BlazBlue Continuum Shift II made its promised debut at the Amusement Machine Show in Chiba today. In addition to playable units, Arc System Works held a formal announcement press conference.

Continuum Shift II adds Mu-12, Makoto, Valkenhayn, and Platinum the Trinity to the playable roster.

For owners of the PS3 or Xbox 360 versions of Continuum Shift, Mu-12 was already included in that version. Makoto is available as download content. Valkenhayn will become available as download content starting on the 21st.

Platinum the Trinity is also unofficially scheduled to appear as download content for the home titles. 4gamer has a first look at the character both in-game and in cut scenes.

Makoto and Valkenhayn are new for arcades.

On the technology side of things, CSII runs on Taito's Type X2 arcade board. However, Arc said that it makes use of a new Taito high speed I/O interface which will allow for more precise input.

Continuum Shift II is also notable for being the first title to use Taito's new NESiCAxLive download distribution system. As one example of the game's use of the system, Arc said that it will distribute periodic character balance adjustments via download.

You can read more about the download system here.

CSII will also make use of NESiCA IC Cards, allowing players to save and transfer data to servers for easy access via a PC or cell phone. Arc plans on offering item and content purchases via points earned during play. The company did not provide further details on this area.

An image of the new NESiCA IC cards.

BlazBlue Continuum Shift II will hit arcades this Winter.