The story of Akai Katana is set in a parallel world resembling Japan's Taisho period, where the people have discovered the powerful Blood Swords. Requiring human sacrifices to unleash their immense destructive power, these swords have been used by the empire to crush neighboring countries. However, all the bloodshed and power gained through sacrificing close family members has made some of the swordsmen think twice. With new fighter planes and the powered up swords at their disposal, this small band of rebels now fight back against the tyrannical empire.

A powerful natural resource, this Guiding Ore held other mysterious qualities. It could be tempered into a blade, a “Guiding Katana” that endowed certain soldiers who held special symbols with access to a unique psychic power.

It was said that once this katana killed another human being, it would turn blood-red and endow its owner with an overwhelming power. It was this power that the Emperor Basho used to expand his reign, waging war on his country’s neighbors with an elite battalion who wielded the so-called “blood swords”.

Now only a small squadron of rebels stands against his empire and its most fearsome generals. The struggle for justice begins here.

The new DLC will include two Akai Katana gamer picture packs containing 10 gamer pictures each, and two theme packs for the Xbox 360 dashboard. The complete list of DLC packs and their live dates include:

• Theme pack 1 (240 MSP) - May 7
• Picture pack 1 (160 MSP) - May 14
• Theme pack 2 (240 MSP) - May 21
• Picture pack 2 (160 MSP) - May 28  

Akai Katana features include:

• Gorgeous hand-drawn artwork
• Full HD 16:9 support
• Three modes of gameplay
  • Origin (Arcade)
  • Slash
  • Climax
• Fully animated UI
• Original Arcade settings (optional) for an authentic experience
• Online leaderboards and replays
• Local two-player co-op
• Frantic 'bullet hell' action