The first weapons based 3D fighting game franchise, predating the Soul Series. While it was quite popular at the time, it has not achieved the lasting popularity that series and other 3D fighting game series received. The original game debuted in 1994. The series has a contemporary setting where fighters all over the world are secretly invited to participate in a weapons based tournament called the Toshindaibukai.
The series has not had a new entry since Battle Arena Toshinden 4. The character art for the games was done by Kotobuki_Tsubasa.
It received an 2 episode OVA anime adaptation directed by Obari_Masami.