One of Cartoon Network's most beloved shows is finally returning to video games soon with Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time, and publisher Adult Swim Games has shared some of the moves and techniques players can expect from the upcoming brawler.
Progression through the game is driven by a set of three RPG-style skill trees that allow players to improve Jack's combat prowess, physical abilities and spiritual strength. While the setup should be familiar to modern action game fans, the focus on giving players agency to customize their experience bodes well for Battle Through Time's chances at breaking the curse of bad licensed games.
Adult Swim also hinted at some of the content in the game that fans of the show will enjoy while playing through Battle Through Time, including the presence of Jack's ability to "jump good," represented in the game as a classic double jump.
Players can parry attacks and counter enemies with their own offensive maneuvers in Battle Through Time, with an emphasis on timing and tactical reactions that appears to be inspired by the likes of From Software's Sekiro and Souls series, and an ultimate attack that players can use to wipe enemies out after gathering enough energy from combos and kills.
Development studio Soleil also seems to be taking notes from Devil May Cry, with Jack having the ability to switch between weapons mid-combo and to take enemies to the air during attacks. According to the videos, players can play the game as a simple hack-and-slash if they choose to, but making use of the swordsman's skills can ensure that players make quick work of Battle Through Time's harder enemies.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time isn't the first time players have gotten the chance to step into the shoes of the samurai as he fights to return to the past, but with the last video game adaptation of the TV show being 2004's disappointing The Shadow of Aku for the GameCube and PS2, it could be the series' long-awaited chance at redemption in the world of video games. Fans will get the chance to find out for themselves this Friday.
Samurai Jack: Battle Through Time is out on August 21 for PC, PS4, Switch and Xbox One.