Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade – The Review
Feudal fury meets modern flair. Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is a hack-and-slash roguelike drenched in ancient Japanese mysticism, lightning-fast action, and bold visual storytelling. Developed by the team at ASTRA Studio, this side-scrolling spectacle has been slicing its way through the gaming scene—and trust us, it’s not just style over substance.
So, does Yasha cut deep or barely leave a scratch? Here’s our full review of Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade.
A Mythic World Reborn
Set in a dark, twisted version of Edo-period Japan, Yasha invites players to step into a hand-painted nightmare. Drawing from folklore, historical nods, and pure imagination, the world pulses with life—and death. From haunted forests to decaying temples, the game blends the surreal with the sacred.
Each level feels like a fever dream brought to life through ink brush aesthetics. Think Okami meets Dead Cells. The environments are more than just gorgeous—they’re packed with secrets, traps, and relentless enemies lurking in the shadows.
The Premise
You play as Sayaka, a lone warrior cursed and resurrected to hunt demons who have overtaken the land. As she uncovers the truth behind her resurrection, players journey through a nonlinear campaign rich with betrayal, blood, and bitter revenge.
Blade Meets Blood – Combat Breakdown
This is where Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade truly shines. The combat is kinetic, smooth, and deliciously brutal.
Hack, Slash, Perfect Dash
Sayaka’s fighting style is a blend of elegant swordsmanship and explosive magic. You dash, parry, and combo through hordes of enemies, with each movement feeling deliberate yet fluid. Timing is everything—land a perfect dodge and time slows, letting you counter with devastating flair.
There’s a rhythm to the battles. Fast but never button-mashy. Even when chaos reigns, you’re in control.
Weapons, Skills, and Customisation
Your blade is only the beginning. Throughout your run, you’ll unlock demonic artefacts that grant abilities like flame bursts, lightning strikes, or health siphons. No two runs are the same, thanks to roguelike mechanics that encourage experimentation.
Prefer speed over power? Equip twin daggers. Want to cleave through crowds? Go for a cursed nodachi. The build diversity is impressive and rewarding.
Roguelike Done Right
If you’re not a fan of permadeath, don’t worry. Yasha takes a soft roguelike approach.
Death Is Just the Start
Yes, dying resets your progress—but not entirely. Persistent upgrades and story fragments carry over, making each failure feel like a lesson, not a punishment.
Between runs, you can unlock passive bonuses, story sequences, and even new areas. It’s a clever way to keep momentum without robbing the genre of its high stakes.
Visuals and Style – An Ink-Washed Masterpiece
Yasha’s art direction is nothing short of breathtaking. The hand-drawn visuals ooze atmosphere. Each frame looks like it was painted with a calligraphy brush dipped in blood and shadow.
Animation That Sings (and Screams)
Combat animations are sharp and stylish, while the environmental effects—rainfall, flickering lanterns, swirling spirits—add layers of mood to every scene. The game doesn’t just look good; it feels alive.
And it runs buttery smooth. Even with enemies flooding the screen, the performance holds steady. That’s no small feat for a game with such visual ambition.
Sound and Score – Sonic Bladeplay
The soundtrack slaps. Traditional Japanese instruments clash with gritty synths to create a soundscape that feels both ancient and edgy.
Each zone has its own musical identity—from eerie shamisen melodies in cursed temples to thunderous drums during boss battles. It pulls you in and never lets go.
Voice acting (subtitled in English) is strong, with Sayaka’s voice in particular capturing both the pain and power of her journey.
Boss Battles – Demonic and Divine
Let’s talk bosses. These aren’t just health bars with legs. They’re twisted, towering manifestations of grief, rage, and corruption.
One moment you’re fighting a headless samurai fuelled by sorrow. The next, a corrupted shrine maiden rains blood from the sky.
Each boss is a spectacle. Mechanically distinct, visually horrifying, and narratively impactful—they test your reflexes and your resolve. Expect to die a few times. Then come back smarter, faster, and hungrier for revenge.
Story – A Tale of Tragedy and Redemption
Yasha doesn’t dump lore on you. It whispers it through cryptic dialogue, item descriptions, and eerie flashbacks.
Sayaka’s story unfolds slowly, but it’s worth the wait. Themes of loss, vengeance, and identity drive the emotional core. As the game progresses, you piece together not just the fate of the land—but your own place in it.
The writing is sharp, poetic, and purposeful. No line feels wasted. No moment feels hollow.
What We Loved
-
Stunning Visual Style: Every level is a piece of art.
-
Fast, Fluid Combat: Addictive and satisfying.
-
Customisation Galore: Build diversity keeps gameplay fresh.
-
Atmospheric Audio: The soundtrack and voice work are top-tier.
-
Engaging Roguelike Loop: Death feels meaningful, not punishing.
Room for Improvement?
-
No English Voice Option: Some may prefer dubs over subs.
-
Difficulty Spikes: A few bosses feel unfair at first.
-
Limited Enemy Variety Early On: The first few areas could use more diversity.
Final Verdict: A Bloody Beautiful Ride
Yasha: Legends of the Demon Blade is more than just another roguelike. It’s a love letter to Japanese folklore, action games, and artistic storytelling.
Yes, it can be punishing. Yes, the learning curve is real. But stick with it, and you’ll be rewarded with a rich, haunting experience that slices deep into the soul.
If you’re a fan of Dead Cells, Hades, or Sekiro, this is your next obsession. Just make sure your reflexes—and your heart—are ready.
