Bleak Sword: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox video game |
{{Infobox video game |
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| title = Bleak Sword |
| title = Bleak Sword |
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| image = File:Bleak Sword Cover.jpg |
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| developer = more8bit |
| developer = more8bit |
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| publisher = [[Devolver Digital]] |
| publisher = [[Devolver Digital]] |
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Revision as of 09:21, 9 November 2023
| Bleak Sword | |
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 | |
| Developer(s) | more8bit |
| Publisher(s) | Devolver Digital |
| Platform(s) | Apple Arcade, Nintendo Switch, Windows |
| Release | September 19, 2019 (iOS) June 8, 2023 (Switch, PC) |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Bleak Sword is a dark fantasy action-adventure video game developed by independent studio more8bit and published by Devolver Digital for Apple Arcade. The game was released on September 19, 2019, with an updated version, Bleak Sword DX, releasing on June 8, 2023 for Nintendo Switch and Windows.[1] The game continues to build on the core elements of the original game, offering expanded gameplay mechanics, narrative techniques, and atmospheric world-building. The game is centered around nine chapters of cursed diorama battlefields, where the hero must lift the curse of the legendary Bleak Sword by eliminating the hostile creatures in each environment.[2]
Gameplay
Bleak Sword is a top-down, isometric action-adventure game set in a dark fantasy world and uses a unique, condensed art style reminiscent of 8-bit classics, but with a modern twist. The game is designed around touch controls, with gameplay involving dodging, counterattacking, and striking foes in turn-based combat.[3] As players progress through the game they can unlock and upgrade abilities to improve their performance, increasing their chances of defeating challenging boss encounters.[4] Bleak Sword consists of nine chapters, each with several levels. Each level features unique enemy types and environmental hazards. Players are tasked with freeing the cursed land from the dark hostiles that have overrun it.[5]
Development
The development of Bleak Sword began in 2017 under the direction of Luis Moreno Jiménez at more8bit. Jiménez was inspired by the Souls series of games, notably their use of challenging combat and cryptic storytelling.[6] He aimed to deliver a similar experience within a condensed, pixel art aesthetic and touch-based control scheme.[citation needed]
The minimalist visual style was adopted out of Jiménez's love for mixing 2D sprites and 3D environments, which became a defining feature of the game. The team worked extensively to ensure the fluidity and responsiveness of touch controls, aiming to deliver a combat system that was intuitive, yet deep and rewarding.[7]
The collaboration with publisher Devolver Digital began in 2018. The publisher provided support to expand the game's visibility and reach in the crowded mobile gaming market.[citation needed]
Reception
Upon release, Bleak Sword received generally positive reviews from critics, who praised its distinctive art style, responsive controls, and challenging gameplay.[8][better source needed] It was commended for its smart use of touch-based combat mechanics, which brought a refreshing take to the action RPG genre. The game was recognized for its art style, which fused minimalist pixel art with rich atmospheric effects to deliver a unique aesthetic.[citation needed]
References
- ^ "Review: Bleak Sword DX - A Surprising, Stripped-Down Soulslike". Nintendo Life. 2023-06-08. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ "Bleak Sword is a new action game for Apple Arcade". Checkpoint. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- ^ "Bleak Has Never Been So Bright in Bleak Sword - Hardcore Gamer". hardcoregamer.com. 2019-11-20. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- ^ Fox, Glen (2019-09-24). "Bleak Sword Guide: Tips, Cheats, and Strategies". Gamezebo. Retrieved 2023-06-09.
- ^ Dubey, Yetnesh (2019-09-23). "Bleak Sword Review: Apple Arcade's 8-Bit Dark Souls". Fossbytes. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ Harris, John (November 12, 2019). "Q&A: Designing the foreboding Apple Arcade Soulslike Bleak Sword". Game Developer. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ "Apple Arcade: 'Bleak Sword' Review – Someone Finally Figured Out Touchscreen Combat". TouchArcade. 2019-11-01. Retrieved 2023-06-22.
- ^ Ramos, Jeff (2019-10-02). "Bleak Sword is a deceptively brutal mobile game". Polygon. Retrieved 2023-06-22.