Nintendo Switch Hiddem Gem: The Last Blade

Neo Geo's The Last Blade 2 is a game that came late in the platform's life and had some exposure in the West; it even came out on Dreamcast. The Last Blade, however, is a game that got less exposure than its sequel. I probably tried it for a minute or two on an emulator years ago, but I didn't fully realize what a brilliant game it was until I purchased a copy for myself on Nintendo Switch.

Like other late games in the Neo Geo's library like Garou: Mark of the Wolves, The Last Blade is beautiful. It's colorful and smoothly animated, while simultaneously being responsive to one's inputs. In fact, it looks better than Garou. While Garou featured ugly, drab-colored, modern stages, The Last Blade does not have to conform to these standards and instead indulges itself in historical Japan, with all its idealistic beauty.

The controls and gameplay are as deep as the game is beautiful. There is a dedicated counter-button, kind of like Marth's counter in Smash Bros. This really makes the game feel a lot like a 2D Soulcalibur. You have a weak and strong slash, a weak and strong kick, as well as special moves. If I wanted to, I could spend half a lifetime learning this game. It is very deep.

Are you tired of all the hand-to-hand fighting-games on NS? Then look no further. The Last Blade.

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