It’s the Bleach renaissance and fans are in for a treat. In addition to the return of the Thousand-Year Blood War anime arc, Bleach: Rebirth of Souls is set to hit consoles after more than a 10-year hiatus, with publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment announcing the release date in a new trailer: 21 March 2025.
Set against a preview of the song “Die for Love” by MIYAVI, it covers the Substitute Soul Reaper Arc and teases upcoming character trailers for Sosuke Aizen and Genryusai Yamamoto. The game’s story will follow the original manga up to the Arrancar arc and see players cutting down their opponents’ Reishi (or health, in conventional terms), in which breaking down one gauge deals damage to their Konpaku, or remaining health.
Combos can be used to destroy Konpaku, and Reverse Actions — comprising Soul Reverse (increase Spiritual Power and recover Reishi), Chain Reverse (continue a combo and increase Spiritual Power), and Burst Reverse (cancel an opponent’s combo and recover Guard Gauge) — serve as offensive and defensive attacks. Accumulating Spiritual Power allows players to unleash Spiritual Pressure Moves and awaken Bankai thereafter.
The trailer also details the special editions for the 3D action fighting title, including the Deluxe and Ultimate Edition. The former includes a season pass with four playable characters, one-week early access, and Soul Crystals, while the latter features ten additional Thousand-Year Blood War and Rebirth of Souls costume sets (five for each). The Thousand-Year Blood War Toshiro Hitsugaya and Yoruichi Shihoin costume sets will be available as a pre-order bonus.
“Awaken the blade and reverse your fate in Bleach: Rebirth of Souls. Engage in thrilling action-packed battles with iconic characters from the legendary anime franchise, including Ichigo Kurosaki, Rukia Kuchiki, Uryu Ishida, and Yasutora Sado (Chad),” reads the synopsis for the game. “In the game, players will be able to unleash unique sword abilities like Bankai and unlock new forms in battle to claim victory against their opponents.”
Here’s the list of other confirmed fighters, with the roster classified into World of the Living, Soul Society, and Hueco Mundo:
- Kisuke Urahara
- Byakuya Kuchiki
- Yoruichi Shihoin
- Gin Ichimaru
- Rangiku Matsumoto
- Toshiro Hitsugaya
- Kenpachi Zaraki
- Kaname Tosen
- Soi Fon
- Izuru Kira
- Renji Abarai
- Mayuri Kurotsuchi
- Ulquiorra Shifar
- Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck
- Grimmjow Jeagerjaques
Bleach: Rebirth of Souls launches on 21 March 2025 for the Xbox Series X|S, Steam, PS4 and PS5. The game’s development was inspired by the anime’s 20th anniversary and will feature the same visually arresting and crisp look of Thousand-Year Blood War Arc. The show is currently in its third cour, with one more non-consecutive cour set to round out the final arc, spanning volumes 55 to 74 of the manga.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
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