Arcana Heart

 PlayStation 2
Metascore
77

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
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  1. TotalPlayStation
    85
    There's no denying the market for Arcana Heart: it's a pure fanservice, all girl-on-girl fighting game with such delightful anime clichés as a robot girl with huge boobs, a kimono-clad girl (and sisters) with huge boobs and an apparently lesbian end boss with (wait for it... waaaaiiittt...) big boobs.
  2. IGN
    83
    A charming cast, great fight mechanics, diverse play styles and tons of depth make this a fighting game you don't want to miss.
  3. 1UP
    83
    While it borrows unabashedly from several other titles, the game does a great job of providing its own fun and unique flair.
  5. GameZone
    80
    Arcana Heart won’t do anything for players that have never enjoyed a fighting game. But if you’re a fan of the genre and crave originality, this game deserves a spot on your shelf.
  6. Destructoid
    80
    It may look like a silly anime girl brawler, but the underlying complex fighting system can provide a challenge to even the most seasoned fighting game fan.
  7. G4 TV
    80
    Creepy though she might be, it’s fun to school your friends with a 10-year-old in a swimsuit.
  8. Thunderbolt
    80
    If you're a fan of 2D fighting games then you will definitely enjoy this game.
  9. Cheat Code Central
    76
    It is not the best looking or most fluid fighting game out there, but if you want a solid title, then Arcana Heart delivers. It has all the right mechanics, and satisfactory audio and visual qualities.
  10. PSX Extreme
    76
    Arcana Heart is a solid 2D fighter with a unique style that sets it apart from any other fighter you may have played. The controls can be a little iffy at times, but theres a good amount of depth involved in the battles even beyond the Arcana addition.
  11. GamesRadar+
    70
    Delivers the quality, and its mix of accessible, over-the-top anime silliness and deep technical fighting put it in a comfortable niche between games like Super Smash Bros. and King of Fighters.
  12. Play Magazine
    70
    Unfortunately, Arcana Heart then falls short in its attempt to become a major player in the fighting game scene. [May 2008, p.59]
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  13. Playstation: The Official Magazine (US)
    60
    An enjoyable, if guilty, pleasure. [June 2008, p.75]
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Awards & Rankings

10
#10 Best PS2 Game of 2008
35
#35 Most Discussed PS2 Game of 2008
21
#21 Most Shared PS2 Game of 2008

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.0

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 1 out of 9
  1. BrianD.
    Apr 14, 2008
    10
    This is a Great Game. If you're a fan of 2-D fighting games then this is the game for you. This is an all girl fighting game thats This is a Great Game. If you're a fan of 2-D fighting games then this is the game for you. This is an all girl fighting game thats popular in Japan (Arcana Hearts 2 is in the arcade as we speak). This game also appears in major tournaments including battle opera. The game play is similar to Guilty Gear but slower and dumbed down but not in a bad way. You have 11 characters to choose from. Each of them have their own move set. Then on top of that you have 11 arcana or spirits that give your character extra moves and benefits based on the arcana you picked. For example if you used the Rock arcana you gain rock moves which include having a boulder drop on someones head and giving you some armor when you're dashing at the expense of some speed. Half the fun is trying out different Arcana for different characters. The controls have 3 attack buttons and 1 special button. The 3 attack buttons are light medium and fierce or ABC. The special buttons do all your Arcana moves and also give you different options. These options are as simple as chasing somebody down to canceling moves to keep the pressure on an opponent or to keep a combo going. Even though everything is simplified it still ends up being a great fighter. With the release we also get the patched version of the game which balanced out a lot of the characters. If you are into fighting games then I would highly recommend this game. … Full Review »
  2. melongod
    Nov 8, 2013
    9
    Great game, very in depth. Feels like a mix of Third Strike and Blaz Blue, so if you like those titles and/or are into Japanese loli fighters,Great game, very in depth. Feels like a mix of Third Strike and Blaz Blue, so if you like those titles and/or are into Japanese loli fighters, you'll adore this game.

    Be warned: It's VERY technical.    … Full Review »
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