When you first saw this title, some of you might have thought, ”Oh, another yokai-slaying game.” But Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade has a depth that goes beyond just being a Japanese-style action game. While based on the atmosphere of the Edo period, it combines roguelite elements, meaning a different development awaits every time you play—a story dwells within this ”repeating cycle of reincarnation.” Amidst the chaos where the Nine-Tailed Fox descends and monsters roam free, the protagonists rise up one by one. As you progress through each of their stories, you’ll find yourself captivated by the truth of the incident that is gradually revealed.

What makes this game most interesting is that the personalities of the protagonists are incredibly distinct. An immortal ninja, a prison guard serving under Enma, and a samurai harboring the power of a yokai—each has a strong quirk, yet they are strangely persuasive, and you naturally get drawn in. Furthermore, the game is structured so that you can experience the same world from different perspectives through completely independent scenarios. Since the combat styles are also entirely different, you feel refreshed every time you play. Once you find a favorite character, you’ll want to follow their story to the very end, showing the meticulous attention to detail in the game’s creation.

Slashing through enemies again and again. The action in this game can be summed up in one word: ”exhilarating.” The feeling of blowing away monsters with flashy combos while utilizing the different attributes imbued in the Demon Blades is exceptional. Another key point is the ability to build skills and abilities to your liking by collecting items called ”Soul Orbs.” Because there is no single right way to fight, there is joy in discovering your own kind of strength. And when you can even receive the protection of a Cat God, there’s no doubt you’ll end up with a smile on your face.

The joy of growth, not just equipment and skills, is also a charm of this work. By making full use of strengthening materials and ingredients obtained during battle, you can not only evolve weapons but also enhance character abilities. One of the most striking elements is the ”Phantom Ramen.” The fact that eating this powers you up mysteriously adds a somewhat humorous touch, showcasing a sense of balance unique to this title. Having these little bits of fun tucked between tense battles keeps the game’s tempo feeling comfortable.

Precisely because it is a world where humans and yokai are not merely enemies, encounters with benevolent yokai enrich this story. It’s heartening that by deepening your friendship with those you meet during your journey, you can receive resources or get help with your adventure. The spaces where yokai enjoy festivals provide a kind of healing and become a driving force to look forward and move on again. This game makes sure to provide those gentle moments that teach you that not everything in the world is an enemy.

The depth of Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is that it doesn’t end just because you’ve played through it once. Throughout the journey, there are special stages that can be challenged by meeting certain conditions, a design that is irresistible for players seeking high difficulty. Varied enemy placements and stage gimmicks stand in your way as a stage to test your true skill. Devising a strategy and seeing how far you can break through with the characters you’ve raised—this is a challenge that players confident in their skills should definitely take on.