Table of Contents
Introduction
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, developed by Arc System Works, is a unique fighting game that brings together characters from multiple franchises, including BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY. The game’s diverse roster is brought to life by an equally diverse group of voice actors, each contributing their talents to enhance the characters’ personalities and the overall gaming experience. This review delves into the voice actors of BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, exploring their performances, the impact of their work on the game, and how their contributions align with the characters they portray.
The Importance of Voice Acting in Fighting Games
1. Character Depth and Engagement
In fighting games like BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, voice acting plays a crucial role in adding depth to characters. Each character’s voice helps convey their personality, emotions, and background, making them more relatable and engaging for players. Voice actors bring a unique dimension to the characters, influencing how players perceive and connect with them.
2. Enhancing the Gameplay Experience
Voice acting enhances the gameplay experience by providing verbal cues, such as taunts, battle cries, and unique responses during fights. These audio elements contribute to the immersion of the game, making battles more intense and dynamic. Well-executed voice acting can elevate the overall excitement and enjoyment of the game.
3. Building Character Identity
Voice actors help build and solidify a character’s identity. Through their performances, they contribute to the character’s backstory, motivations, and relationships with other characters. This is particularly important in a crossover game like BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, where characters from different franchises interact and share the spotlight.
Main Voice Actors in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle
BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle features a wide array of voice actors, each bringing their unique talents to the game. The following sections provide an in-depth look at the voice actors for some of the key characters in the game.
1. BlazBlue Characters
1.1 Ragna the Bloodedge – Voice Actor: Troy Baker
Troy Baker is a renowned voice actor known for his work in numerous video games, including The Last of Us and BioShock Infinite. As Ragna the Bloodedge, Baker delivers a powerful and emotionally charged performance. His portrayal captures Ragna’s rebellious and brooding nature, effectively conveying his internal struggles and fierce determination.
- Performance Highlights: Baker’s performance as Ragna is marked by intense battle cries and a deep, gravelly voice that underscores Ragna’s troubled past and strong-willed personality. His ability to balance aggression with moments of vulnerability adds depth to the character.
1.2 Noel Vermillion – Voice Actor: Cassandra Lee Morris
Cassandra Lee Morris is known for her versatile voice work in anime and video games, including roles in Persona 5 and Sword Art Online. As Noel Vermillion, Morris brings a combination of youthful enthusiasm and emotional depth to the character. Her performance reflects Noel’s strong sense of justice and determination, as well as her struggles with her past.
- Performance Highlights: Morris’s portrayal of Noel is characterized by a bright, energetic voice that contrasts with the more serious tones of other characters. This contrast helps highlight Noel’s optimistic and determined nature while also showcasing her internal conflicts.
1.3 Jin Kisaragi – Voice Actor: Matthew Mercer
Matthew Mercer is a prolific voice actor known for his roles in Overwatch and Fire Emblem: Three Houses. His portrayal of Jin Kisaragi in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle is marked by a commanding and authoritative tone that emphasizes Jin’s role as a skilled and disciplined fighter. Mercer’s performance adds a layer of complexity to Jin’s character, reflecting his internal conflicts and strained relationship with his brother, Ragna.
- Performance Highlights: Mercer’s deep, resonant voice effectively conveys Jin’s cold, calculating demeanor, as well as his underlying emotional turmoil. His ability to capture Jin’s dual nature—both as a formidable warrior and a conflicted individual—adds depth to the character.
2. Persona 4 Arena Characters
2.1 Yu Narukami – Voice Actor: Matthew Mercer
Matthew Mercer also voices Yu Narukami, the protagonist of Persona 4. As Yu, Mercer brings a sense of calm and leadership to the character. His performance captures Yu’s role as a determined and reliable figure, balancing his serious demeanor with moments of warmth and camaraderie.
- Performance Highlights: Mercer’s portrayal of Yu is marked by a measured and composed voice, reflecting Yu’s role as the group’s leader. His ability to convey confidence and empathy helps establish Yu’s character as a central figure in the Persona 4 storyline.
2.2 Chie Satonaka – Voice Actor: Erin Fitzgerald
Erin Fitzgerald is known for her work in various anime and video games, including roles in League of Legends and Danganronpa. As Chie Satonaka, Fitzgerald delivers a spirited and energetic performance that captures Chie’s enthusiastic and fearless personality.
- Performance Highlights: Fitzgerald’s performance is characterized by a lively and expressive voice that reflects Chie’s strong-willed and competitive nature. Her ability to convey Chie’s passion and determination enhances the character’s presence in the game.
3. Under Night In-Birth Characters
3.1 Himezuru Rumi – Voice Actor: Megan Shipman
Megan Shipman is a prominent voice actress known for her work in anime and video games, including roles in The Rising of the Shield Hero and KonoSuba. As Himezuru Rumi, Shipman brings a distinctive and compelling voice to the character, reflecting her role as a fierce and skilled fighter.
- Performance Highlights: Shipman’s portrayal of Himezuru Rumi is marked by a strong, assertive voice that underscores her combat prowess and determined nature. Her performance helps establish Rumi as a formidable and respected character in the Under Night In-Birth universe.
3.2 Wagner – Voice Actor: Kira Buckland
Kira Buckland is known for her work in anime and video games, including roles in Danganronpa and Fate/Grand Order. As Wagner, Buckland delivers a performance that captures the character’s strength and resolve. Her voice work adds depth to Wagner’s character, emphasizing her role as a skilled and powerful warrior.
- Performance Highlights: Buckland’s portrayal of Wagner is characterized by a commanding and intense voice, reflecting Wagner’s formidable presence and combat skills. Her ability to convey Wagner’s determination and strength enhances the character’s impact in the game.
4. RWBY Characters
4.1 Ruby Rose – Voice Actor: Lindsay Jones
Lindsay Jones is the voice behind Ruby Rose, the protagonist of RWBY. Known for her role in the RWBY series, Jones delivers a performance that captures Ruby’s youthful exuberance and sense of adventure. Her voice work brings energy and enthusiasm to Ruby, aligning with her character’s role as a determined and optimistic young fighter.
- Performance Highlights: Jones’s portrayal of Ruby is marked by a bright and spirited voice that reflects Ruby’s adventurous and optimistic personality. Her performance effectively conveys Ruby’s growth and determination throughout her journey.
4.2 Blake Belladonna – Voice Actor: Arryn Zech
Arryn Zech voices Blake Belladonna, a key character in RWBY. Zech’s performance captures Blake’s reserved and introspective nature, as well as her internal struggles and growth. Her voice work helps establish Blake as a complex and multifaceted character.
- Performance Highlights: Zech’s portrayal of Blake is characterized by a calm and measured voice, reflecting Blake’s reserved demeanor and internal conflicts. Her performance adds depth to Blake’s character, highlighting her growth and resilience.
The Impact of Voice Acting on Character Development
1. Enhancing Character Backstories
Voice acting plays a critical role in conveying a character’s backstory and motivations. Through their performances, voice actors bring depth and nuance to their characters, helping players understand their backgrounds and experiences. This is particularly important in a crossover game like BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, where characters from different universes interact and develop.
2. Building Emotional Connections
Effective voice acting helps build emotional connections between players and characters. By conveying a character’s emotions, struggles, and triumphs, voice actors enhance the player’s investment in the story and gameplay. This emotional engagement is crucial for creating a memorable and impactful gaming experience.
3. Creating Dynamic Interactions
In BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, voice actors contribute to dynamic interactions between characters from different franchises. Their performances help create engaging and immersive dialogue, adding depth to the interactions and enhancing the overall storytelling.
Notable Voice Acting Performances and Their Legacy
1. Iconic Performances
Several voice actors in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle are known for their iconic performances across multiple franchises. Their work in the game builds on their established reputations and contributes to the game’s overall appeal.
- Troy Baker: Known for his roles in various high-profile games, Baker’s portrayal of Ragna the Bloodedge adds a layer of gravitas and intensity to the character.
- Matthew Mercer: Mercer’s dual roles as Yu Narukami and Jin Kisaragi showcase his versatility and skill as a voice actor, contributing significantly to the game’s depth and diversity.
2. Impact on the Gaming Community
The performances of the voice actors in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle have resonated strongly within the gaming community, fostering a deeper connection between players and the game. The actors’ portrayals are not just limited to in-game experiences; they also influence fan interactions, including fan art, conventions, and social media discussions.
- Fan Celebrations: The voice actors’ work often leads to fan-created content that celebrates their performances. This includes fan art, memes, and tributes that highlight memorable lines or scenes from the game. Such engagement reflects the significant impact the actors have on the community and the way their performances enhance players’ enjoyment of the game.
- Conventions and Events: Many voice actors participate in conventions and events where they interact directly with fans. These interactions often include panel discussions, autograph sessions, and live performances. For instance, voice actors like Troy Baker and Matthew Mercer are frequent guests at conventions, where fans have the opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories and gain insights into the voice acting process.
3. Legacy and Influence
The legacy of the voice actors in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle extends beyond the game itself. Their work influences not only the game’s reception but also future projects and the broader industry. Here’s how:
- Career Impact: Successful performances in games like BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle can enhance an actor’s career, leading to more prominent roles and increased visibility within the industry. For instance, the recognition gained from such roles can help actors land future projects and collaborate with other well-known franchises.
- Industry Trends: The voice actors’ contributions also impact industry trends. As players and developers recognize the value of strong voice acting, there is increased demand for talented voice actors. This has led to more investment in voice work and a growing appreciation for the craft within the gaming community.
Voice Actor Interviews and Insights
To gain a more in-depth understanding of the voice actors’ experiences and perspectives, interviews with some of the cast members can offer valuable insights. These interviews provide a behind-the-scenes look at the voice acting process and the actors’ personal connections to their characters.
1. Troy Baker’s Perspective
Troy Baker, known for his role as Ragna the Bloodedge, often shares his insights into the voice acting process through interviews and public appearances. Baker has spoken about the challenges and rewards of bringing Ragna to life, emphasizing the importance of capturing the character’s emotional depth and complexity.
- Challenges: Baker has discussed the challenge of portraying a character with a dark and troubled past while maintaining a balance between intensity and vulnerability. His approach involves deeply understanding the character’s motivations and history, which helps in delivering a nuanced performance.
- Rewards: For Baker, the reward comes from seeing how his performance resonates with fans. He often reflects on the positive feedback from players and how it validates his efforts in bringing Ragna’s character to life.
2. Cassandra Lee Morris on Noel Vermillion
Cassandra Lee Morris, the voice of Noel Vermillion, has shared her experiences of voicing the character in various interviews. Morris highlights the importance of conveying Noel’s youthful energy and emotional struggles, which are central to the character’s development.
- Approach: Morris approaches Noel with a focus on capturing her optimism and determination. She often mentions how the character’s personal growth and interactions with other characters influence her performance.
- Fan Interactions: Morris has noted the impact of fan interactions on her perception of the role. Positive feedback from players who relate to Noel’s story and personality reinforces her commitment to delivering an authentic portrayal.
3. Matthew Mercer’s Dual Roles
Matthew Mercer’s roles as both Yu Narukami and Jin Kisaragi showcase his versatility as a voice actor. Mercer has discussed the unique challenges of balancing these two distinct characters, each with their own voice and personality traits.
- Balancing Roles: Mercer describes the process of differentiating the two characters by focusing on their individual traits and emotional arcs. For Yu Narukami, Mercer emphasizes a calm and composed demeanor, while for Jin Kisaragi, he adopts a more authoritative and intense tone.
- Character Development: Mercer has also spoken about how he approaches character development through voice acting. Understanding each character’s journey and motivations allows him to create more authentic and engaging performances.
The Future of Voice Acting in Fighting Games
1. Technological Advancements
As technology continues to advance, the field of voice acting in video games is likely to see significant changes. Innovations in recording technology and artificial intelligence may impact how voice acting is performed and integrated into games.
- Enhanced Recording Techniques: Improvements in recording technology can lead to higher quality audio and more realistic voice performances. This can enhance the overall gaming experience and provide players with more immersive audio experiences.
- AI and Voice Synthesis: Future developments in AI and voice synthesis could potentially transform the voice acting industry. While these technologies offer exciting possibilities, they also raise questions about the role of human voice actors and the authenticity of their performances.
2. Evolving Role of Voice Actors
The role of voice actors is likely to evolve as games become more complex and interactive. Voice actors may find themselves involved in more aspects of game development, including character design, story development, and interactive experiences.
- Greater Involvement: Voice actors might have greater involvement in the creative process, contributing to character development and narrative design. This can lead to more cohesive and integrated storytelling within games.
- Interactive Experiences: As games become more interactive, voice actors may play a larger role in creating dynamic and responsive dialogue. This could involve voice work that adapts to player choices and actions, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Conclusion
The voice actors in BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle play a crucial role in bringing the game’s diverse characters to life. Through their performances, they contribute to the depth, engagement, and emotional impact of the game. Their work not only enhances the gaming experience but also influences the broader industry and community.
From Troy Baker’s intense portrayal of Ragna the Bloodedge to Cassandra Lee Morris’s energetic performance as Noel Vermillion, each voice actor brings a unique dimension to their character. Their contributions are celebrated by fans and have a lasting impact on the game’s legacy.
As the industry continues to evolve, the role of voice actors will likely expand and adapt to new technologies and trends. Their ability to create memorable and impactful performances will remain a vital component of the gaming experience, ensuring that characters continue to resonate with players for years to come.