BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is a 3D anime fighter that lets you step into the shoes of iconic characters from Tite Kubo’s hit Shonen Jump manga. Read our review to learn what it did well, what it didn’t do well, and if it’s worth buying.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Review Overview

What is BLEACH Rebirth of Souls?

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is a 3D fighter game based on the iconic anime and manga by Tite Kubo, set to release on March 21, 2025, for PC, PS5, PS4, and Xbox Series X/S. The game allows players to relive the epic story of BLEACH, starting from Ichigo Kurosaki's journey as a Substitute Soul Reaper in the Substitute Soul Reaper Arc to the intense final battle against Sosuke Aizen in the Arrancar Arc.

Players can choose from a wide roster of BLEACH characters, each with unique abilities and sword techniques. Master their individual skills, command the flow of battle, and exploit openings to overpower your enemies in this fast-paced 3D combat experience. The game is centered around a three-way deadlock of Attack, Breaker and Guard that players will have to exploit to find openings in their opponents’ defence.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls features:
　⚫︎　Anime Game
　⚫︎　3D Fighter
　⚫︎　Swordplay
　⚫︎　Online PvP or Split Screen PvP
　⚫︎　Single Player Campaign
　⚫︎　Upto 30 Playable Characters at Launch
　⚫︎　Action Arena

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about BLEACH Rebirth of Souls's gameplay and story.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		PSN		Xbox
PRICE		$59.99

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Layered Combat System that’s Easy to Learn Impressive Roster Size Great Character Models and Combat Cinematics BLEACH Soundtrack Never Misses	No Crossplay Absence of Ranked Mode Story Mode Feels Like Wasted Potential

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Overall Score - 78/100

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is a true love letter to fans of Tite Kubo’s legendary manga, allowing them to step into the shoes of their favorite characters, each with a unique, distinct, and deeply engaging play style. The combat system is layered and rewarding, making every fight feel exhilarating. However, it's a shame that such a complex and well-designed system lacks a ranked mode or proper crossplay. Additionally, the story mode could have been more than just a recap of the anime. Despite these drawbacks, Rebirth of Souls is the number one BLEACH game, shining bright for everyone.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Story - 5/10

Rebirth of Souls offers two distinct story modes: the Main Story and the Secret Story. The Main Story ambitiously covers everything from the Substitute Soul Reaper Arc to the climactic showdown with Sosuke Aizen in the Arrancar Arc. While the stellar voice acting adds some weight to the narrative, the overall execution lacks the sharpness of a Zanpakutō, making the presentation feel surprisingly dull—especially considering how flashy and stylish the anime, manga, and even the game itself can be. Meanwhile, the Secret Story delivers some enjoyable fan service and intriguing side tales, but you'll have to power through the underwhelming Main Story first.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Gameplay - 9/10

BLEACH has always had a knack for delivering visually stunning, adrenaline-pumping battles, and Rebirth of Souls is no exception. Every clash feels like it was ripped straight from the anime, with each character faithfully recreated—not just in appearance but in movement, fighting style, and sheer presence. The combat strikes a perfect balance between accessibility and depth, making it easy to jump in yet rewarding for those who take the time to master its intricacies. Whether you're executing precise counters, unleashing devastating Bankai, or outmaneuvering your opponent with well-timed Flash Steps, every fight feels like a cinematic showdown worthy of Soul Society’s fiercest warriors.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Visuals - 8/10

The character models in this game are exceptional, brought to life not only through their designs but also through their distinct and expressive animations. The sleek and intuitive menu and UI further enhance the game’s polished presentation. While the arena stages cleverly pay homage to iconic locations, their impact is somewhat diminished by low-poly textures. Additionally, the game employs a blurry filter and lighting effects commonly seen in anime adaptations, which may not be to everyone's taste. Fortunately, these elements aren’t overly distracting and can be adjusted to over time. The visuals would be significantly improved if the game adopted the same color grading and lighting as the Thousand-Year Blood War anime while eliminating the unnecessary blur.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Audio - 9/10

If there’s one aspect where BLEACH consistently excels, it’s the music—and Rebirth of Souls is no exception. The game masterfully blends iconic tracks from the series with an electrifying new soundtrack, elevating the overall experience. One standout for me is the character selection screen theme, which perfectly captures the excitement before each battle. Additionally, the voice acting is superb across both the Japanese and English dubs. While I personally prefer the Japanese performances, the English cast delivers an equally strong and engaging experience, ensuring that fans can enjoy the game in their preferred language.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Value for Money - 8/10

If you're a BLEACH fan, Rebirth of Souls is well worth the $60. It brilliantly captures each character’s essence, making every battle feel true to the series. Both newcomers and longtime fans can enjoy the game, with its multiplayer and single-player modes offering plenty of fun. However, if you're a competitive player searching for the next big anime fighter, this might not be the one. Hopefully, Bandai Namco will listen to fan feedback and update the online experience to satisfy both casual and competitive players alike.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Review: Thank Soul King, it’s Not A Hollow Game

Let’s be real—BLEACH fans have been starving for that game. You know the one. The Naruto series has Ultimate Ninja Storm, Dragon Ball has FighterZ, Tenkaichi, and even Sparking! ZERO. Even Demon Slayer got Hinokami Chronicles. Meanwhile, BLEACH fans? We’ve been scraping by, with Heat the Soul being the closest thing to a real standout—and even that didn’t quite cut it.

So when BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls was announced, you bet fans (myself included) were hyped. The trailers looked promising, and seeing character reveals—especially my boy Hitsugaya—felt like we were finally getting the game we deserved. But at the same time, something felt… off. They showed off a lot, yet somehow left out the most important thing: the gameplay. The marketing felt oddly selective, which made me a little hesitant.

Now that I’ve played it, I have one big question: Why didn’t they market the gameplay more?

An Impressive and Diverse Base Roster

One of the most exciting aspects of any anime fighter is the roster, and BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls certainly brings an impressive lineup to the table. With 33 playable characters at launch, it may not be the largest roster in the genre, but what it lacks in sheer numbers, it makes up for in diversity, faithfulness, and sheer style.

BLEACH has always introduced a slew of visually striking characters across its arcs, and it’s a joy to see so many fan favorites make the cut (except Mayuri eww). The transition to 3D is stunning; this might just be the best these characters have ever looked in a game, particularly Ichigo, who has appeared in numerous titles before. From the World of the Living with Ichigo, Uryu, and Chad, to the captains and lieutenants of Soul Society, and even the fearsome Arrancar like Grimmjow and Neliel—it’s a treat to see them all fully realized with incredible models, cinematic moves, and dynamic animations. One detail that really stood out is how characters visually reflect the intensity of battle. By the end of a match, they’ll have those signature anime-style scratches and a visibly exhausted appearance.

What truly sets Rebirth of Souls apart is how every character feels distinct. I took the time to play them all, and I can confidently say that no two characters play the same. Each fighter has unique strategies, special skills, and even passive abilities that add an extra layer of depth and strategy to how you play them. The way the game handles transformations is fantastic—characters like Ichigo, Aizen, and Hollow Ichigo evolve mid-battle, unleashing their Shikai, Bankai, or Resurrección in jaw-dropping cinematic sequences.

The gameplay diversity is a blast to experiment with—fast, in-your-face fighters like Yoruichi and Hitsugaya rely on speed, with Yoruichi’s passive even empowering attacks through dashing. Meanwhile, Uryu stands out as an absolute menace, being practically the only true ranged fighter, making him a nightmare to deal with in the right hands. Kaname’s Bankai lets him turn invisible, Renji’s is powerful but comes with a time limit, and the Hueco Mundo characters, particularly Neliel, have a tricky learning curve but are incredibly rewarding to master.

Like any anime fighting game, Rebirth of Souls has its fair share of overpowered characters that can completely dominate matches. Some fighters have skills so strong that they create a noticeable imbalance, making it clear that not all characters are on equal footing. However, this seems to be an intentional choice, as the developers have prioritized authenticity to the anime and manga, and in that regard, they’ve done an outstanding job.

As for which characters are truly broken? I’ll leave that for players to discover—because the last thing I want is to see them flood online matches too soon. Thankfully, every character comes with distinct strengths and weaknesses, adding a layer of balance to the roster. For example, Shigekuni boasts immense strength but lacks agility, while Soi Fon is lightning-fast but has a shorter attack range.

Additionally, the game introduces Soul Talismans and Soul Crystals, which allow players to enhance their fighters with various boosts. These can range from increasing damage output when a character has two or fewer Konpaku to other strategic advantages that can turn the tide of battle.

My mains so far are Grimmjow, Hitsugaya, Uryu, and Yoruichi—each one brings something fresh to the table, and I love how faithfully their abilities reflect their anime counterparts. There are even great nods to the source material in their costume designs, with my favorite being Ichigo’s Arrancar outfit.

While the base roster is solid, there’s still plenty of room for growth. With DLC already confirmed, I’m praying Orihime makes the cut—her abilities could add a unique support-based dynamic to the game.

The Gameplay Makes You Feel Like a Real Shinigami

The game perfectly captures the exaggerated swagger of a orange-haired, sword-wielding Japanese high schooler. Jokes aside, while Rebirth of Souls boasts a diverse and unique roster, what truly elevates the experience is how the core mechanics balance these incredibly strong characters, creating a competitive yet accessible battlefield.

After selecting a fighter, players choose a stage—an absolute treat for BLEACH fans. These locations aren’t just visual set pieces; they’re pulled straight from iconic moments in the anime, complete with their original OSTs. Personally, I love the World of the Living stages—it’s oddly satisfying to see Soul Reapers clashing in everyday locations, reducing parks and city streets to rubble.

At its core, Rebirth of Souls is a third-person arena fighter where the camera locks onto your opponent. You have your standard movement, dashes, quick attacks, Flash Attacks, signature moves, guards, and breakers. The objective? Think Super Smash Bros., but with BLEACH’s spiritual energy twist. Instead of traditional health bars, players have stocks called Konpaku, and to eliminate an opponent’s stock, you must deplete their Reishi (health) to 0%. Simple in concept, but layered with deep strategic possibilities that prevent mindless button-mashing—unless you’re up against Charlotte, in which case, go wild.

The combat operates on a rock-paper-scissors system—attacks interrupt Breakers, guards block attacks, and Breakers cancel guards. If you guard too much, your Guard Gauge depletes, leaving you vulnerable to a Guard Break. This creates a dynamic of reading and predicting your opponent’s next move, rewarding those who can outthink their rival in real time.

The depth extends further with Reverse Gauge, Spiritual Power, and Kikon Moves. Quick attack combos regenerate spiritual power, which can be spent on powerful moves like Spiritual Pressure attacks or high-damage Reishi-breaking techniques. Once an opponent’s health bar turns red (30% or lower), you can unleash a devastating Kikon Move, an explosive cinematic finisher that can wipe out multiple stocks depending on the character’s power type. And if that’s not enough, consuming your entire Reverse Gauge lets you perform a Reverse Action, boosting your Kikon Moves and pushing the battle into overdrive.

But my absolute favorite mechanic? Awakenings. By building up enough Fighting Spirit, characters can tap into their most iconic forms—Soul Reapers activate Bankai, Arrancars unleash Resurrección, and the cinematics? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s these moments that make every battle feel larger than life, capturing the essence of BLEACH’s over-the-top action.
Mastering these mechanics is the key to success. Sure, you can scrape by with button-mashing early on, but real victories come from skillful execution, reading your opponent, and knowing when to strike.

Every match feels like a test of wits and adaptability, where a well-timed move can turn the tide in an instant. The level of creativity and strategy the game allows is nothing short of exhilarating, making every fight a thrilling spectacle that can end in the blink of an eye.

I can’t help but wish there were a few more distractions outside of combat—mini-games or puzzles could’ve added some extra charm—but what’s here is still packed with content. The campaign mode delivers story-driven battles, while online play lets you test your skills against the world. Meanwhile, offline mode offers training, standard battles, and missions to sharpen your techniques.

One of the most exciting extras is Challenge Mode or Missions, a semi roguelite-inspired gauntlet where every fight matters. You’ll have to carefully manage your Reishi, pushing through waves of opponents while racking up Soul Points, Spirit Talismans, and Soul Crystal Fragments—powerful rewards that let you customize and enhance your fighters. It’s a thrilling test of endurance and strategy, ensuring every battle feels fresh and rewarding.

Story Mode Falls Flat in Presentation

One of the biggest disappointments in BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is its story mode. While it has promising elements—covering multiple arcs, featuring brand-new artwork, and being fully voiced by the original cast—its execution leaves much to be desired. The voice acting is phenomenal and does a lot of the heavy lifting, but unfortunately, the overall presentation is stiff, awkward, and uninspired.

Character animations feel lifeless, and action scenes are often cut short or skipped entirely, likely due to a lack of proper animation. This is evident right from the start—Ichigo’s iconic moment of receiving Soul Reaper powers from Rukia, a scene meant to be powerful and cinematic, falls completely flat due to awkward direction and clunky movement. This issue persists throughout the entire campaign, even up to the final battle with Aizen. It’s baffling how rigid the story mode animations feel when the in-game combat animations are so fluid and well-executed.

Pacing is another major issue. While it’s understandable that condensing multiple arcs into a single game is a challenge, the constant skipping of key moments—only to replace them with still CG artwork—makes the narrative feel disjointed. The CG illustrations themselves are well-drawn, but relying on them instead of proper storytelling weakens the experience.

Gameplay structure within the story mode is equally uninspired; each chapter follows a repetitive cycle of watching a few cutscenes, engaging in a single battle, and then immediately moving on. It feels bland, more like a checklist than an engaging campaign, and its primary function seems to be rewarding experience points and in-game currency rather than delivering a compelling retelling of BLEACH’s story.

For newcomers to the series, this mode is not the ideal way to experience BLEACH for the first time. Too many details are skipped, making it difficult to follow without prior knowledge from the anime or manga. However, one bright spot is the Secret Mode, which serves as a fun bit of fan service by offering different character perspectives on key events. I won’t spoil too much, but it’s a great addition—though it’s unfortunate that players have to slog through the main story mode first to unlock it.

Lack of Competetive Support Could Kill The Game Early

For any anime fighter, a strong online competitive scene is what keeps the game alive long after launch. It drives player engagement, fuels longevity, and fosters a passionate community. While I wouldn’t go as far as calling BLEACH: Rebirth of Souls a dead game at launch, its lack of essential competitive features is a massive disappointment.

The most glaring omissions? No rollback netcode, no true crossplay (beyond PS4 and PS5), and worst of all, no ranked mode. As it stands, online play is limited to Free Match and Room Match. While the netcode is stable in my experience, the absence of a ranked system is a huge missed opportunity. Ranked play isn’t just about bragging rights—it pushes players to improve, provides skill-based matchmaking, and keeps the experience fresh and competitive. A well-implemented ranking system helps players gauge their growth, encourages higher-level play, and ultimately builds a thriving online scene.

What makes this lack of competitive features even more frustrating is that Rebirth of Souls has the depth and strategic gameplay to support it. The combat system is layered, rewarding, and genuinely engaging—everything you’d want from an arena fighter. Yet, without ranked play or a solid online infrastructure, the game isn’t positioned to reach its full potential.

Bandai Namco has the perfect foundation here, but if they truly want this game to succeed long-term, they need to invest in its competitive longevity. At the very least, implementing a ranked mode should be a priority. And if they’re not interested in fostering a competitive scene, the next best thing would be full crossplay so players can connect across all platforms, keeping the community unified.

Right now, Rebirth of Souls is a fantastic game held back by its lack of support for long-term play. Bandai Namco has something special here—but if they don’t act soon, they risk letting it slip through their fingers.

Is BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Worth It?

Great for Fans but Not Competitive Players

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is absolutely worth it for fans of the anime and manga. Packed with fan service, it lets you spend hundreds of hours mastering your favorite characters, with even more content coming through DLC. While the lack of crossplay (except between PS4 and PS5) and a missing ranked mode are drawbacks, the game is still an absolute joy to play in multiplayer. Newcomers can jump in and have fun, and while the story mode is a bit lackluster, it’s decently voiced and offers rewards.
That said, I wouldn’t recommend it for those looking for a competitive scene, as it lacks essential features like rollback netcode to make it truly viable. Hopefully, Bandai Namco addresses these issues in future updates.

Digital Storefronts
Steam		PSN		Xbox
PRICE		$59.99

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls FAQ

Who are the Playable Characters in BLEACH Rebirth of Souls?

Playable Characters

World of the Living

　⚫︎　Ichigo Kurosaki
　⚫︎　Uryu Ishida
　⚫︎　Yasutora Sado (Chad)
　⚫︎　Kisuke Urahara
　⚫︎　Shinji Hirako

Soul Society

　⚫︎　Rukia Kuchiki
　⚫︎　Byakuya Kuchiki
　⚫︎　Yoruichi Shihoin
　⚫︎　Gin Ichimaru
　⚫︎　Rangiku Matsumoto
　⚫︎　Toshiro Hitsugaya
　⚫︎　Kenpachi Zaraki
　⚫︎　Kaname Tosen
　⚫︎　Soi Fon
　⚫︎　Izuru Kira
　⚫︎　Renji Abarai
　⚫︎　Mayuri Kurotsuchi

　⚫︎　Sosuke Aizen
　⚫︎　Shigekuni Genryusai
　⚫︎　Shunsui Kyoraku
　⚫︎　Shuhei Hisagi
　⚫︎　Sajin Komamura
　⚫︎　Ikkaku Madarame

Hueco Mundo

　⚫︎　Ulquiorra Shifar
　⚫︎　Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck
　⚫︎　Grimmjow Jeagerjaques
　⚫︎　Szayelaporro Grantz

Is Bleach Rebirth of Souls Coming to Nintendo Switch?

As of now, there’s no official news or announcement about the game coming to Nintendo Switch. Currently, it’s only available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

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BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Product Information

Title	BLEACH Rebirth of Souls
Release Date	March 21, 2025
Developer	TAMSOFT CORPORATION
Publisher	Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
Supported Platforms	PC, PS5, Xbox Series XIS
Genre	Anime, 3D Fighter
Number of Players	1-2
ESRB Rating	T
Official Website	BLEACH Rebirth of Souls Website

Uriel Rodriguez

Writer | Gamer | Self-Proclaimed Digimon/Sujimon/Persona/Palworld/Pokémon Master