Summary

Release Year: 2007
Genres: Arcade, Indie, Shooter
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Tennen-sozai
Publishers: Eye Studio, Nyu Media

eXceed 3rd: Jade Penetrate Black Package – A Ferocious Fighting Frenzy

Overview

eXceed 3rd: Jade Penetrate Black Package, released in arcades in 2007, is a captivating fighting game that reboots the eXceed storyline, taking it in a bold new direction. Developed by Arika and published by Taito, this arcade classic brings intense battles, featuring a diverse cast of characters and their powerful familiars, to the realm of Pandemonium.

Story

The narrative of eXceed 3rd centers around Rayne Lindwurm, a skilled warrior who fights her way through a grand tournament to become one of the 7 Cardinal Lords who rule Pandemonium. As a descendant of the legendary Dragon Clan, Rayne possesses immense power and a strong determination to prove herself worthy of the title.

However, Rayne’s path to becoming a Cardinal Lord is not without its challenges. She must confront formidable opponents and their familiars, including her own older sister, Celestia Lindwurm, the heiress to the mighty Dragon Clan. As Rayne progresses through the tournament, she uncovers the secrets of her lineage and the true nature of the power she wields.

Gameplay

eXceed 3rd introduces a unique and innovative fighting system that sets it apart from other games in the genre. Players control a team of two characters: a main fighter and a familiar. The main fighter engages in close-quarters combat, while the familiar provides support and assistance from the sidelines.

Each character possesses a distinct set of moves and abilities, allowing for a wide range of strategies and combinations. Players must master the art of tag-teaming, seamlessly switching between their main fighter and familiar to gain an advantage in battle.

The gameplay is fast-paced and adrenaline-pumping, requiring quick reflexes and strategic thinking. Players must carefully manage their resources, including their Tension Gauge, which powers special moves and abilities, to outmaneuver and defeat their opponents.

Characters

eXceed 3rd features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unique fighting styles and motivations. Some of the playable characters include:

Rayne Lindwurm: A fierce warrior and descendant of the Dragon Clan, Rayne seeks to prove her worth and become a Cardinal Lord.
Celestia Lindwurm: Rayne’s older sister and heiress to the Dragon Clan, Celestia is a formidable opponent who wields powerful dragon magic.
Eltnum: A skilled elf archer who fights alongside her loyal bird familiar, Pippin.
Vulcan: A burly fighter who uses his immense strength and pyrokinetic abilities to overwhelm his foes.
Alisia: A young and energetic mage who relies on her elemental spells and her familiar, a mischievous imp named Pocky.

Familiars

Familiars play a crucial role in eXceed 3rd, providing valuable support and assistance to their main fighters. Each familiar possesses unique abilities and can be summoned to perform special attacks, defend against enemy attacks, or enhance the main fighter’s capabilities.

Some of the notable familiars include:

Pippin: Eltnum’s bird familiar who can fire arrows and distract opponents.
Pocky: Alisia’s imp familiar who can cast elemental spells and teleport.
Gargant: Vulcan’s dragon familiar who can breathe fire and grapple opponents.
Fenrir: Rayne’s wolf familiar who can attack enemies and enhance her physical abilities.

Graphics and Sound

eXceed 3rd showcases vibrant and detailed 2D sprites that bring the characters and environments to life. The animations are fluid and visually impressive, capturing the dynamic and over-the-top nature of the battles.

The soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a mix of energetic and atmospheric tracks that perfectly complement the gameplay and create an immersive experience.

Legacy and Impact

eXceed 3rd: Jade Penetrate Black Package has garnered critical acclaim for its innovative gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning visuals. It has become a beloved classic among fighting game enthusiasts and is still enjoyed by many today.

The game’s unique tag-team system and emphasis on character synergy have influenced subsequent fighting games, leaving a lasting impact on the genre. eXceed 3rd remains a testament to the creativity and innovation that can be found in the arcade gaming scene.

Conclusion

eXceed 3rd: Jade Penetrate Black Package is an exceptional fighting game that offers an exhilarating and unforgettable experience. With its fast-paced gameplay, diverse cast of characters, and stunning presentation, it stands as a true gem in the arcade gaming landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre, eXceed 3rd is sure to provide hours of intense and rewarding entertainment.