Inside the making of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls: an interview with Producer Katsuaki Tsuzuki
A game made with passion, that even pleased the creator of the manga and anime, Tite Kubo
At MeriStation USA, we had the privilege of speaking with Katsuaki Tsuzuki, producer of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls, about the creative process, unique features, and collaboration with Tite Kubo that went into crafting the game. Here’s what he had to share about the development of this much-anticipated title.
We asked Tsuzuki first about what the most innovative aspect of the game was, and he highlighted the dynamic battle system, which is designed to immerse players in the heart of BLEACH’s action-packed world.
“I believe the most innovative aspect of BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is how players can directly engage with the world of ’BLEACH’ through action-packed battles,” Tsuzuki explained. “From the beginning, we knew that if we made a ’BLEACH’ game, it would be a fighting action game to capture the series’ core appeal.”
He went on to elaborate on the system’s authenticity:
“What makes the battle system stand out is how it reflects the unique elements of ’BLEACH‘, each character’s distinct fighting style, the power of their Zanpakuto, dramatic transformations like Bankai, and the potential for a single strike to reverse the flow of battle. We wanted to create a battle system where every character feels authentic and strategically different, giving players a true sense of BLEACH’s high-stakes combat and strategic reversals that make the game’s battle experience unique.”
A game for the fans
When asked about what aspects of the game will most appeal to ’BLEACH’ fans, Tsuzuki emphasized the balance between storytelling, combat, and stunning visuals:
“’BLEACH’ has a deep worldview that has resonated with fans for years, and each fan has their own favorite aspects of the series. After discussing this with the development team, we focused on three key elements: providing a story experience that expands beyond the completed manga, delivering battle action that captures the unique ’BLEACH’ style, and showcasing striking 2D art and 3D graphics that instantly communicate the essence of ’BLEACH‘. The combination of these three pillars creates the most appealing aspect of the game that we hope will resonate with both long-time fans and newcomers.”
Tite Kubo’s creative input
One of the most exciting aspects of the game is Tite Kubo’s involvement. Tsuzuki shared how the ’BLEACH’ creator influenced the project:
“He reviewed in-game footage early on and provided feedback on how some aspects of the story were being represented. Last year, he played the game during a live broadcast and said it was very well-made.”
Tsuzuki added that collaboration with the animation production team, who worked closely with Kubo on the latest anime series, played a crucial role.
“They offered insights on how to incorporate 2D manga elements into 3D for the game, like background and character depiction. Since the previous anime was created 20 years ago, we didn’t just rely on old references but worked with the anime production team to enrich the game and ensure it aligned with modern technology.”
An experienced team
Drawing from their previous work on Captain Tsubasa: Rise of New Champions, the development team also looked at earlier ’BLEACH’ games for inspiration. Tsuzuki described their approach:
“We’ve also drawn from past ’BLEACH’ titles to develop BLEACH Rebirth of Souls as one of its’ core appeals is the intense, high-stakes nature of its battles, where a single strike can determine victory, transformations unlock new power, and dramatic reversals can turn the tide.”
Additional features and content
Tsuzuki also highlighted the variety of gameplay modes beyond the story and multiplayer:
“In addition to the story mode and offline/online battles, the game features a mission mode where you can use characters to take on a series of battles with varying difficulty levels. In order to help players familiarize themselves with the new battle system, we’ve also included a variety of other modes, including a training mode and Urahara Shop, where you can acquire customizable items for use in battle, along with multiple tutorial modes. Additionally, we have included a variety of support features, including a glossary to help you explore the world of the franchise and a sound list where you can listen to the game’s BGM.”
When asked about DLC, Tsuzuki shared the team’s philosophy and hinted at potential expansions:
“We’ve designed BLEACH Rebirth of Souls to deliver a satisfying experience for both longtime fans and new players, so we hope everyone enjoys the base game and upcoming DLC first. That being said, we’re always listening to feedback from the community and will consider any feedback for future plans.”
Katsuaki Tsuzuki sheds light on the thoughtful design process, the collaborative effort with Tite Kubo, and the dedication to providing an authentic ’BLEACH’ experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or new to its universe, the passion behind BLEACH Rebirth of Souls is undeniable.
Follow MeriStation USA on X (formerly known as Twitter). Your video game and entertainment website for all the news, updates, and breaking news from the world of video games, movies, series, manga, and anime. Previews, reviews, interviews, trailers, gameplay, podcasts and more! Follow us now!