Released in arcades in 1997 by SNK, The Last Blade is a 2D weapons-based fighting game set during the final years of Japan's Tokugawa shogunate. The roster comprises 12 selectable characters plus two unlockable bosses, each with their own story resolved through individual arcade endings. A defining mechanical choice greets players at the start of each run: the Power mode prioritizes straightforward, high-damage attacks, while Speed mode rewards technical play and deeper combo expression. The game's presentation leans heavily on late Edo-period Japanese aesthetics, reinforcing its historical setting through visuals and character design. Beyond the single-player arcade ladder, the Steam release supports online multiplayer through friend invites and lobbies, alongside leaderboards tracking scores across the player base. The title is available across a wide range of platforms, including Neo Geo AES, PlayStation, PSP, PC, Mac, Linux, and Wii.
"Two worlds once existed since ancient times... The world of the living, Ushyo, and the land of the dead, Tokoyo. A legendary boundary to forever separate them, The Hell's Gate, has existed since the birth of myths to keep an universal balance. There is said to be four gods that defend it: Seiryu of the East, Byakko of the West, Genbu of the North, and Suzaku of the South. They eternally perform their duty from the shadows of legend and were eventually forgotten by people as time passed. Now, it is the 'Bakumatsu'. The Tokugawa shogunate, after 200 years of reign, began to have samurai who long dulled their battle skills during the outskirts of the Heian period. People, who have long since grown used to peace, are met with fascinating foreigners and wonder about the confines of their isolation. To add to the confusion, a sudden disturbance occurs. A natural disaster unprecedented in Japan's history began. It was rumored to be the Majin Revival, a time when gods were to walk the land once more and deliver divine punishment. In a land where no chaos was said to exist, the people could do nothing but watch and despair. However, it was said that there are individuals who did not. People who haven't lost their fighting spirit and stood to face the chaos. Those who wanted to find the real cause behind the disturbance and stop it. Moreover, people who were unexpectedly born at the center of chaos. Those who had the ambitions to control the threat and those who are said to be the cause of the Majin Revival. Without speculation of their cause, they are brought together by a heavy fate as their battle begins." The passage to the land of the dead, Hell's Gate, which was previously guarded by Four Sacred Beasts appears to be opened. However, chaos sweeps the land once the gods are encased in human flesh, otherwise known as the Majin Revival. The story of the series continues to focus on how certain individuals choose to confront such conflict, and depicts how each of them are drawn on the same string of fate.
“THE LAST BLADE”, the first entry in the legendary 2D weapons-based fighter set during the twilight years of the Tokugawa shogunate, returns for another joust! Sharpen your blade, and be ready for some of the most epic battles on Steam!
・ARCADE:
Pick a fighter from the 12 (+2 boss) characters available, and select between the simple and highly-damaging "Power" mode, or the technical and deep "Speed" game mechanic. Challenge and defeat all 10 opponents who will stand in your way, and learn more about your character's story via the splendid game endings!
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How to unlock the 2 boss characters
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Tap the following command at the character select screen:
kick x 6, strong slash x 3, kick x 4
If the command has been successfully entered,
"Musashi Akatsuki" and "Shinnosuke Kagami" will now be available to selection.
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・MULTIPLAYER:
Connect to Steam, and cross swords with the best of the best in “THE LAST BLADE" via the "Invite a Friend" & "Lobby" multiplayer features.
・LEADERBOARDS:
Check your current rank & score in “THE LAST BLADE" at any time, as well as those of your friends and other top players!
・SETTINGS:
Configure various types of video options, controls and volume sound settings to your preference for the most pleasant “THE LAST BLADE” experience ever.
*The menu language set to be displayed can be chosen and edited at any time from the "language" tab in Properties.
** WILL NOT RUN ON Windows XP **
