The more interesting of the modes available, outside of Story mode, is Survival where the player attempts to win as many Beyblade matches in a row as humanely possible. There is also a mode that makes it possible for two players (local wireless) to see who is the best. There is Data Battle where data from other modes is used to create opponents for the player. Unsurprisingly, the other modes all consist of more Beyblade battles. At its best, the story is more like an excuse to have Beyblade matches (or mini-games) at every moment whilst playing this mode. Otherwise, it’s a shame that it never really feels like there is much to do in Story mode beyond taking on endless matches. The only real progression comes from the tournaments that appear every once in a while. Characters will either eagerly accept challenges or complain about being busy – yet still accepting to start a match if the player persists.
Oddly enough, it doesn’t feel like there is ever any proper story progression. Each mini-game is a welcome break from the constant battles and it’s Beyblade: Evolution at its best. It consists of identifying parts for each Beyblade. There is even a mini-game that tests the knowledge of veteran Beyblade fans. Some of them even make use of unique 3DS features, such as augmented reality to aim Beyblades at floating balloons. There’s quite a lot of different mini-games to play too. These are a welcome addition to what would have been basically just Beyblade match after match. There are some rather impressive prizes for the grand winner.įunnily enough, one of the best aspects of playing through Story mode is the mini-games. Still, at least it manages to capture the essence of the anime – that thrill that comes from eagerly awaiting who comes out as the winner.Įvery once in a while there are tournaments where players can face more powerful opponents. Perhaps due to how little control there is over Beyblades once they are thrown. It does seem like matches end too quickly though. As already explained, battles consist of just one match. Here players will face off against various other characters (presumably from the anime) in battles and mini-games. One of the main attractions in Beyblade Evolution is the Story mode. StreetPass users can also trade Beyblade configurations with others who have the feature active, whilst fans of the anime will spend hours attempting to win enough BB points in battles to buy every part. There are so many parts to choose from and putting them together results in all kinds of Beyblades. These are then used to build various Beyblade types in the Bey Factory. Parts are available to purchase from a shop. This makes up somewhat for the lack of proper interaction with the Beyblade during a match.Įspecially as it also ties in nicely with the concept of building Beyblades. Each comes with its own strengths and weaknesses – power type works best when thrown at the edge of a stage. These consist of traditional types such as defence and stamina. Other ways of ensuring victory in a Beyblade match is making use of the various Beyblade types. Yet again, throwing the Beyblade with the right timing at the start will ensure this spirit power fills up faster. It literally makes the Beyblade go faster, but it’s necessary to use caution as it also works on the opponent’s Beyblade, if it gets hit by the spirit power instead. The only interactions players have during this phase is by throwing a spirit power (that builds up over course of battle) at the Beyblade. Unfortunately, there isn’t much else that the player controls during the battle itself, with both Beyblades fighting it out until one stops moving or is pushed off the stage. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that fans immediately get used to the idea of going through this process every time a new battle starts. This action manages to successfully replicate that throw that characters from the anime do just before shouting the iconic “Let it rip” catchphrase. Then the player is prompted to literally make a throwing motion at just the right time to gain the advantage. Using a Beyblade in a traditional battle basically, consists of first holding the 3DS handheld level – so the tilting mechanism works properly.
Getting to grips with a Beyblade isn’t so difficult, but there are some handy tutorials to go through when first starting Story mode. Perhaps that is why the latest iteration of the series, Beyblade Evolution, has been released recently Are you ready to let it rip? Beyblade is not as popular as other animes, but there is no denying that it has done extremely well in terms of merchandise sales.