I’m not sure how many people remember the classic 3D fighting video game developed by Lightweight (back in 1997) called Bushido Blade and its successor, Bushido Blade 2—but I sure do.
These older one-on-one fighting games actually tried something different from the clone-like fighting games that were out there (and sadly still are), in that they don’t have silly health bars or artificial time limits. One hit would usually result in one of the fighters dying.
Well, fortunately, a new upcoming game titled Die By The Blade actually had the guts to try something different. The game is very similar to the Bushido Blade games in that there are no health bars nor time limits, but it also draws inspiration from Way of the Samurai and Dark Souls as well as the incredible stand-offs in Ghost of Tsushima.
Its developer Triple Hill Interactive describes Die By The Blade as being set in an unusual “samurai-punk” version of Japan. Thus, the old traditional samurai-style aesthetics are combined with “punk” futurism, resulting in some stunning backdrops.
In this one-on-one game, players must choose from an assortment of hand-to-hand weapons (none of the wimpy bow and arrow stuff here) and face off against deadly opponents. But you have to be careful because the slightest mistake will seal your fate.
Players can become a master of their craft and fight to the death with other players in tense, fast-paced multiplayer matches or slash through tough AI enemies in the singleplayer campaign. There’s also a ranked multiplayer mode.
By utilizing their own version of Bushido Blade’s one-hit kill combat system, Die By The Blade leaves no room for mistakes. And just like those older games, this one has removed the concepts of health bars and health points. Instead, it’s a game that is built on a realistic battle system creating a sense of real tension as one error by the player could result in instant death.
This combat system emphasizes the need for weapon positioning, parries, and also counter moves to defend against enemy attacks before delivering a clean hit to any vital area of your opponent, causing instant death.
Players have to learn to use the one-hit kill system to draw out their enemy’s mistakes and mount devastating comebacks to claim victory. So sharpen your blade and get ready to go head to head with fearsome opponents, all masters of their deadly craft.
Publisher Kwalee is thrilled to announce that Die by the Blade will be launching on the 3rd November 2022 for PC, PlayStation 4 & 5, and Xbox One & Series S/X. Nintendo Switch will launch later in 2023.
To celebrate the release date announcement, Kwalee has released a brand new gameplay trailer for Die By The Blade, showcasing some of the game’s intriguing playable characters, deadly bladed weapons, and stunning locations alongside brutal one vs. one combat.
Here are Some of the Game’s Key Features:
- 1 versus 1 Local, online and singleplayer swordfighting simulation with realistic combat system inspired by legendary Bushido Blade
- One hit kill mechanic and complex parrying and blocking system
- Fighting style not tied to selected character, but weapon
- Many unique characters to choose from
- Wide range of customization options
- Various game modes including Practice, Tournament and Ranked online mode
- Unique “Samuraipunk” artstyle merging techpunk and japanese-inspired aesthetics
Here is the Table of Weapons:
- Katana – Medium long sword, the golden standard
- Nodachi – Heavy and long sword for meant for servants of samuraii. Its advantage is it’s large range and short recovery when compared to the Naginata
- Naginata – Relatively long weapon with a blade attached to the end of a bamboo stick. Has a very large range but the weight of the blade slows down the fighter significantly
- Wakizashi – Two short daggers meant for cutting and stabbing. Thanks to their low weight, they allow for very fast movement but have a very low range
- Jari – Jari is a bamboo spear with a short and narrow blade. It is lighter than the Naginata, but the smaller blade makes close combat far more difficult.
- Chokuto – Short sword without a guard is a bit lighter than the katana. It allows for stances and attacks with one hand.
As mentioned, Die By The Blade is coming to PC (Steam) on November 3, 2022, so get those gaming PCs ready for action!