Japanese-Inspired Metroidvania The Spirit of the Samurai Mixes Classic Hollywood Influence With an Adorable Cat Warrior

Stop-motion metroidvania action game The Spirit of the Samurai has just appeared at Gamescom’s Future Games Show hosted by Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII ahead of its fall 2024 release.

In The Spirit of the Samurai, you play as three different characters who fight to defend your village from an army of undead led by a terrifying Oni. Drawing heavily on Japanese mythology, you’ll play as the samurai Takeshi, but also as Kodama, a small but brave spirit, and Chisai, a warrior cat.

Using The Spirit of the Samurai’s in-game combo editor, Chisai will fight alongside Takeshi in 2D side-scrolling action sequences, but will also go it alone, outsmarting enemies who tower over him in sequences immediately reminiscent of classics like Limbo and Inside. Paired with The Spirit of the Samurai’s distinctive animation style, whether you’re on the front lines or on the run, each character has a unique approach to the enemies in front of them.

The Spirit of the Samurai’s stop-motion animation also helps. Inspired by legendary director Ray Harryhausen, who crafted the iconic monsters of timeless classics like Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonauts, and The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, this game confidently blends its Hollywood influence with its Japanese mythology-inspired narrative.

The Spirit of the Samurai is set to release on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store this fall, and is available to wishlist now.

If you’re looking for more great games from today’s Future Games Show, check out our official steam page.