Battle Arena Toshinden is a 3D weapons-based fighter where ten distinct characters compete in the Toshin Daibukai tournament. Each fighter wields a unique weapon and moveset—expect swords, nunchaku, and other melee tools defining their combat approach. The game uses a sidestep mechanic letting you dodge into the foreground or background, adding a spatial layer beyond traditional 2D fighters. Matches unfold in enclosed arenas with ring-outs possible. You'll chain normals into special moves, though the combo system stays relatively straightforward compared to later entries in the genre. Character motivations tie into the tournament's backstory, revealed through arcade mode endings. It's a solid pick if you want early polygon-era fighting with weapon variety and basic 3D movement.
