BLEACH Brave Souls Celebrates 9th Anniversary: Exclusive Interview with Morita Masakazu on Xbox, Nintendo Switch Versions

It has gained overwhelming support around the worldBLEACHAn exhilarating 3D action game based on the original“BLEACH Brave Souls” (hereinafter “Breath Souls”)On July 23, 2024, the 9th anniversary will be celebrated.“9th Anniversary Special anew version of Ichigo Kurosaki”A special commemorative campaign is currently being held, including a gacha where you can win prizes.

Additionally, the Xbox version will be released today, with the Switch version scheduled for release soon, further expanding the range of play styles.

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And this time, the voice of Ichigo KurosakiMasakazu MoritaWe conducted an interview to commemorate the 9th anniversary. We asked him about his impressions of playing the Xbox and Switch versions, his experience using the “9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo,” and his passion for “BLEACH” and “Bleach: Brave Souls.”

What is Brave Souls, which will be released on Xbox and Switch?

This is an exhilarating 3D action game based on the TV anime “BLEACH.” You can run freely through 3D space with simple controls, enjoy the powerful special moves that are unique to “BLEACH,” and create your own ultimate team with your favorite characters. This is a must-have for “BLEACH” fans.

In addition to being able to read stories based on the original work, including the “Soul Society Arc” and “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc,” one of the reasons for its popularity is that many characters appear dressed in original costumes that are exclusive to this work.

The Xbox version of Bleach: Brave Souls was released today, June 27th, with a Nintendo Switch version scheduled for release soon. All game modes are compatible with game controller controls. Not only can you enjoy comfortable game controls, but you can also enjoy an immersive gaming experience on a large screen such as a TV, as if you were in the world of Bleach.

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This game, which was released for mobile devices in 2015, will be discontinued in July of this year.9th AnniversaryWe will welcome.

The anniversary events are always grand, and this year there will be a variety of campaigns, including the appearance of the “9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo,” the release of the 9th anniversary teaser video, and the 9th Anniversary Thank You Gacha.

*The game is compatible with Xbox One, and thanks to backward compatibility it can also be played on Xbox Series X|S.

Masakazu Morita's thoughts on the Xbox and Switch versions of Bleach: Brave Souls as it celebrates its 9th anniversary

With the release of the Xbox and Switch versions of Bleach: Brave Souls, the range of playstyles has expanded even further. We spoke to Masakazu Morita about his impressions of playing the Xbox and Switch versions, as well as his thoughts on the further developments being made in Bleach and Brave Souls.

–Bleach: Brave Souls will be celebrating its ninth anniversary in July. How do you feel about it?

Morita:I have no words other than gratitude for Bleach: Brave Souls.

In addition, in Brave Souls, there were parts where I played a role that went beyond the story of the previous TV anime series. After deepening my understanding of the character and acting through Brave Souls, I was able to have the very rare experience of playing Ichigo in the TV anime Bleach: The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.

It also seems that our fans feel the same way about Brave Souls as we do. Brave Souls filled the void we felt when the previous TV anime series, Bleach, ended. We've received fan letters from people who are still playing the game after the series ended, so it's very rewarding.

Furthermore, not only the contents of the original manga, but also the novel version of BLEACH are incorporated into the game. I think BLEACH has played a major role in bringing together the worldview of BLEACH.

— Xboxversion and Nintendo Switch version,9How do you feel about deciding to develop on a new platform in your second year?

Morita:There are many ways to enjoy games, some people play on their smartphones when they're out and about, and of course there are people who just love playing games at home. With the increased number of console options, I think everyone will be able to enjoy Bleach: Brave Souls in a way that suits their lifestyle.

I think that for gamers who like to use a controller on a big screen at home on their days off, the environment has been made easy to play Bleach: Brave Souls. For smartphone users, like me, I think that by trying the Xbox or Switch version, you can experience the pleasure of playing a game on a big screen while controlling a controller. I think that compatibility with home platforms will be a good opportunity to provide players with new experiences.

With the increased options available, we hope players will have a great time experiencing the even more comfortable Bleach: Brave Souls.

–What did you think after playing the Nintendo Switch and Xbox versions?

Morita:I enjoyed it in a different way than on a smartphone. With the smartphone version, my hands are inevitably reflected on the screen, but with the Xbox and Switch versions, my hands are not reflected on the screen, so I felt a greater sense of spaciousness on the screen and a more immersive gaming experience. Also, since I've been playing games since the Famicom era, I felt a sense of security with the controller. It felt like I was holding a familiar Zanpakuto. I started with a shallow attack on the Famicom, but now that I'm holding the Switch and Xbox controllers, I feel like I've reached “Bankai” (laughs). Also, with the Xbox version, I felt a sense of security that I could press the buttons firmly. On the other hand, with the Switch version, I felt smoother operability by moving the stick around.

–What is the appeal of the game to players who are planning to play the Xbox or Nintendo Switch version?

Morita:By switching to portable mode on the Switch version, I was able to enjoy it with a feeling closer to that of a smartphone. Players who plan to try out the Xbox or Nintendo Switch version in the future will be able to feel the sensation of slashing with a Zanpakuto by pressing the buttons on the controller. And I definitely recommend it, as I think you can feel the power of the large screen.

–There will also be a 9th anniversary character in July. Who do you think it will be?.

Morita:I think it's Euglam Hashvald! I'm sure a Quincy will be there. Yhwach and Uryu Ishida are also suspicious, but I think he's a character I'd like to use for the 10th anniversary. So if all goes well, Hashvald is definitely the one I'm looking for.9th Anniversary Special PVI watched it, and the more I think about it, the more I'm troubled. However, I predict that Hashvald will be the 9th anniversary character!

–What are your thoughts on the design of the “9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo”?

Morita:No, it's really cool, isn't it? The “9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo” is a design of Kurosaki Ichigo using the power of Mugetsu, which only appears briefly in the original manga and anime, but it's really cool. This form is very popular with fans, so I feel that it is very meaningful to unveil it to everyone as the 9th anniversary character.

The game is packed with a variety of character traits, including special moves, and I think this character will be highly desirable for beginners and veteran players who are familiar with Bleach: Brave Souls. In addition, Bleach: Brave Souls' game mechanics and graphics, such as the backgrounds, have been meticulously polished, so I think the design of the 9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo is expressed very coolly on the game screen. I hope that you will be able to get your hands on the 9th Anniversary Special anew ver. Kurosaki Ichigo. Keep spinning the gacha (laughs).

–The second season of BLEACH: The Thousand-Year Blood War was broadcast last year, and with the third season coming up, it looks like BLEACH is still going strong. Please tell us your enthusiasm for the future development of BLEACH, including Brave Souls.

Morita:“BLEACH” itself became a huge hit as soon as it began serialization in Jump, and was made into an anime and a movie, and related works such as “Bleach: Brave Souls” were produced one after another, and it has become an increasingly large piece of content. I have played Kurosaki Ichigo in so many scenes that I can't even remember them all. The new “BLEACH” anime, “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc,” is “a job that will become one of our representative works for us, the cast.” It has a great meaning, like a life's work, that goes beyond just providing a voice.

Acting as a cast member in the anime “Thousand-Year Blood War Arc” has a very strong meaning as a culmination for “BLEACH” and for me. This feeling is not only mine, but also the other cast members and staff members. Although we don't know what goal we will reach, each staff member is working hard as a team without setting any limits for themselves. “How much will the fans be pleased?” This thought is a common understanding on the production site.

Also, as has been the case since the game's release, I can really feel the strong attachment and respect the Brave Souls production team has for Bleach. For scenes featuring each character's special moves, the production staff created scenes that weren't shown in the anime. The original visuals are incredibly beautiful, and there are many scenes that we, the cast, never imagined. You can really tell that the staff put their heart and soul into creating Brave Souls. I'm sure that feeling has been conveyed to fans through the game, which has led to the game being able to continue providing service for such a long period of time for nine years. I think that because we've been moving forward with such strong feelings, Brave Souls will naturally achieve even greater success.

–Finally, please give a message to fans of Bleach and Brave Souls, as well as new players who are considering playing the Xbox or Switch version.

Morita:BLEACH has become a long-lasting content. As time passes, children who used to sit next to their older brothers and watch BLEACH will grow up and be able to experience the BLEACH anime and manga with their own hands, and play Bleach: Brave Souls. I hope these people will have the experience of controlling a Shinigami or Quincy with their own hands, something they couldn't do as children. The game is set firmly in the world of BLEACH, so you can experience it as if you were a character. I think you'll have even more fun playing Bleach: Brave Souls if you carefully read the anime and manga and get to know the details of the work!

Now, with the addition of the Xbox and Switch versions, the number of platforms has increased, further expanding the range of play styles. It's been about nine years since the release, and some people may be hesitant to start playing Brave Souls now, but the game is designed so that you can enjoy it no matter when you start, so please don't be afraid to get started. There is also a system in the game where veteran players can support beginners. In addition, the official BLEACH Brave Souls YouTube channel also has videos of tutorials for beginners.

In this way, the environment is set up so that you can start playing Brave Souls even now. If you like Bleach, I want you to enter the world of Brave Souls and play. Bleach is just so cool. So even if you haven't come into contact with Bleach through anime or manga, I want you to jump into the world of Brave Souls with the Antonio Inoki spirit of “just go without hesitation, you'll understand when you get there”!

Introducing the “BLEACH Brave Souls” Campaign

[9th Anniversary Thank You Gacha]

Event period: June 20th (Thursday) 16:00 to July 19th (Friday) 15:59

Introducing the 9th anniversary Special anew ver. of Ichigo Kurosaki, and the Bangasa 2024 ver. of Shunsui Kyoraku and Nanao Ise!

You can get a “Choose a new character★5 guaranteed ticket” at STEP 10, STEP 30, and STEP 50!

[Free Thousand-Year Blood War Gacha]

Event period: June 20th (Thursday) 16:00 to July 31st (Wednesday) 15:59

A special gacha is now available, where you are guaranteed to get one 5-star Thousand-Year Blood War character, limited to one time per person!

[Free Seasonal Brave Soul Gacha]

Event period: June 20th (Thu) 16:00~

During the event period, you can draw up to 100 times for free in the “Free Seasonal Brave Soul Gacha”!

[Big Thank You for the 9th Anniversary]New Platform Release Commemorative Campaign

  • New platform release commemorative login bonus

  • Soul Ticket Login Bonus

  • Special Order to Commemorate the Release of New Platform

  • Limited to once a day: Rukia's EXP Gain Strategy

  • Limited to once a day Resurrection Light Gift Quest

  • Droplet drop rate doubled in Trial of Shizuku and Heavy Spirit Land of Shizuku

Individual Pack

Additionally, the following measures are available exclusively to the Xbox version of Brave Souls:

  • Xbox version release commemorative free pack

  • Xbox version release commemorative beginner support pack

  • Xbox version release commemorative pack

[Switch/Xbox version release commemorative giveaway campaign]

To celebrate the release of Brave Souls on Nintendo Switch and Xbox, we are running an amazing repost campaign where you can enter a chance to win a Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Brave Souls merchandise, and more.

[Xbox release commemorative gift campaign period]

June 27th (Thursday) – July 10th (Wednesday) 23:59

[Switch release commemorative gift campaign period]

Coming soon!

■BLEACH Brave Souls Official X

https://twitter.com/Bleach_BS

“BLEACH Brave Souls”Steam/ iOS/ Android/ PS4/ BlueStacks Available for download on / Xbox One/ Xbox Series X|S/Nintendo Switch.

*The Nintendo Switch version will be released soon.

*Campaign content and period may change without notice.

© Kubo Tite / Shueisha, TV Tokyo, dentu, Pierrot

©KLabGames

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