Tokyo Underground Killer, a neon-soaked first-person katana slasher from Phoenix Game Productions, has officially launched on Steam. Set in a near-future cyberpunk version of Tokyo, the game promises fast-paced combat, a sprawling storyline, and a mix of brutal melee action and stylized storytelling.
Players take on the role of Kobayashi, also known as the “Shinjuku Vampire,” a hitman navigating Tokyo’s criminal underworld. Armed with his katana “Jubokko,” Kobayashi can unleash ten upgradable Blood Skills that feed on the essence of fallen enemies, alongside a range of unconventional weapons like shuriken launchers and cursed dolls. The game’s narrative unfolds across 11 missions, each inspired by real Tokyo districts such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Akihabara. Between missions, players can retreat to a Shinjuku apartment or explore a central city hub filled with shops and mini-games, including Pachinko and UFO Catchers.
The enemy roster leans heavily into Japan’s urban mythology and pop culture, featuring gang bosses, vengeful idols, and cult leaders, each with their own cadre of henchmen. Combat is framed as a mix of speed, precision, and supernatural flair, with a focus on chaining together slashes and abilities for maximum effect.
Beyond gameplay, Tokyo Underground Killer also doubles down on presentation. The story is expanded through nearly 100 comic-style cutscenes illustrated by Hans “Heavy Metal Hanzo” Steinbach, giving the game a graphic novel edge. It also boasts a cast of over 25 Japanese and English voice actors, including veteran Hidekatsu Shibata (Naruto, Dragon Ball, One Piece). The soundtrack features more than two hours of original electronic music by composer Andrew Hulshult, known for his work on titles like DOOM Eternal and Dusk.
The game is available now with a 10% launch discount during its first week, and players can also sample a free demo that covers tutorial content and early missions.
