Beyblade X: XOne

Beyblade X: XOne is an action-genre Beyblade game where players engage in exciting, turn-based battles rendered in an anime/manga art style. This licensed title features a quest to ascend to the top of the mysterious ‘X building’, offering gameplay from both 1st-person and 3rd-person perspectives with direct control or point-and-select interfaces. It includes a single-player story mode, complemented by robust online and local multiplayer battle options, making it a notable entry in the long-running Beyblade franchise.

Beyblade X: XOne: A Blader’s Testament to Speed and Spin

For over two decades, the Beyblade franchise has captivated audiences worldwide, transitioning from traditional Japanese beigoma into a multimedia juggernaut of spinning tops, anime, and manga. Yet, its journey into the digital realm has often been fraught with games that, while earnest, struggled to capture the visceral thrill and strategic depth of the physical phenomenon. Enter Beyblade X: XOne, released in November 2024, a title that promised to usher in a “fourth generation” of Beyblade gaming by leveraging the dynamic mechanics of the latest Beyblade X anime. Developed by Groove Box Japan and published by FuRyu Corporation, this game arrived with the weight of fan expectation, aiming to deliver not just another tie-in, but a definitive digital Beyblade experience complete with online multiplayer. While XOne largely succeeds in recreating the high-octane battles fans crave and offers unprecedented customization, it ultimately grapples with repetitive gameplay loops and a restrictive world, positioning it as the best in the franchise’s video game lineage, yet primarily a love letter to the most dedicated Bladers rather than a revolutionary title for the masses.

Development History & Context

Beyblade X: XOne emerged from a significant hiatus in the franchise’s video game presence, particularly in Western markets, following 2013’s Beyblade: Evolution on Nintendo 3DS and 2018’s Beyblade Burst: Battle Zero. This gap created a fertile ground for a revitalized entry, aligning with the launch of the new Beyblade X anime and manga series—a project explicitly dubbed the “fourth generation” by its creators, Takara Tomy.

The development helm was taken by Groove Box Japan Co., Ltd., with publishing duties handled by FuRyu Corporation. Their vision, as articulated in promotional materials, was clear: to faithfully recreate the “ultra-accelerated battles” of Beyblade X. This meant integrating core anime mechanics like the “X-celerator Rail” and the “Xtreme Dash,” alongside introducing a game-original “Active Gauge” system for tactical maneuvers. A significant leap for the series was the inclusion of online multiplayer, a first for a console Beyblade title, allowing players to compete globally.

Released on November 13/14, 2024, for Windows (via Steam) and Nintendo Switch, XOne utilized the Unity Engine. This choice allowed for vibrant anime-style visuals and dynamic battle effects, a marked improvement over previous generations. The developers even went so far as to purchase physical Beyblades, such as the ShinobiShadow 1-80MN, to meticulously study and replicate realistic movements for their in-game models, demonstrating a commitment to authenticity.

Despite these advancements, the game operated within certain technological constraints of its era and platform parity. While online battles were a highlight, cross-platform play between Nintendo Switch and Steam was explicitly not supported. The decision to offer a physical copy bonus—a special “Shinobi Knife 4-60LF Metal Coat: Blue” Beyblade—for Switch purchasers underscored the ongoing connection between the digital game and its physical toy counterpart. Additionally, a steady stream of downloadable content (DLC) in the form of “Digital Beyboosters” and “Dran Boosters,” extending into 2025, indicated a long-term content plan, mimicking the real-world expansion of Beyblade parts.

In a gaming landscape where licensed anime tie-ins often struggle to break free from perceived limitations, Beyblade X: XOne aimed to set a new standard. It sought to leverage nostalgia while innovating with modern multiplayer features and a deeper combat system, positioning itself as a pivotal moment for the franchise’s digital future.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Beyblade X: XOne‘s narrative, while drawing from the broader Beyblade X universe, ventures into an entirely original storyline featuring a fresh cast of characters. This approach allows the game to be accessible to newcomers without requiring prior knowledge of the anime, yet it still sprinkles in familiar faces like Multi Nana-iro, Jian Strong, and Robin Kazami for astute fans.

The player steps into the shoes of a customizable male or female protagonist, with “Sheer” as the default name. This Blader’s journey begins with a familial legacy: the inheritance of the powerful Shinobi Knife Beyblade from their father. This simple act immediately imbues the protagonist with purpose and a tangible connection to the Beyblade world, establishing a classic “chosen one” trope familiar to many anime-inspired narratives. The core plot revolves around a new, grand tournament known as The X Championship, held within the imposing “The X” or “X Tower.” The objective is straightforward: compete against a diverse array of rivals, climb the floors of this towering arena, deepen bonds with fellow competitors, and ultimately, aim for the top.

The thematic undercurrents are deeply rooted in classic Shōnen anime tropes. Ambition and aspiration drive the protagonist’s quest to conquer The X, mirroring the universal desire for mastery and recognition. Camaraderie and friendship form the backbone of the player’s interactions, as they meet and forge alliances with the members and founder of Team Persona. The narrative emphasizes the journey of deepening bonds, which provides emotional stakes beyond mere victory. While the plot is described by critics as “pretty basic and simple,” with character motivations often boiling down to “We must train harder and do our best,” this simplicity is a deliberate choice, reflecting the straightforward, motivational spirit of the source material. It prioritizes the character interactions and the excitement of the competition over intricate political intrigue.

Dialogue is primarily delivered through visual novel-style cutscenes, which critics note are “upbeat and comedic moments” that feel “true to the show’s spirit.” This presentation effectively conveys the personalities of the various Bladers and contributes to the game’s lighthearted, action-oriented atmosphere. However, the quality of the English localization for critical elements like tutorials was a notable flaw, making the initial learning curve “confusing” and detracting from the narrative’s ability to clearly communicate essential game mechanics. Despite these shortcomings, the game successfully conveys themes of legacy, self-improvement, and the thrill of competitive sport, all through the lens of spinning top battles. The player’s journey is less about a complex story and more about experiencing the spirit of Beyblade through personal growth and intense rivalries.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Beyblade X: XOne meticulously deconstructs the core Beyblade battle experience, aiming for both authenticity to the anime and engaging player interaction. The game offers a robust set of modes, including a single-player story campaign, online multiplayer (casual, ranked, and custom matches), local battles, exhibition matches against key characters, a practice area, and challenge matches within the “BeyBattle Net” for loot and XP. A comprehensive shop and customization interface complete the package.

Core Combat Loop

The combat system is a multi-phase affair designed to simulate the unpredictable yet strategic nature of Beyblade battles:

1. Launch Phase: Players begin by adjusting their launching angle and timing a button press for a “better launch.” The iconic “3, 2, 1, let it rip!” cry initiates the battle.
2. Auto-Chase Phase: Once launched, Beyblades automatically spin and collide within the stadium, which features the “X-celerator Rail.” During this phase, players can choose to use their “Active Gauge” to unleash critical “Attacks” or “Counters.” The Active Gauge fills over time, but using it rapidly drains it. Alternatively, players can conserve their gauge for the subsequent “X Phase.” The X-celerator Rail also allows for the “Xtreme Dash,” a high-speed maneuver around the stadium’s edge.
3. X Phase: This is the tactical heart of the battle. The “X Gauge” fills through critical attacks and collisions. Once full, it triggers the X Phase, slowing down the action. Players then engage in a “rock-paper-scissors” mini-game using three skill-based attacks (blue, green, yellow buttons). A win in this phase deals significant damage, and if a player is the first to trigger it, they receive a bonus to attack and defense. Successfully knocking out an opponent during the X Phase culminates in a dramatic cinematic “Extreme Finish.”

Winning Conditions & Scoring

Matches are dynamic, with points awarded based on the method of victory:
* Spin Out: If an opponent’s Beyblade simply runs out of power and stops spinning, it awards 1 point.
* Knockout: Directly reducing an opponent’s spin to zero with an attack grants 2 points.
* Extreme Finish: A knockout achieved via an Xtreme Dash or during an X Phase skill, accompanied by a cinematic, awards a hefty 3 points. Matches can vary in the total points required for victory and even the number of Beyblades a player can use (e.g., 2-on-2 battles, first to 5 points).

Customization & Progression

XOne places immense emphasis on Beyblade customization, claiming “over 100 million possible combinations.” Each Beyblade is comprised of three core parts: the “Blade,” “Ratchet,” and “Bit.” These parts contribute to four primary attributes: attack, defense, stamina, and balance. Further depth is added by secondary attributes like X dash power, burst resistance, and burst ability. Players can hold up to six complete Beyblade units, allowing for diverse strategies. New parts are acquired by winning battles, finding them on the world map, or purchasing them from the shop, where individual Beyblades are “relatively cheap.” Customization is also intricately linked to “X Skills,” enabling players to tailor their Beyblades to specific tactical advantages. Points earned from exhibition battles can be used to further upgrade and enhance Beyblade parts.

User Interface & Navigation

The game’s UI and navigation involve moving a character around the linear “X Tower” for story progression and quick-traveling via a world map to various battle locations or the shop. While this is functional, critics noted that the navigation outside battles felt “clunky” on the Switch due to frame rate issues, and the world map locations themselves were not explorable. A significant flaw mentioned across reviews was the game’s tutorial system: a lengthy, 38-page sequence of screens and text that was not only extensive but also suffered from poor English translation, making it an “obtuse learning curve” that failed to explain how to play strategically, only what the controls did.

Innovative & Flawed Systems

XOne shines in its commitment to translating complex physical toy mechanics into an engaging digital format. The Active Gauge, Xtreme Dash, and X Phase rock-paper-scissors mini-game add layers of tactical depth unprecedented in previous Beyblade games. The sheer depth of customization is also a major highlight, offering significant player agency. However, the game is not without its flaws. Critics frequently cited the repetitive gameplay in the later stages of the story mode, a perennial challenge for the franchise. The limited environmental exploration outside of battles left many wanting more, while the obtuse and poorly translated tutorials created an unnecessary barrier to entry. Furthermore, some Western players reported online connectivity issues, hindering the game’s ambitious multiplayer aspirations. The “hefty price tag” was also a point of contention for casual fans, suggesting the game’s depth was primarily for the hardcore.

In essence, Beyblade X: XOne‘s gameplay is a mixed bag: a highly polished and engaging battle system nested within a somewhat uninspired and linear overarching structure, ultimately delivering a compelling, if repetitive, experience for its target audience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Beyblade X: XOne crafts a world that is vibrant and visually striking, yet spatially constrained, focusing its artistic efforts on the intense spectacle of the battles themselves.

Setting & Atmosphere

The primary setting is “The X” or “X Tower,” a central hub for the X Championship tournament. While the concept of a towering competition arena provides a clear narrative objective, actual player movement within The X Tower is described as “incredibly linear.” The presence of a “world map” displaying locations like a Sushi Bar or a Beyblade Gym suggests a larger world, but these are merely quick-travel points, not explorable environments. This design choice, while streamlining progression, creates a somewhat static and claustrophobic atmosphere outside of the arenas, leaving players wishing for more environmental depth and freedom akin to other RPGs of its kind. The overall atmosphere during story segments and character interactions remains upbeat, competitive, and true to the energetic spirit of the Beyblade anime.

Visual Direction

The game adopts a faithful Anime/Manga art style, rendered with clarity and polish via the Unity Engine. Critics widely praise the visual fidelity, noting that XOne looks “far more visually impressive than previous games.” Character models are “ravishing,” and Beyblade designs boast “great color schemes,” arguably the best in the series’ digital history. The commitment to visual authenticity extends to the development process itself, with Groove Box Japan purchasing real Beyblades to ensure the in-game models exhibited realistic movements. The most striking visual elements occur during the “X Phase” cinematics, where “solid” graphics and dynamic camera work amplify the impact of critical hits and “Extreme Finishes.” These short, intense cutscenes change depending on the Beyblade and move used, contributing significantly to the feeling of high-octane action and making battles feel “far more intense than they actually are.” The visual novel style for story cutscenes, reminiscent of games like Digimon Survive, efficiently delivers narrative content without demanding extensive animated sequences.

Sound Design

The audio experience in Beyblade X: XOne is designed to complement the visual intensity of the battles. An “exciting hard rock music” soundtrack blares throughout the game, aiming to create an “octane, exhilarating tone.” While some critics found the music “a bit obnoxious” or “leans on the heavier side,” it undeniably enhances the adrenaline-fueled nature of the matches. The sound design during combat is equally impactful, with “over-the-top visual excitement of Beys clashing together in the arena, coupled with the clashing sound they make,” adding significant weight and satisfaction to each collision. However, one minor point of contention for long-time fans was the absence of the Beyblade X anime’s iconic opening theme by L’arc~en~Ciel, with some considering it a “downgrade” from the anime’s high standard.

In summary, Beyblade X: XOne‘s world-building, art, and sound successfully prioritize the spectacle and energy of the Beyblade battles. While the static environments outside of combat limit the sense of exploration and immersion, the polished visuals and impactful sound design during the core gameplay effectively deliver the intense, fast-paced action that fans expect from the franchise.

Reception & Legacy

Upon its release in November 2024, Beyblade X: XOne landed with a mixed, but generally positive, critical reception. Aggregating scores hovered around 65% (based on 4 critics on MobyGames and 3 on Metacritic), with individual reviews ranging from a cautious 55% from GameGrin to a solid 70% from Siliconera and Gaming Respawn.

Critical Praise for XOne largely centered on its success in delivering the core Beyblade experience. Many critics lauded it as “hands down the best game in the franchise’s twenty-year legacy” (Siliconera) and noted that the developers “completely nailed the experience of battling Beyblades” (Gaming Respawn). The unpredictable and engaging nature of the battles, fueled by the Active Gauge and X Phase rock-paper-scissors system, was frequently highlighted as addictive and exciting. Deep customization, offering “over 100 million possible combinations,” was also a significant strength, providing players with ample strategic depth and replayability. The vibrant anime visuals and the intense hard rock soundtrack during combat were praised for enhancing the high-octane atmosphere of the matches. The inclusion of online multiplayer, a first for the series, was a welcome, if imperfect, addition.

However, XOne was also met with notable Criticisms. The most common complaint revolved around repetitive gameplay, particularly in the later stages of the single-player campaign, a persistent issue for previous Beyblade titles. The lack of environmental depth and exploration outside of the linear X Tower was a consistent point of disappointment, with critics wishing for more expansive areas to roam. The obtuse and poorly translated tutorial system was a significant barrier to entry, frustrating new players. Issues like frame rate drops on the Nintendo Switch outside of battles and reported online connectivity problems for some Western players further marred the experience. GameGrin specifically criticized the “hefty price tag” for a game whose “repetitive play style means it’s only really one that hardcore fans would enjoy,” underscoring its niche appeal.

Commercial Reception figures are not fully available, but the game’s standard price point ($49.99, or $29.99 on Steam) and the planned rollout of numerous digital DLC “Beyboosters” and “Dran Boosters” into 2025 suggest a commercial strategy aiming for ongoing engagement and revenue. The physical edition bonus (Shinobi Knife 4-60LF Metal Coat: Blue) for Switch further catered to collectors and dedicated fans.

Regarding its Legacy, Beyblade X: XOne is still a very recent release, so its long-term influence is yet to be fully determined. However, it has already established several key precedents:
1. Online Multiplayer: As the first Beyblade console game to feature online battles, it sets a new standard for future adaptations, pushing the franchise into a more competitive, connected gaming space.
2. Mechanics Integration: Its faithful and innovative integration of Beyblade X anime mechanics like the X-celerator Rail and Xtreme Dash, combined with the game-original Active Gauge and X Phase, provides a strong blueprint for how physical toy mechanics can be successfully translated into compelling video game systems.
3. Customization Depth: The unparalleled depth of its customization system could influence other licensed tie-ins to offer more robust player agency in character or item creation.

While Beyblade X: XOne may not be a genre-defining title in the broader gaming industry, it has undeniably elevated the benchmark for what a Beyblade video game can be. Its reputation has quickly solidified as a must-play for franchise devotees, while its flaws suggest it will remain a cult favorite rather than a mainstream breakout hit.

Conclusion

Beyblade X: XOne stands as a significant entry in the venerable, if often uneven, history of Beyblade video games. Developed by Groove Box Japan and published by FuRyu, it represents a concerted effort to revitalize the digital aspect of the “fourth generation” Beyblade X phenomenon. The game delivers on its core promise: capturing the high-speed, tactical intensity of Beyblade battles with remarkable fidelity and flair.

At its best, XOne is an exhilarating spectacle. The Active Gauge, Xtreme Dash, and the strategic rock-paper-scissors of the X Phase elevate the combat beyond mere button-mashing, creating genuinely unpredictable and deeply satisfying engagements. The sheer depth of its customization, boasting “over 100 million possible combinations,” empowers players to craft Beyblades tailored to their precise playstyle, fostering a sense of ownership and endless experimentation that is truly commendable. Visually, the game is the most impressive the series has seen, with vibrant anime aesthetics and impactful cinematics that amplify every clash and knockout. The energetic hard rock soundtrack, while polarizing, undeniably contributes to the game’s high-octane atmosphere.

However, XOne is not without its imperfections. Its ambition is somewhat contained by a relatively simple narrative and a restrictive world design that limits exploration to linear paths and static map points. The initial learning curve is exacerbated by an obtuse, poorly translated tutorial system, an unfortunate oversight for a game with nuanced mechanics. Furthermore, for those outside the dedicated fanbase, the core loop can eventually fall into repetition, and issues like Nintendo Switch frame rate hiccups and inconsistent online connectivity for some players highlight areas where polish could have been improved.

Ultimately, Beyblade X: XOne carves out a definitive place in video game history not as a revolutionary title for the entire industry, but as the undeniable zenith of its own franchise. It is a meticulously crafted love letter to the dedicated Blader, delivering the most authentic and engaging digital Beyblade experience to date. While its niche appeal and certain design limitations prevent it from achieving widespread critical acclaim beyond its established audience, it sets a formidable new standard for future Beyblade adaptations. For those who grew up with the roar of spinning tops and the chant of “Let it rip!”, Beyblade X: XOne is a flawed gem—a testament to loyalty and a compelling evolution of a beloved cultural phenomenon.