Game of the Month: The Last Blade!
Published on: January 25, 2026
"The Last Blade" is a well-regarded 2D weapons-based fighting game series developed by SNK, first released in arcades in 1997. Set in Japan's Bakumatsu era, the games are praised for their detailed animation, balanced character roster, and deep gameplay mechanics.
The story of The Last Blade series centers on a mythological struggle to guard Hell’s Gate, a portal between the living world (Ushyo) and the underworld (Tokoyo) during Japan’s 19th-century Bakumatsu era.
The narrative begins in 1863 when Kagami, disillusioned by humanity's weakness and the encroaching Western influence, betrays his duty and opens Hell's Gate to trigger the Majin Revival.
The Murder of Gaisei: Kagami murders the swordsmaster Gaisei, the adoptive father of Kaede, Moriya, and Yuki.
The Misunderstanding: Kaede finds Moriya standing over their master's body and falsely blames him for the murder, sparking a five-year quest for revenge.
The Resolution: Kaede eventually learns the truth, awakens his divine "Awakened Kaede" form, and defeats Kagami to temporarily stabilize the world, though the gate remains partially open.
Play The Last Blade
The story of The Last Blade series centers on a mythological struggle to guard Hell’s Gate, a portal between the living world (Ushyo) and the underworld (Tokoyo) during Japan’s 19th-century Bakumatsu era.
The narrative begins in 1863 when Kagami, disillusioned by humanity's weakness and the encroaching Western influence, betrays his duty and opens Hell's Gate to trigger the Majin Revival.
The Murder of Gaisei: Kagami murders the swordsmaster Gaisei, the adoptive father of Kaede, Moriya, and Yuki.
The Misunderstanding: Kaede finds Moriya standing over their master's body and falsely blames him for the murder, sparking a five-year quest for revenge.
The Resolution: Kaede eventually learns the truth, awakens his divine "Awakened Kaede" form, and defeats Kagami to temporarily stabilize the world, though the gate remains partially open.
Play The Last Blade