BlazBlue: Calamity Trigger is a 2D fighting game with 12 characters, each with personality, fighting style, and benefits. During the story mode, each character has their own story recounted through dialogue between combat. During sure talks, the player must pick between answers, which affects how the story ends. There is also an arcade mode (fighting against all characters in a row), a score assault mode, and a multiplayer option.
The battle system employs the standard fighting game options: weak, medium, and strong attacks. Certain button combinations result in unique attacks for each character. If the player manages to injure (or is hit by) his opponent, a special energy bar fills up. If it is complete, he can launch a potent assault. A stamina bar also depletes when blocking: when it is empty, the character takes additional damage.
