Tenjutsu, the latest project from Deepnight Games, a company founded by former Dead Cells designer Sébastien Benard, has finally made its debut at this year’s Devolver Direct. The reveal trailer showcases a top-down action roguelike beat ’em up with engaging animation and promising gameplay. Players take on the role of a “renegade Yakzua,” fighting against criminals in a world inspired by Japan’s yakuza syndicates.
The game is set in a place called Secret Garden City, controlled by four powerful yakuza syndicates. The main character, a rogue Yakzua, aims to liberate the city from the syndicates’ grip, and it’s up to the player to decide the order in which they tackle each of the four syndicates. This adds a layer of depth to the game, as players can take their time to explore the city, collect currency and buffs, and upgrade various parts of the city to gain access to better shops and restaurants.
One of the unique features of Tenjutsu is its stamina system, where enemies become increasingly difficult to defeat the longer it takes the player to complete a run. This adds a sense of urgency to the game, encouraging players to think strategically about their actions and make the most of their time. The game’s design seems to be centered around providing players with a sense of freedom and creativity, allowing them to explore the city and tackle its challenges in their own way.
Deepnight Games’ New Action Roguelike Beat ‘Em Up Set in Yakuza-Controlled Secret Garden City
Sébastien Benard, the founder of Deepnight Games, is no stranger to the world of indie game development. Before founding his own company, he was one of the original designers of Dead Cells, a critically acclaimed roguelike game. After leaving Motion Twin, the studio behind Dead Cells, Benard went on to work on smaller projects before focusing on Tenjutsu. With Tenjutsu, Benard seems to be aiming for a game that captures the essence of Dead Cells, but with a fresh perspective and new mechanics.
Although the release date for Tenjutsu has not been officially announced, the game is confirmed to be coming to PC and consoles at some point in the future. Fans of roguelike games and beat ’em ups will surely be eager to get their hands on Tenjutsu, and with its promising gameplay and intriguing storyline, it’s likely to be a hit among gamers.
