Bleach: Soul Ignition gameplay is kind of disappointing

At least, that’s the impression I get from the demo, which is available from the Japanese PlayStation Network Store right now.

That’s a bit of a bummer for me, as I was hoping for an HD Bleach game that could contend with the excellence of, say, Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2. Instead we’ve got a brawler whose fighting system makes Sengoku BASARA: Samurai Heroes look complex and nuanced. And I like that style of game. 

Not to say that it’s terrible, though. At least it’s not a 2D fighting game developed by Eighting, like the last bazillion Bleach games. And I do love how colorful the special effects are, a welcome relief from the high-contrast ink-spill aesthetic of the manga. Also, Ichigo’s ranged attack shoots flaming skulls. That has to count for something!

Ah well, we’ve got until sometime in 2011, plus however long it takes for Sony to ponder a western release to make a final judgment.