Finally! After 2 years a proper sequel finally arrives, this one comes for arcade and PS3, no mention of an Xbox release though, Lambda, mu and nu aren't appearing (for obvious reason's if you've played continuum shift) however 3 new characters are introduced:
Azreal
Amane Nishiki
Bullet
Some characters also get new looks:
Anyone recognize her?
Wait, wtf? They skipped over CR and CQ! I guess CR will be covered if they make a pachislot game, but I wonder about CQ. Yes, I decided they were working backwards through the alphabet like some sort of demented Android release, and hell I'm still pretty sure they are...
First off, all of the characters have new standing sprites/animations. Every single character has some sort of aesthetic change. All the music's been completely remixed, and all of the stages aside from Rachel's are brand new, fitting with how everyone left Kagutsuchi for Ikaruga after the events of Continuum Shift. Of course, it doesn't need to be said that all the art's completely redrawn too.
Now for gameplay. All of the characters have at least one new move in their arsenal, and some of the characters have been changed by a large degree. Jin's combos apparently work differently now, while Noel has a completely new Astral Finish. And here comes the big bit: Gold Bursts have been completely replaced by a new system called Overdrive, which essentially powers up the character's Drive moves, and encourage aggressive playstyles. All characters have unique Overdrives, listed as follows:
Ragna: Blood Kain Idea -
Jin: Frost End - Yukianesa attacks freeze the opponent.
Noel: Chain Quasar - Increases speed of Drive moves.
Rachel: Elf Lied - Wind Meter charges faster.
Taokaka: Almost Becoming Two -
Tager: Voltic Field - Forces magnetism on opponent.
Litchi: Daisharin - Move the staff with Direction + D.
Arakune: Crimson Depths - Curse meter doesn't drain while active.
Bang: Furinkazan -
Carl: Synchro High Speed - Nirvana is strengthened.
Hakumen: Kishin - Magatama charge faster, can cancel D attacks into Specials, cannot Crush Trigger.
Tsubaki: Second Install - Install Gauge automatically charges.
Hazama: Jormangund - Drive attacks are stronger, gains Life Steal ring.
Makoto: Galaxian Impact - All Drive moves are Level 3.
Valkenhayn: Endlos Volf - Wolf Gauge charges much faster.
Platinum: Magical Heart Catch - Unlimited use of current item.
Relius: Maxima Dance - Ignis gauge recharges faster.
Amane: Cyclone - All Drive attacks are max level.
Bullet: Heat the Beat - Permanent "Heat Up" state while active.
Azrael: Mind Colosseo - All attacks act act as though they'd hit weak points.
There's also the usual balance fixes. Arakune can curse opponents more easily, but the curses don't last as long anymore. Stuff like that.
I miss Noel without her Beret. They also removed primers from the game. Overdrive last longer up to a cap when your health is lower. Bullet is hot! There is a lot of speculation that Amane Nishiki could be Tenjo's son.
Extend is a joke in what they added compared to Phantasma.