“The game’s distinct visual flair really shines with the upgraded HD resolution and smooth 60FPS, making the swordplay incredibly fluid,” points out Director Motohide Eshiro. “With the shift to widescreen TVs over the years, we’ve adjusted the game to fit these displays, effectively zooming in and enhancing the immersion and excitement of the battle scenes.”
I couldn’t agree more. The swordplay feels incredibly responsive—strikes and blocks are precise, and the battles have an intimate feel. This becomes particularly apparent in the narrow temple corridors, where I’m hacking through hordes of demons. As I strive to perfect the issen hit, a potent counterattack, I also absorb enemies’ souls to level up.
Eshiro continues, “We want new players in 2025 to experience the same thrill as those who played back in 2002.” This meant holding on to the game’s core features and charm while updating certain elements to meet today’s gaming standards. With access to the original game’s high-quality assets, we realized that the limitations of standard-definition CRT screens back then didn’t do them justice. Now, through modern upscaling and enhancements, all those details shine on HD screens, totally transforming areas like rivers into vibrant scenes full of life.