While Die by the Blade isn’t an entirely original concept, in 2021 it may as well be. The fighting game’s inspirations are clear. It’s a 3D fighting game where a single attack can win a match. Unsurprisingly, developer Triple Hill says that it’s drawn heavily on inspirations including Bushido Blade and Way of the Samurai to help design and develop Die by the Blade. That’s not to say it’s just about one-hit kills, though. Rather, it’s about quickly planning and adapting strategies followed by “performing perfectly timed strikes” to win.
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With that in mind, like Bushido Blade, Die by the Blade is a 1v1 fighting game where each character wields a deadly blade. Triple Hill describes the style of Die by the Blade as “Samurai Punk,” in that it mixes that traditional Bushido Blade style of Japanese warriors with a cyberpunk shine. Players can move in a 3D space, akin to AAA fighting games like Tekken or Virtua Fighter. However, unlike those major releases, in Die by the Blade winning is a matter of controlling the weapon for quick strikes and deft blocks as much as it is moving the character.
Speaking of character, Triple Hill says that Die by the Blade will launch with seven playable fighters. As is expected of fighting games, each character will have their own unique style and personality, as well as backstories that will be explored within the game. Customization also plays a large role in Die by the Blade. Players will be able to customize their characters with a variety of cyberpunk/samurai cosmetics.
Unfortunately, Triple Hill isn’t ready to fully unveil the game modes that will be available in Die by the Blade. It does confirm that there will be a 1v1 multiplayer mode, as well as a story-driven single-player campaign, specifically. Further, there are plans for online ranked modes, including tournaments. There’s no word on Die by the Blade’s netcode, GGPO or otherwise.
Expect to hear a lot more about Die by the Blade and the features that Triple Hill has planned for the fighting game in the months to come. With its new publisher, Die by the Blade is being prepared for multiple platforms, including PC, Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox. Further, Die by the Blade is planning to support crossplay, too. Bushido Blade fans have been anxiously awaiting this kind of spiritual successor. Die by the Blade will hopefully deliver.
Die by the Blade releases in 2022 on PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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