Sega has released new information and screenshots for 2D fighting game Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining introducing playable characters Sonia Blanche and Rinna Mayfield, the new Skill System, and online battles.

If you missed it earlier this month, read up on playable characters Yuma Ilvern and Kirika Alma Towa here.

Get the new details below.

■ Sonia Blanche (voiced by Asami Seto)

Story

With the war over, Sonia devotes herself to public service each day not as a knight, but as the crown princess. Her current problem, however, is the news of the hero Yuma’s disappearance and being unable to do anything about it.

One day, in the hustle and bustle of Marga, Sonia notices someone who resembles Zest. The question of “How?” crosses her mind. “He was defeated at Sleepy Hollow.” This could not be overlooked. Suppressing her desire to go after Yuma as soon as possible, she took the clue that is the Contract Tablet in hand as a princess.

Techniques

—Million Thrust

A sword technique in which Sonia thrusts forward while striking the opponent with consecutive thrusts. Connecting the finishing thrust can down the opponent.

—Sword Blast

A movement technique that drains the Force Gauge while Sonia back-steps to distance herself from the opponent. A Sweeping Slash, Upward Slash, or Downward Slash can be connected to down the opponent.

—Aura Blade

An art that minces the opponent with both speed and power. You can strengthen its power by consuming the gauge while playing the Temperion.

—Divine Light

An art that covers Sonia in lightning before charging at the opponent. It is said that no one can stop the woman known as “Astoria’s Lightning Princess.”

■ Rinna Mayfield (voiced by Ai Kayano)

Story

Rinna is an mage from the elf kingdom of Wellant, as well as Kirika’s attendant since childhood. After the hero Yuma disappears, she plans a surprise party in order to restore the day-to-day routine at Seagull Inn, which had gradually changed.

After staying up all night making invitations, Rinna set out to deliver them to everyone while rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

She reached out to Kirika, Sonia, and Excela—the usual gang—but they all seemed busy, and the lonely Rinna was eager to step foot into another world, but…

Techniques

—Steel Dive

A technique in which Rinna rides her Trumrod and charges at the opponent. The distance of the rush changes depending on the button.

—Steel Dive: Air

A technique in which Rinna rides her Trumrod from the sky and charges at the opponent in a downwards, angular assault.

—Let’s Eat!

A technique in which Rinna sends a charming kiss her opponent’s way, which causes them to fall madly in love, regardless of gender. It comes with the effect of stealing the enemy’s power and increasing Rinna’s own magic power level.

—Huge Calling!

An art that calls upon the wind spirits and causes a violent storm that engulfs everything. By increasing Rinna’s magic power level, this technique can be made even more powerful.

—Wish Upon a Star!

An art that summons a meteor from over the sky to strike down on the opponent, which causes a large explosion.

■ New Feature: Skill System

Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining implements a new “Skill System.” By accumulating Contract Points earned through online battles and the like, and then putting them into the Blade Contract, you can acquire new skills and materials (items) for each character.

Skills

Skills can be set in the Blade Contract after they are acquired. Each skill has a specific effect.

—Skill Examples

Strength of a Warrior – Increases attack power by two percent.

Aura – Support Link Gauge increases by one percent every second.

Initiative Special – Adds 0.1 to the Force Gauge at the start of battle.

Speed Action – Accumulates the AP Gauge to 50 percent at a faster rate.

Trance – Accumulates the Force Gauge by pressing the emote button (can only be used once per round).

From increasing your attack power to deal direct damage to using gauge-related skills and connecting previously unconnected combos, you can create various battle styles depending on how your skills are set.

There are also strong character-specific skills, and since their effects are also influenced by their partner character, choosing a partner is now more important than ever before.

Materials

By setting materials (items) before the battle begins, you can activate very powerful effects.

—Material Examples

Spirit Seal: Full – Increases HP by 5 percent (for the whole round).

Force Seal: Full – Increases the rate at which the Force Gauge accumulates by 10 percent (for the whole round).

Friend Seal: Full – Increases the Support Link Gauge by 40 percent (for the whole round).

Friendly Match Ticket – Even if you lose the battle, you will receive the same amount of skill points as you would if you won.

Super Sorbe Doll – Doubles the amount of skill points received.

Materials disappear after their first use, so it is important to decide when to use them. Utilize materials depending on your objective, whether that is to simply win at the end of the day, or perhaps to develop a certain character.

Of course, skilled players can also choose not to use materials and fight using the traditional gameplay style.

■ Online Battles

In Blade Arcus Rebellion from Shining, you can battle against players all over the world through the Internet. Challenge players far and wide in tag battles where victory is influenced by your partner character combination.

In ranked matches, you will acquire points by playing and based on the outcome of battles, as well as compete in the rankings. In player matches, you can share passwords to battle against friends.

Rankings

There are two types of rankings: rankings for each character, and a ranking that includes all characters.