#Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel

[g4zdtechtv]

Cinematech Reborn #11 - Toons-A-Go-Go

Get ready to get TOONED IN with a special all-cartoon/anime episode of Cinematech Reborn!

There may be no appearances of Academy Award Winner Brendan Fraser, but we do have Brian Griffin saying that horny gamers believe anything, so that's a fair trade.

[cuppakouhii]

What if Sonico was in a fighting game?

[boredtechnologist]

Psychological Analysis of "Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel"

"Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel" for the PlayStation 4 is a visually dynamic fighting game, but beneath its fast-paced combat lies a layered exploration of psychological themes. Each heroine, drawn from Nitroplus’s diverse media catalog, carries a distinct narrative thread steeped in conflict, identity, and relational dynamics.

By examining these stories through the lenses of renowned psychologists like Carl Jung, Erik Erikson, and Lev Vygotsky, this analysis delves into how the game explores the human psyche while inviting players to reflect on deeper existential questions.

Carl Jung and the Archetypal Tapestry

The game’s roster is a convergence of characters who represent archetypes from Carl Jung’s theory of the collective unconscious. Jung proposed that universal patterns, or archetypes, shape human behavior and storytelling across cultures.

In Nitroplus Blasterz, this interplay is evident: Al Azif embodies the archetype of the guide, leading others through transformative journeys, while Saya represents the shadow - an unsettling reminder of the parts of ourselves we fear to confront.

These archetypes don’t exist in isolation; rather, they influence and challenge one another throughout the game. As players navigate the chaotic interactions between these figures, they are drawn into a broader examination of how archetypes shape not just individual growth but collective experience.

This archetypal framework sets the stage for exploring the inner conflicts of identity, seamlessly transitioning into Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development. Jung’s archetypes serve as symbolic reflections of the struggles each heroine faces in resolving Eriksonian crises, where identity and external roles collide in meaningful ways.

Erik Erikson and the Struggles of Identity

Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development, particularly identity versus role confusion, provide a lens for understanding the heroines’ struggles with self-definition. For example, Saber’s internal battle between duty and personal desire highlights Erikson’s assertion that individuals must reconcile external expectations with internal values to achieve a cohesive identity.

This tension is not unique to Saber but echoes across the roster, where each character’s journey reflects a stage of identity formation. These crises do not happen in isolation, as the heroines’ interactions with one another mirror Erikson’s belief in the importance of social relationships in shaping personal growth.

These interactions naturally extend into the realm of Lev Vygotsky’s work, which emphasizes the developmental role of social contexts. As Saber’s honor-driven journey intersects with the other heroines’ struggles, the game’s assist mechanics come into focus, reinforcing the idea that growth often requires collaboration and external support.

Lev Vygotsky and the Interconnected Psyche

Vygotsky’s theories on the social foundations of learning and development are powerfully reflected in Nitroplus Blasterz. The game’s mechanics, particularly the assist system, symbolize the importance of shared experience and mentorship in overcoming personal obstacles.

Ein’s role as a steadfast and supportive character exemplifies Vygotsky’s concept of the Zone of Proximal Development, where individuals achieve their highest potential with the guidance of others. This dynamic interplay between individual effort and collaborative support underscores how personal growth is often a communal process, connecting deeply with Erikson’s emphasis on social bonds.

The collaborative mechanics and social narratives in Nitroplus Blasterz highlight the profound impact of relationships on personal identity and healing, setting the stage for an exploration of trauma and recovery - a theme central to the narratives of several key heroines.

The Psychological Impact of Trauma and Recovery

For characters like Saya and Ein, the game explores the deep scars left by trauma and the potential for post-traumatic growth. Psychologist Richard Tedeschi’s work on how individuals find meaning after suffering provides insight into their arcs.

Saya, with her alien and horrifying nature, confronts players with questions of acceptance and otherness, while Ein embodies resilience in the face of emotional pain. These stories of survival and transformation serve as a bridge between the internal battles of identity and the external support systems explored through Vygotsky’s framework.

As trauma and growth weave through the heroines’ stories, they bring players back to Jung’s archetypes, reinforcing the interconnectedness of individual experiences within a collective narrative. This cyclical return mirrors the interconnected psychological themes that define the game’s world.

A Unified Psychological Tapestry

"Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel" is far more than a flashy crossover fighting game. By integrating Jung’s archetypes, Erikson’s identity crises, Vygotsky’s social theories, and Tedeschi’s insights on trauma, the game creates a layered psychological narrative.

Each heroine’s struggle reflects a facet of the human experience, from the search for identity to the necessity of connection and the resilience required to overcome pain.

The seamless blending of these themes challenges players to look beyond the spectacle and engage with the deeper existential questions posed by the characters’ journeys.

In doing so, Nitroplus Blasterz transforms from a combat-focused game into a profound exploration of the psyche, proving that even in battle, there is room for introspection and growth.

[drainedgang]

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel

[toskarin]

Muramasa from Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel

[veeranger]

Vee’s Steam Summer Sale 2023 Recommendations

as always these are just personal opinions etc etc please look up some real reviews before buying a game if you aren’t sure and remember that steam will give you a full refund if you have less than 2 hours played in under 2 weeks.

im going to try to recc stuff i havent shilled every 6 months for the last 5 years but the VNs are going to be the same as always honestly

Fighting Games

Guilty Gear -Strive- Ultimate Edition 2022 ($55.99)

yes im specifically saying buy ultimate edition because it has all the dlc as of this writing. buy the base version if you want but i hate playing fighting games with incomplete rosters.

anyway this is my favorite fighting game, bar none. this is the game that after years of screwing around on a bunch of other games finally got me to really want to get better and actually play against other people. there’s a super active playerbase and at least another year of support from arcsys on the way. the best time to start playing strive was a year ago but the second best time is right now.

Idol Showdown (Free)

yes im shilling a free game here. idol showdown is a good fighting game and the result of like three years of hard work from a small team. try it out and give them some love

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel ($4.99)

this is not a good game but it is a funny game. saber is in it.

Narrative Games

AI: The Somnium Files - $7.99

one of the finest mystery games you can play imo. maybe uchikoshi’s best work. a perfect blend of mystery, character, and style. every character and conversation is compelling in its own way and every little thing builds up to the huge moments which makes them all feel totally earned. as always uchikoshi is a genius in the way he blends his signature branching timeline style with the themes and core concepts of the game. the twists and turns this game goes down are so crazy that weeks later you’ll still be realizing how all the little things you thought were just quirks were actually foreshadowing. cannot recc this enough tbh.

Zero Escape: The Nonary Games - $11.99

another uchikoshi joint, also extremely good. ive only finished 999, the first game in this collection, but i can recc it just based on the strength of that alone. whereas somnium is a murder mystery, 999 is a visual novel about being trapped in a murder game interspliced with escape room segments. whatever you think you know you dont, 999 will take you down so many twists and turns you’ll be fucking dizzy when you’re done with it. big recc.

VA-11 HALL-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action - $10.04

i could probably talk about this game for as long as the others, even though its way way less complex. va-11 hall-a doesnt have a huge sweeping story with insane twists and massive reveals, but what it does have is an extremely personal narrative about loss, healing, and just living your life the best way you can in a horrible dystopian world. the cast of characters feel utterly real and you learn about the world they inhabit through interactions with them, rather than being infodumped by exposition. everyone has their own story and everyone is just trying to get by, including you. one of the best small scale personal narrative games ive ever played.

Night In The Woods - $9.99

another vn i would consider “small scale” but equally as impactful. nitw is a story about a disillusioned and struggling college drop out returning to her economically declining home town. nobody is secure, nobody is happy, everyone is suffering through their daily lives. you follow mae as she struggled to readjust to her childhood home and the people she left behind. until something happens that changes her priorities radically. all ill say. despite how i just made it sound, nitw is not all depressing. theres lighthearted moments and wacky days to cut through the bleak fog, as well as genuinely heartfelt moments that feel very earned. nitw is a game i think that everyone struggling through their 20s should play.

Grim Fandango Remastered ($3.79)

i know this is an old school adventure game and you might yell at me for sort of grouping it in with the VNs but i dont care. its a classic, its a beautiful game, everyone should play it. its old, it controls like shit, the puzzles are obtuse, but the experience is wonderful and memorable. its cheap as hell just go for it.

Action

Assault Spy ($4.99)

this goofy ass game is fun as hell. its a very dmc style character action with upgrades and moves to buy, and it actually has a pretty goddamn good mechanical system in place. the gameplay loop rules. only warning is this is not well optimized so watch your computer doesnt explode.

Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered ($40.19)

i shouldn’t even have to shill. a must play for any spider-man fan. one the best spider-man stories ever hands down. such an incredible experience seriously. i cant even say enough here, if you haven’t played this yet you should do it asap.

Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales ($33.49)

everything i just said for the first game goes here too. a MUST play for miles morales fans. the combat is even better than the first too. you won’t regret playing this trust me.

Marvel’s Avengers - The Definitive Edition ($5.99)

no i’m not joking. ok well i kind of am but this game is getting delisted in september. it is an unforgivably mid piece of shit but if you have an interest in game preservation or playing something so bad they’re killing it forever, well here it is. they made all the microtransactions free btw.

Others

Tinykin ($13.75)

its like pikmin but its legally distinct! i like this game a lot, it has a very cute art style and its got easy to enjoy gameplay. i find it very relaxing. there’s a demo.

System Shock 2 ($2.49)

i will never stop shilling this game. fucking play it. its a cornerstone of video games. one of the most influential pieces ever put to pixel. you owe it to yourself to experience this if you feel any interest in it. maybe read a guide though its unforgiving if you screw around with your build.

Dead Space [2023] ($41.99)

exceptionally good. i dont have to shill the old shitty pc port of the original anymore. an A+ remake, i think it improves on the original in every conceivable way.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night ($11.99)

such a goddamn good metroidvania. its almost like the platonic ideal of a castlevania game. a true spiritual successor to SOTN. this isnt your dime a dozen soulslike vania, this is a true vania game in the best original style made by basically one of the core founders of the genre.

STAR WARS™ Knights of the Old Republic™ II - The Sith Lords™ ($3.49)

its a fuckin classic rpg. one of the best of the era. get it on pc so you can get that extended content mod they promised to import to the console version and then cancelled.

Save Room - Organization Puzzle ($2.09)

this is just a cute puzzle game. i like it.

[gear-project]

Annon-Guy: Any thoughts on these fighting games?

Tekken

DarkStalkers

Killer Instinct

Evil Zone

ClayFighter

Dragon Ball Z Budokai Tenkaichi (Dragon Ball Z Sparking in Japan)

Arcana Heart

Akatsuki Bllitzkamof/EN-Eins Perfektewelt

Ehrgeiz: God Bless The Ring

Tobal No.1 and Tobal 2

Fighting Vipers (PEPSIMAN!)

Dengeki Bunko Fighting Climax

Omen of Sorrow

Nitroplus Blasterz Heroines Infinite Duel

I've played Tekken 3 and Tekken 7 and that's it, but I wouldn't say I'm any good at the games.

Darkstalkers I've played a bit of, though I wouldn't say I'm any good, though I still hold out hope for a proper sequel with a full roster compared to the split off offshoots that currently exist.

I own Killer Instinct (the modern game), though it has far too much pay-to-own DLC for my liking, in addition to very unbalanced quest games, so I lost a lot of interest in it (though I will still mess with the characters now and then, it's been a while).

People have told me Evil Zone is good, though I have yet to play it myself, though I'd compare it to Battle Arena Toshinden in terms of style (maybe even Battle Fantasia).

I never found ClayFighter especially appealing, since there was never a version of the game that didn't seem "stiff" in animation, though I suppose it was a poor man's Street Fighter clone.

My history with DBZ games goes all the way back to Super Butoden and Hyper Dimension, though I have separate opinions between "Budokai" and "Budokai Tenkaichi" (or just Tenkaichi). Budokai is more commonly known as Dragonball Z3 in Japan (or just Z3, though we call it Budokai 3 here in the West). Unlike Tenkaichi, the original Budokai games had a 2D combat perspective, though they still played a bit with 3D plane. It was the Tenkaichi games onwards that focused more on 3D combat. I'd say I'm not "as interested" in the 3D combat compared to how much I enjoyed Budokai 3.

Also, with regard to Dragonball FighterZ, I'd say it isn't nearly as complex as the Budokai games were in tranformations and such, or even Beam Battles and clash battles which it had.

I don't exactly find the Arcana Heart series especially appealing (and I've said as much in older posts), though I did appreciate Mori bringing it to BlazBlue Crosstag as a small offering.

The mechanics of the game ARE interesting, but the gameplay itself just doesn't appeal to me by and large (sprites were very small, animations were simple, and the all-female roster was off-putting to me, so it's not my cup of tea).

I've had friends tell me how great the Akatsuki games are, and I'd dare say it's easy to compare it to older PC Doujins like Big Bang Beats and Melty Blood, but I don't actually have much experience with the Akatsuki games...

The fact French Bread insisted on bringing Akatsuki in to Under-Night as a guest character is amazing, however... along with the fact the Blitztank was added to BBTAG.

Ehrgeiz... there's a lot I can say about Idea-Factory's hidden gem in the rough: but to me the game was too much like a Wresting game or Power-Stone Clone... and the fact they used Final Fantasy characters kinda distracted from the other characters far too much for my liking.

Certainly it predates games like Dissidia Final Fantasy, but I feel like if someone was gonna make a Final Fantasy fighting game, it would happen eventually.

Ehrgeiz itself shouldn't be lauded for Final Fantasy, it should be lauded for its own story and unique characters. The fact it had a Dungeon RPG mode though... that's something few Fighting Games can brag about, and something I think more fighting games SHOULD consider (especially a game like DNF Duel... a spinoff of Dungeon Fighters, so I mean... where's the DUNGEON???)

The endings were cheesy, but that was the era back then.

That goes DOUBLE for the Tobal games... Tobal itself was everything Dragonball Z fighting games probably would have been if they turned it in to a Virtua Fighter spinoff.

There are far too many ideas in Tobal to really discuss in a paragraph here, but suffice to say it has a very odd roster... very massive roster too... so I'd argue they overdid it in some capacity.

Fighting Vipers... I can't really say much, since I've never sat down to play the game, though I do find SOME of the characters appealing.

If Fighting Vipers ever did a Dead or Alive Crossover like Virtua Fighter did with Tekken, that'd be pretty interesting.

Dengeki Bunko/Nitroplus... hmm... I don't have fond memories of these games (don't get me wrong I have higher opinions of it now than I used to, but it's still not my favorite kind of fighting game).

If ARC System Works or French Bread were approached in to making a Dengeki game, I think I'd be more eager to play it... just something about it that screams "cheap doujin fighter" to me, and that doesn't bode well in my history of playing fighting games.

I feel like Omen of Sorrow wishes it was Mortal Kombat and Castlevania Judgement... the latter of which was done by 8ing, and I still sincerely think is a great game.

Unfortunately some fighting games are fated for obscurity, though it's up to you if you want to play them or not.

Once again, I find All-Female rosters to be somewhat unappealing to my taste, though on the flipside of that, Skullgirls doesn't enforce that rule as adamantly as Nitroplus and Arcana Heart seem to. SNK Heroines is also an odd duck in that regard.

If you don't agree with my opinions, that's fine... but just understand that I have a predilection for weapon-based fighting games... so games with tiny sprites and moe cutsie characters are just NOT appealing to me...

Anyways, right now, to me the peak is probably Soul Calibur 6 and Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising, though even if I say that, I'm still waiting for the "egg" that is Guilty Gear Strive to finally hatch itself.

[fganniversaries]

6 years ago today, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel was released on PC via Steam worldwide. It was developed by Team Examu and published by XSeed Games/Marvelous. The launch trailer for the game can be watched below.

[vgadvisor]

[fallenparty]

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel

[suzakucastle]

Nitro+ Blasterz is a fighting game centered around the various heroines from the titles under that branding, including dating sims (yes, even that kind). As it’s made by Examu and published by Marvelous, Arcana Heart’s Heart Aino and Senran Kagura’s Homura also join the fray (on consoles, at least).

Happy International Women’s Day, everyone!

~R

[mangamers]

So... is this a positive role model to aspire to or....?

[bison2winquote]

- Mora, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel (Examu/ Nitroplus)

[tbfpaesthetic]

~follow for more waifu war aesthetic~

[drainedgang]

Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroine Infinite Duel

[toskarin]

VERTUEUX - 灼熱

from Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel