Guilty Gear Strive's chaotic 3v3 mode is a mind-melting spectacle..

Fighting games are usually all about that 1v1 dance, where you're solely responsible for your triumphs and failures. But Guilty Gear isn't exactly a stranger to tag-team action, and Strive's new Team of 3 mode is an entirely different beast. Playtests of the open beta have revealed a chaotic whirlwind of action that's left many intrigued, conflicted, and slightly worried for their sanity.

This isn't your standard tag-team match. It's a Guilty Gear royal rumble inside a burning car that's plummeting off a cliff. Picture the mayhem of Marvel vs. Capcom, but each assist has a mind of its own, and there are five other hands vying for control.

The core concept is intriguing: one player is the main fighter, while two others act as assists, actively participating in the brawl with their own moves and skills. Tagging out isn't a sudden affair either; both players need to agree to a "handshake" before switching.

Each player gets one turn as the main per round, and the characters tagging in and out briefly share the screen. But here's the kicker: everyone shares a single health bar. Playtests have shown how rounds can end in a flash if someone gets cornered and absolutely demolished.

This handshake system means mains can hog the spotlight if they choose, even if they're getting constantly pummeled. On the flip side, the visual cues for tagging can easily get lost in the chaos when dodging attacks from the opposing character, their assist, and their skills.

The screen often devolves into a cluttered mess, with playtesters reporting that it feels like mashing buttons and hoping for the best when you're the main fighter. It's like trying to play Asuka while your friend does a jig in front of the TV.

Playing with randoms makes any semblance of strategy impossible. You're just trying to anticipate the madness unfolding on screen, which includes fire, electricity, bubbles, secondary fighters, dummies, and who knows what else. The skill system is fascinating, allowing for some creative setups and extra support like healing, but some wonder if the mode would feel more cohesive without them (or at least with fewer). Then you'd only have to worry about assists and tags, similar to other team fighters.

There's also no limit to using the same characters, so prepare to face some soul-crushing teams like 3 Slayers, 3 Happy Chaos, or 3 Potemkins.

One bright spot is the netcode. Playtests have shown that it held up admirably across six connections, even with a mix of wired and Wi-Fi setups. The occasional slowdown was almost a blessing when things got too hectic, giving you a chance to decipher the chaos.

The full release will supposedly offer team training and skill customization, but that won't matter much if you're always stuck with random teammates. I appreciate the ideas Arc System Works is experimenting with, but playtests have shown that extended sessions can feel like a mental workout.

It's refreshing to see them trying something so out there again. Hopefully, this beta will provide valuable data so they can fine-tune the mode before its full release.

There's no concrete release date for Guilty Gear's 3v3 mode yet, but it's expected to arrive sometime during Season 4. The open beta concludes at 12 a.m. PT / 3 a.m. ET, so jump in if you dare. Just be prepared for a wild ride.