The game combines the excitement and subtle dynamics of a classic one-on-one fighting game with the polish and features expected from a current-gen contender.

Blade Strangers embraces a traditional and streamlined four-button control scheme that offers accessible controls that are designed to bring fresh blood to the ranks of fighting game players worldwide. For advanced players, the intricate combos, counters and special moves provide tournament-caliber competitors with endless opportunities to hone their skills.

The action in the game is highlighted by the stunning character animations, which are created using a proprietary process. 3D character models are used to render individual animation frames, which are then rasterized into sprites and manually hand-touched up by talented 2D artists to create cel-like characters and movement.

The diverse roster in Blade Strangers includes unique characters from different backgrounds, headlined by Quote and Curly Brace (from Cave Story+), Isaac (from The Binding of Isaac: Afterbirth+), Solange, Ali, Liongate and Master T (from Code of Princess EX) and Kawase, Noko and Emiko (from the Umihara Kawase series). The 14-character launch roster also features indie superstars Shovel Knight and Gunvolt as special guests, plus new characters Lina and Helen who are appearing in a video game for the first time ever.

The game will arrive feature-rich at launch, complete with a wide variety of online and offline gameplay modes and additional offerings including:

• Story Mode - experience each character’s unique story
• Arcade Mode - pick a character and win matches to advance
• Challenge Mode - complete various skill challenges for each of the characters
• Survival Mode - battle against a barrage of CPU-controlled opponents
• Versus Mode - fight against friends or the CPU (with “standby” option)
• Online Modes - create or search for rooms and engage in Stealth, Casual or League matches
• Tutorial - for new players to learn the basics
• Training - practice moves and combos to hone skills (with “standby” option)
• Other Features - online leaderboards, screen view and control customization, player profiles, stat tracking, unlockable items (character colors, portraits, special titles)

Blade Strangers, rated T for Teen, will be available digitally and physically for Nintendo Switch and PS4 and digitally on the Steam platform on August 28, 2018 for $39.99 MSRP. For a limited time, launch copies of the physical versions will also include surprise bonus goodies inside the package.