Die by the Blade (PC) Review

Of course, roughly 27 years have passed since Bushido Blade was a going concern, and Die by the Blade takes that far-off inspiration and attempts to update it with its own unique mechanics and prettier modern graphics.

The main difference here is a combat system that presents the inclusion of a low, mid and high stance selection mechanic to prepare for attacks and blocks. Though it is conceptually interesting and aims to add complexity to the combat, it often feels like the arrow indicator for these stances takes precedence over the immediate visceral action of Die by the Blade and doesn't translate into the complexity that it promises. Rather, it feels at odds with the thrilling back and forths and bloody dismemberment victories, which, as in Bushido Blade, remain the primary appeal. Instead, it quickly becomes an exercise in repetition.

Visually, Die by the Blade does have some great environment and stage design, showcasing high quality textures, particle effects and whatnot. The whole package, however, has an aesthetic that looks "out-of-the-box Unreal Engine". Character models, though polished, lack a distinctive personality, a key factor for any fighting game's success, making them feel somewhat generic and soulless.

It's also disheartening to see a menu system and layout that prioritises online play and games-as-a-service design principles, when neither seem to be that thought through in terms of their applicability here. During this review test, it was impossible to find one online match-up at all, and in lieu of other substantial content, leaves a lot to be desired.