The Last Blade (1997)

Developer: SNK
Publisher: D4 Enterprise, Plug In Digital, SNK, SNK Playmore
Platforms: Arcade, Neo Geo AES, Windows Mixed Reality, Web browser, PlayStation 3, Linux, Wii, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Genres: Fighting, Arcade
Rating: 3.7 of 5, 22 player ratings
Where to get it: Steam

The 3D catalog: game boxes on wooden shelves, with the cat sitting at the counter next to its greeting.

The catalog in 3D

The same catalog has a room you can walk around in. The cat behind the counter is the AI Catbot, and they pick real games from it when you tell them what you feel like playing. Nothing is for sale, here or in there. Go in from here and this game is already out on the counter, with more like it waiting on the shelf next to it.

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How it feels

A disciplined, methodical clash of blades where every choice of stance and style carries weight against a backdrop of traditional Japanese artistry.

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About

The Last Blade is a fighting game developed and published by SNK and released in arcades in 1997. It is set in a fictional version of late 19th-century Japan and features a roster of sword-wielding characters. The game uses a weapon-based combat system with selectable fighting styles that emphasize speed or power. Its presentation draws heavily on historical themes and traditional Japanese aesthetics.

Screenshots

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More by SNK

This page is from Underplayed Gems, a catalog of older and overlooked games. Not quite it? You can browse by platform and genre, or take this one into the 3D catalog and ask the Catbot for something closer.