Overview
Guilty Gear Xrd -Revelator- is a 2.5D sci-fi fantasy fighting game developed by Arc System Works and released by Sega for arcades (using their PC-based RingEdge 2 hardware via the ALL.Net P-ras MULTI Version 2 digital service) exclusively in Japan on August 25, 2015.
The seventh main installment of the Guilty Gear series (after Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign-), Xrd -Revelator- builds on the story and gameplay of Xrd -Sign- while adding new characters (some of which are from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core). It includes several new gameplay mechanics (including the "Burst Overdrive Attack" and "Blitz Attack" techniques), an "operation type" system (with an alternate control style for beginners), a revamped HUD, and stage appearance changes.
The game's Arcade Mode (now called Episode Mode) contains a brand new story for each character, set shortly after the Story Mode events of Xrd -Sign- (where Ramlethal's war declaration was a distraction involving a plan to resurrect the Gear Justice using one of the "Valentines"). The game's Story Mode is also brand new, concluding the story arc.
A console version of the game was later released for both the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 3 in Japan (self-published on May 26, 2016), North America (published by Aksys on June 7, 2016), and Europe (published by PQube on June 3, 2015). Arc System Works was later digitally released the game for the PC on December 14, 2016.
The game later received an enhanced revision in 2017, known as Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2. Owners of the console versions of Xrd -Revelator- can upgrade to Xrd Rev 2 as a paid DLC (although it was also released separately for the PS4). It was later succeeded by Guilty Gear Strive.
Gameplay
Much of the gameplay mechanics from Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign- are retained, with some differences and additions:
- Players can now pick between two Operation Types (a mechanic from the BlazBlue series) after selecting a character: Technical and Stylish. Technical is the standard type with all gameplay mechanics intact, while Stylish is a simpler type with a sixth shortcut button (Special, or SP) and special properties for beginner players. See Stylish Type for more information.
- All characters now have an enhanced Overdrive Attack, known as the Burst Overdrive Attack ("Burst Kakusei Hissetsu-waza"). Performed with the same joystick motion, but using the Dust button instead of the standard attack button, these attacks require an entire Burst Gauge (in addition to the 50% Tension Gauge), are invincible on start-up, and deal 25% additional damage (with some attacks having additional benefits). Successfully landing this attack restores a third of the Burst Gauge.
- Blitz Shield deflections now slightly refills the Burst Gauge, and crouched Blitz Shields can now be performed by holding the joystick in a down-forward angle (but can no longer block mid attacks).
- During a grounded Blitz Shield, players can now charge-up a Blitz Attack ("Blitz Shield Charge Attack") by holding down Heavy Slash button. Successful hits of this attack knocks the opponent back while stealing a portion of their Burst Gauge. At full charge, this attack cannot be deflected by an opposing Blitz Shield.
- Throw Breaks return from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, in which both players attempting a throw at the same time are knocked back instead.
- The Homing Dash now causing the opponent to tumble with the attacker pursuing them (attacking similar to Homing Jump).
Stylish Type
When players choose the Stylish Type for their character, they gain access to a sixth shortcut button (Special, or SP) and certain beginner-friendly benefits:
- In addition to normal commands for special moves and Overdrive Attacks, players can use the Special button to perform these moves. Special moves are performed by using the button on its own (with the joystick position determining the move), while a specific Overdrive Attack is performed by pressing it along with another attack button.
- After connecting with a normal attack (hit or block), players can mash the button to perform an automatic chain of attacks. This chain is adaptable to the situation, including situations where the opponent is crouching, in the air, or blocking, and uses jumps, crouches, and special moves.
- Players can automatically perform a standing guard by leaving the joystick in a neutral position.
However, there are some drawbacks to even the playfield with newcomer Technical players. Not all special moves (namely ones that require holding a joystick at a specific position) can be used with Special, and attacks using the Special button are more unsafe (with less invincibility and recovery). Also, Stylish characters take 20% additional damage from attacks.
Characters
The original arcade release included 19 playable characters, 16 of which return from Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign-. Johnny makes a return from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core, while Jack-O' is a new character in the series. Jam was later added post-release.
The Console versions of the game added three new playable characters as paid DLC, although one of them can be unlocked in-game, for a total of 23 playable characters. All three of them were later added into the Arcade version.
Additional character color palettes were made available as DLC in the Console versions.
New Additions
- Jack-O' - A "Valentine" life-form and one of the three associates of "That Man", whose main weapon is a familiar resembling an iron pumpkin flail (named "Dorpos"). She is unique in that her abilities all involve deploying upgradable spawners ("Ghosts") for minion units (or "Servants") that gravitate towards the opponent and attack when in range.
- Johnny - The captain of the Jellyfish Pirates, using a katana with the art of Iaido. His main gimmick involves a limited amount of coins he can throw to power-up his "Mist Finer" special moves. Returns from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core.
- Jam Kuradoberi - A master chef, restaurant owner, and ki-powered martial artist. She has two techniques that allow for different options (a parry and a dash) and can charge up her kick attacks (which are shown as different "cards"). Returns from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Added in the Arcade version on September 24, 2015.
- Raven - One of the three associates of "That Man", cursed with an undying body that automatically regenerates. His weapon of choice are makeshift claws made from needles pertruding from rings. He has a unique special move that allows him to absorb damage as "purple health" (which regenerates slowly, but is immediately lost on the next hit). Absorbing damage also contributes to his unique "Excitement Gauge", which buffs his attack damage. Originally playable in Guilty Gear 2: Overture. Added in Console versions (where he is unlocked either in-game or through paid DLC), and added in the Arcade version on August 4, 2016.
- Kum Haehyun - The young head of a Korean family of ki-based Tuners, piloting a robot resembling a stern elderly martial arts master she calls "Jeon Ryok Kum". Added in Console versions as paid DLC, and added in the Arcade version on August 4, 2016.
- Dizzy - The pacifist half-Gear daughter of Justice and mother of Sin Kiske. She has two sentient shapeshifting wings ("Necro" and "Undine"), who are both used for her special attacks (Necro for the fire version and Undine for the ice version). Returns from Guilty Gear XX Accent Core. Added in Console versions as paid DLC on July 17, 2016, and added in the Arcade version on August 4, 2016.
Returning Characters
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