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GAME OF THE WEEK: Blazblu Continuum Shift, 12 cert, Arc System Works, PS3 (also Xbox 360)

Wide eyes, animated pneumatic bodies, cartoonish washboard abs, synthesiser power ballads, martial arts meet fantasy and sci-fi... could this game be any more Japanese? Blazblue Continuum Shift(what a name!) is the sequel to Blazblue Calamity Trigger, a 2D beat-'em-up in the tradition of the Street Fighterseries. Continuum Shiftcarries on the story, tweaks the moves and adds a number of characters.

You know the drill: choose from a variety of fighters, practise your killer moves and let rip against the console, friends or strangers online.

Were beat-'em-ups always this eccentric? Blazblue Continuum Shiftreally is barmy. I laughed out loud at some of its crazier moments.

The duellists are a motley crew of archetypes and freaks, including the feline-like Taokaka, who thinks she’s the cat’s pyjamas; Arakune, a ghostly cloud-like figure that looks like a refugee from a Hayao Miyazaki movie; the obligatory strongman, Iron Tager, a monstrous green cyborg with bad taste in accessories; and Carl Clover, a schoolboy who turns up to fight with his mammy.

This is a colourful, lively game; Even the music is distinctive, with harpsichords, operatic vocals and rock guitar turning up in close proximity. With great controls, memorable characters and a nice variety of combat moves, it's the best fighter I've played in some time. Like the best beat-'em- ups, Blazblue Continuum Shiftis easy to learn but tricky to master.