Azur Lane: Crosswave recasts the world of the mobile side-scrolling shooter as a cel-shaded 3D action game. Personified battleships from four nations gather for a joint military exercise, with newcomers Shimakaze and Suruga at the center of the story. Its anime-inspired character models and Unreal Engine presentation give this spin-off a distinct visual identity while retaining the fleet-focused premise.
Combat puts players in direct control of a ship, letting them aim and fire at enemy vessels and aircraft carriers. Character subtypes shape available tactics: some can dash to evade attacks or raise defensive shields, while others unleash torpedoes, aircraft, or character-specific special attacks. Preparing a fleet also matters, with equipment crafting, item collection, and arrangements that can grant stat bonuses through Fleet Effects. The result combines real-time action with preparation and character-specific abilities.
The four modes offer different ways to engage with that design: Story follows Shimakaze and Suruga across seven chapters, Extreme Battle presents challenging fleets, Photo Mode lets players stage character scenes, and Episode Mode provides sub-stories.
