Kwalee, a leading UK games publisher, and the Spanish developer Digital Mind S.L. have recently unveiled a new gameplay trailer for The Spirit of the Samurai. The trailer highlights the game’s three unique playable characters: Takeshi, a seasoned samurai; Kodama, a courageous spirit; and Chisai, a warrior cat. The trailer also reveals the game's innovative custom combo editor, combat mechanics, and a fresh look at its formidable enemies and bosses. The Spirit of the Samurai is expected to launch on PC in Fall 2024.

Set in a world inspired by Japanese mythology, players take control of Takeshi, a samurai tasked with defending his village against the invasion of an Oni and his undead army. Alongside him are Kodama, a small but valiant spirit, and Chisai, a fearless warrior cat. “We wanted to capture the essence of Japanese folklore while giving players a cinematic, stop-motion experience,” explained the team at Digital Mind S.L.

The game promises a visually striking adventure, with environments such as abandoned villages, misty mountain caves, and eerie cemeteries brought to life through meticulous stop-motion animation. The developers noted, “The attention to detail is key to immersing players in this world, and every corner is filled with creatures straight from Japanese legends, from tengu to the fearsome Jorogumo.”

Each character plays a distinct role in combat and exploration, offering players a variety of ways to engage with the world. Takeshi excels in close combat with his katana, while Kodama navigates smaller spaces with agility, and Chisai uses a mix of swift attacks and stealth. “It’s about balancing different abilities and finding the right strategy for each encounter,” the studio emphasized.

As players progress, they’ll unlock powerful attacks and develop custom combos to suit their playstyle. “Our custom combo system allows for incredible depth in combat, and it’s something we’re really proud of,” Digital Mind S.L. added. With these elements combined, The Spirit of the Samurai promises an unforgettable journey through a haunting and beautifully crafted mythological world.