The Action-RTS that bridges the gap between Guilty Gear XX and Guilty Gear Xrd, the Microsoft-exclusive Guilty Gear 2: Overture is now available on Steam.

Developer Arc System Works recently soft-released Guilty Gear 2: Overture for PC; there was little fanfare before the official launch, as the only advertisement took the literal form of a launch day trailer. Debuting as a 360-exclusive in 2007, Guilty Gear 2: Overture deviated from the core fighting game saga as a fully-3D Action-RTS; the crux of gameplay revolves around fighting hordes of enemies while defending and overtaking energy spires across the battlefield. Often viewed as the “black sheep” of the franchise, several characters and current designs debut within the title, including the introductions of Sin Kiske, Dr. Paradigm and the first “Valentine” (followed by Xrd‘s Ramlethal, Elphelt and Jack-O).

Outside of the original hand-drawn titles and the recent 3D revival, the Guilty Gear saga previously dabbled in radio dramas, manga and OVAs (“original video animation”). Guilty Gear also spawned a bizarre Nintendo DSiWare title- Pro Jumper! Guilty Gear Tangent!?; though seemingly unrelated to the loud nature of the Guilty Gear franchise, Pro Jumper stars “Chimaki” as the lead character, seen in Overture as the stuffed toy held by Sin Kiske as a child.

Guilty Gear 2: Overture is currently available for PC through Steam for $11.99; the 40% discount ends on 4/7, raising the price back up to $19.99. The Steam version also includes all of the DLC from the 360 release.

Source: Steam
Image courtesy of Arc System Works