Game: Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade
Genre: Action, Adventure, RPG
System: Nintendo Switch (Also on Steam (Windows), Xbox and PS4 & 5)
Developer|Publisher: 7Quark | Game Source Entertainment
Age Rating: EU 12 | US Teen
Price: US $29.99 | UK £26.99 | EU € 29,99
Release Date: May 14th, 2025
A review code was provided, and many thanks to Press Engine.
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade – Slice, Dash, and Demon Bash
If you’re on the lookout for another hack-and-slash roguelite to fill that void in your gaming library, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade might just be what you’re after. With its Japanese mythology-inspired setting, multiple characters, and flashy combat, it’s got the look and feel of a game that wants you to stay for “just one more run.” While it doesn’t reinvent the roguelite wheel, it definitely sharpens the blade a bit, and sometimes that’s all you need.
Slicing Through the Plot
Set in a fantastical version of the Edo period, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade pits you against legions of demons after the balance between humans and spirits gets shattered by the rise of a big baddie, the Nine-Tailed Fox. Peace is gone, chaos reigns, and it’s up to you to restore order by slicing your way through demon hordes run after run.
You get to pick from three playable characters: a nimble ninja, a fierce demon with dual blades, and my personal favourite, a tiger warrior who mixes long-range archery with face-smashing fists. Each character has their own storyline and vibe, which gives a little variety to your repeated journeys.
The setting has potential, and the overall mythology is cool, but honestly? The storytelling feels a bit shallow. NPC interactions between runs don’t dig too deep, and the game doesn’t capitalize much on the world it’s built. There’s some flavour, but not much meat on the bone. Still, the playable characters have enough charm to keep you curious about their arcs.
Demon Smashing 101
Gameplay-wise, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a top-down action game that’s all about combos, dodging, and, if you’re skilled, parrying like a pro. Each character controls the same way but plays differently, thanks to unique weapons and abilities.
You’ve got light and heavy attacks, a handy dash for avoiding punishment, and the key to mastering combat: the parry system. When an enemy flashes that ominous circle, you can either press the parry button or hold and release it to deal big counter damage. It’s satisfying… if you can time it right. Personally, I struggled. I’m not exactly the Parry Prince, so I mostly relied on dodging and brute force. Unfortunately, the game lacks any sort of accessibility options or slow-motion assists, which would’ve helped folks like me who aren’t wired for pixel-perfect reflexes.
Despite that, the combat flows well. The mechanics are easy to learn, and the action is slick enough to keep you entertained. It’s not the deepest system around, but it’s flashy, fast, and fun enough to carry the game. However, it would have been nice to play the game in local co-op rather than just single player.
The Rogue Routine
As with any roguelite, progression is the name of the game. During each run, you’ll collect buffs and “Soul Orbs,” which grant new powers or stat boosts. The problem? Most of the buffs feel a little underwhelming. There’s nothing super exciting or game-changing here, especially compared to other roguelites that let you go full chaos mode.
Between zones, you’ll hit rest areas where you can heal, chow down on buff-boosting ramen, buy new trinkets, and sometimes take on high-risk, high-reward challenges. It’s all very standard roguelite fare; it works, but doesn’t do much to surprise or innovate.
Long-term upgrades between runs help you improve your base stats or unlock new gear, giving you some sense of progression, even if you hit a wall during a tough run.
A Feast for the Eyes (and Ears)
Visually, Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a treat. The character models are solid, and the environments, from tranquil beaches to creepy forests, are detailed and diverse. The anime-inspired art direction adds flair without going full over-the-top. The enemy designs, especially the mythical beasts, keep things feeling engaging.
Audio-wise, the soundtrack is solid. Nothing particularly memorable, but the traditional Japanese melodies and heavy beat tracks complement the world nicely.
Conclusion: A Familiar Yet Fun Slasher
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade doesn’t break new ground, but it’s a satisfying hack-and-slash experience with enough charm and variety to make it worth your time. The combat is fun, the characters are cool, and the world has a stylish edge, even if the story doesn’t dig too deep and the roguelite upgrades feel a bit bland.
If you’re new to the genre, you’ll likely have a blast. If you’re a roguelite veteran, you might feel a sense of déjà vu. Still, if you’ve got room for one more run-based action game in your life, this one’s worth picking up for a weekend of demon-slaying fun and beyond.
Final Verdict: I Like It A Lot 
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I like the overall gameplay, it just gets somewhat repetitive going vs the same enemy mobs and bosses i wish it gave you a checkpoint every so often.