Want to be the first to get your hands-on with Arc System Works’ latest? Then jump on to the game’s closed beta right now. 

The actual beta will take place from 16th to 19th April, which will lead to its eventual release later this year. The beta will give you access to 7 characters:

• Sol Badguy
• Ky Kiske
• May
• Axl
• Chip Zanuff
• Potemkin
• Faust

(1/3) Closed Beta sign-ups for #GuiltyGearStrive have begun! For details, please check the official website! https://t.co/ZFz5XaFVS9 Sign-ups via this website will be decided by lottery, so there is no guarantee that you will receive a Beta code. pic.twitter.com/crDHDGkAsY

— ArcSystemWorks (@ArcSystemWorksU) March 19, 2020

This version of the game also comes with a new character screen and in-game UI, different from past builds in arcade and anime expos. And the best part? Guilty Gear: Strive will use rollback netcode for online play. Which is good for fighting games because it has both players run simulations of the game state simultaneously, with inputs being marked with the time at which they occur. This, in turn, keeps timing of moves consistent during combos.

So far, the community and fanbase have been mixed in regards to this Guilty Gear entry. While influencers and YouTube content creators like all the new bells and whistles this game brings in, the rest of them are not fans of the new changes and removals. Also, they’re not fans of the delayed air dash mechanics and “lack of combos” like in previous entries.

I haven’t played this sequel yet, but I do understand Arc System Works’ direction in making a new Guilty Gear catered for all walks of fighters from your casuals to hardcore. I do hope they don’t forget who they’re making their game for lest they end up with something as soulless as the first season of Street Fighter V. Besides, if we wanted a more mainstream Guilty Gear anime fighter-like game, Granblue Fantasy: Versus has got you covered. 

At the very least, Guilty Gear Strive is going to kick ass in visuals. Have you SEEN this game in motion? And I thought GBVS was the apex of 2D anime fighter visuals…