Suda-51's development house teaming with Digital Reality on classic 2D action platformer, due on XBLA, PSN early 2012.
Those who may have thought Grasshopper Manufacture had a full plate before can think again. As part of Gamescom 2011 today, Grasshopper Manufacture sound director Akira Yamaoka debuted Black Knight Sword, a 2D side-scrolling platformer that is expected to arrive for Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network in "January or February" 2012.
At a presentation debuting the game (seen below), Yamaoka described Black Knight Sword as pulling its visual inspiration from children's story books or puppet theater. However, the childhood throwback ends there, as the game maintains Grasshopper Manufacture's proclivity for over-the-top blood effects and deranged enemies.
And while many may find the visual aesthetic jarring, Yamaoka maintained that the gameplay will be familiar to anyone acquainted with classic side-scrolling action titles, such as Ghosts 'n Goblins. In the presentation, the titular Black Knight traveled multitiered levels from left to right, slashing at enemies in close range while avoiding projectiles and other damaging dangers.
Yamaoka also noted that while the game is being internally developed at Grasshopper Manufacture, it will be published in Europe by Digital Reality. Therefore, gamers may notice a "European soul injection in there." Grasshopper Manufacture is also teaming with Digital Reality on Sine Mora, a side-scrolling shoot-'em-up that's similarly due out early next year.
Tom Magrino has covered the games industry since 2006. He's been compared to Steve Martin by Ozzy Osbourne and Daniel Craig by Tim Schafer. His voice, heard largely on GameSpot's podcast, recalls that of Kermit the Frog. It ain't easy bein' Magreen.
It's the actual combat I'm disappointed with now I've tried it. I like the quirkiness but the fighting is just pushing one button and moving the stick the the direction you want to jab; simple and easy, yes...but it's very one note after a few minutes.
I thought I was lookin at something like Symphony of the Night and my hyper meter shot through the roof, then they compared it to Ghosts 'n Goblins and it went back down.
@nemesis4x You don't have to hate something to not be interested in it. It just doesn't seem like a market for his games. Has been and will be primarily focused on his market.
@nemesis4x he most likely wants to make money, and a small company like his wouldn't make much on pc considering the types of games he's made since killer 7 (that's my opinion, of course).
diggin the atmosphere and art design, but the combat looks repetitive. Add some sword combos, keep us all engaged.
Why do i get the feeling that suda-51 hates the pc, it seems like anything he is involved in doesn't eventually come to the pc.
XBL and PSN, why god why? I will never buy DRM'd digital content, no matter how talented the developer.
Black Knight Sword is a brutal platformer with old-school sensibilities that challenge your patience and capacity for the macabre.
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