‘2D Sekiro-inspired Bloodless‘ had me hovering over the delete button before even reading the contents, as I was not a fan. Yes, Souls-likes are among my favourites, as are samurai-based games, but Sekiro? No. Too tough. However…

… 3D Realms is publishing Point N’ Sheep’s action adventure that features both lethal and non-lethal combat. Hhmmm… Deus Ex flashbacks are good. While we’re still going to have to master the dash-counter in the game, it does look, and sound, very good.

You play as ronin Tomoe, and are on a mission to save her land from the Shogun, Akechi. Applying ki techniques, players can find the playing style suited to them, learn unique combos, and disarm foes effectively.

Key features in Bloodless include:

  • Unique Non-Lethal Combat: Tomoe has sworn not to take another life and must instead disarm her enemies. Use a combination of counters and disarming ki-attacks to defeat the shogun’s army.
  • Depth & Customization: Find your own fighting style by making use of special ki techniques that allow for unique combos, as well as enhancements from crests and herb infusions you find across the land of Bakugawa.
  • Striking Environments: Explore the sacred nature and mistreated districts of Bakugawa, where its society lives under a violent and corrupt military regime, isolated from the world and shattered by the terrors of its past wars.
  • Emotional Storytelling: Even as a coward and deserter through the eyes of her own people, ronin Tomoe returns to her former land after witnessing all the blood that a blade can shed, hoping to spark the hope and courage Bakugawa needs to fight back against its violent political methods.

Bloodless will be available to play as a demo during the Steam Next Fest.