XSEED Games Gives Some Sumioni: Demon Arts Story Details
It paints a pretty picture.
Published: January 27, 2012
If you're like me, you probably haven't heard of Sumioni: Demon Arts. XSEED Games' newest title, which is coming to the PS Vita, has a bit of an Okami feel to it. Those are big shoes to step into, but as I go through these details I'm sure you'll start drawing your own parallels.
First off, the name is literally translated from Japanese as "Ink Demon." Players will guide their ink figure through a landscape painted on a canvas backdrop in classical Japanese “sumi-e” style. If you're at all familiar with the PS Vita, you can probably guess where this is going. The touchscreen controls allow players to manipulate and alter the game's world, whether it's creating platforms or summoning allies.
XSEED states that the world of Sumioni is full of melancholy and anguish. Prior to the opening of the title two men, Seimei and Fukujou, successfully conspired to overthrow the Chancellor of Japan, Michisada, and his loyal aide, Tengan. Don't worry, I don't expect you to remember all of these names right now. But after this successful coup, Fukujou betrayed Seimei, attempting to steal all the glory for himself. Furious, Seimei invoked a forbidden incantation to unleash an ancient demonic energy, which he then used to do away with the traitor Fukujou and rule the land through intimidation, violence and fear. He kidnapped Michisada and his daughter to use in his twisted rituals, and threw the aide Tengan in prison on false charges.
Seimel's oppression forced the world further into despair. Tengan decides something must be done and finds out about an ancient Inkdemon named Agura, who was sealed away in a prison. Despite the objections of his Inkgod companion, Shidou, Tengan decides to give his life to release Agura.
Agura, along with another Inkgod, the phoenix-like Yomihi, then go on a quest to take down Seimel and save Japan. Along the way platforms, strings of fire and jets of water can be drawn into existence at will on the PS Vita’s touchscreen, and Agura’s two Inkgod companions can each be summoned to perform massive, screen-filling attacks. The game will have 30 stages, multiple endings, and a nifty art style. XSEED says the game will be released this spring so be sure to check back for more details in the coming months. In the mean time, feel free to enjoy the screenshots and trailer we have lovingly provided.
First off, the name is literally translated from Japanese as "Ink Demon." Players will guide their ink figure through a landscape painted on a canvas backdrop in classical Japanese “sumi-e” style. If you're at all familiar with the PS Vita, you can probably guess where this is going. The touchscreen controls allow players to manipulate and alter the game's world, whether it's creating platforms or summoning allies.
XSEED states that the world of Sumioni is full of melancholy and anguish. Prior to the opening of the title two men, Seimei and Fukujou, successfully conspired to overthrow the Chancellor of Japan, Michisada, and his loyal aide, Tengan. Don't worry, I don't expect you to remember all of these names right now. But after this successful coup, Fukujou betrayed Seimei, attempting to steal all the glory for himself. Furious, Seimei invoked a forbidden incantation to unleash an ancient demonic energy, which he then used to do away with the traitor Fukujou and rule the land through intimidation, violence and fear. He kidnapped Michisada and his daughter to use in his twisted rituals, and threw the aide Tengan in prison on false charges.
Seimel's oppression forced the world further into despair. Tengan decides something must be done and finds out about an ancient Inkdemon named Agura, who was sealed away in a prison. Despite the objections of his Inkgod companion, Shidou, Tengan decides to give his life to release Agura.
Agura, along with another Inkgod, the phoenix-like Yomihi, then go on a quest to take down Seimel and save Japan. Along the way platforms, strings of fire and jets of water can be drawn into existence at will on the PS Vita’s touchscreen, and Agura’s two Inkgod companions can each be summoned to perform massive, screen-filling attacks. The game will have 30 stages, multiple endings, and a nifty art style. XSEED says the game will be released this spring so be sure to check back for more details in the coming months. In the mean time, feel free to enjoy the screenshots and trailer we have lovingly provided.
