you’re right there and part of the action! Be sure to check back soon!
“Arc System Works Festival” Official Site:
http://www.arcsystemworks.jp/official/event/ (Japanese)
“Arc Revolution Cup” Official Site:
http://arc-revo-cup.jp/ (Japanese)
© ARC SYSTEM WORKS
This is a TokyoOtakuMode original article.
