Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past – Everything We Know

After more than three decades, there is another piece of big news from Blast Zero. Samurai Pizza Cats is getting a big comeback and evolving into an action-packed 2D platformer game. The anime series established a huge, loyal fanbase when it started broadcasting in America and worldwide in the 90s. Many of those fans are excited that they can now interact with the series’ eccentric characters. Additionally, those unfamiliar with the show can’t wait to see what the fuss is all about.

It will be another year before everyone satisfies their curiosity. In the meantime, here is everything we know about Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past.

What is Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past?

Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is an action-packed 2D platformer with puzzle-solving and RPG mechanics. It is a real blast from the past, as it is a resurrection of the popular 90s anime series that has been dormant for over 30 years. However, as a video game, it gives fans an opportunity to interact with the Samurai Cats, the villains, and the bustling city of Little Tokyo. Publisher Red Dune Games and developer BLAST ZERO timed the game’s announcement to coincide with the show’s 35th anniversary.

Story

The story in Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is partly based on the plot in the anime series. The Big Cheese, the show’s main villain, still has plans to overthrow the emperor and take power, and the Samurai Cats must stop him.

However, the story also evolves and takes a new turn in the new game. The Big Cheese and his minions learn of plans to adapt the show into a video game with the Samurai Cats as the heroes. He is concerned that the developers may not even cast him as a playable character. One of his companions comes up with a diabolical plan, as usual. He proposes that they bribe the developers to create a powerful robot to help them fight the Samurai Cats.

With the Samurai Pizza Cats out of the way, The Big Cheese can then overthrow the emperor and claim power. As such, the heroes must go on a mission to stop the villains and save the empire.

Gameplay

The gameplay in Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past focuses on hack and slash action. Moreover, it also incorporates RPG, puzzle-solving, adventure, and storytelling elements.

Players control the Samurai Cats as they fight enemies standing in their way. Every hero cat has unique abilities and skills. Speedy focuses on close-range combat and uses a sword to hack and slash enemies. In contrast, Polly focuses on ranged attacks and uses her Kunai Shuriken to shoot enemies. Guido has a more complex strategy and prefers launching aerial attacks. Notably, players can easily switch between the three cats in the middle of fights.

The RPG system is integral to the cats’ fighting skills and abilities. Players can collect and equip cards that upgrade their characters’ skills and abilities. Every card unlocks a different upgrade. For example, some boost characters’ speeds while others increase their strength. Notably, the upgrades make the gameplay evolve over time to keep the experience fresh and interesting. Players can find and collect cards by exploring and defeating enemies.

The action goes hand in hand with adventure. Players must explore Little Tokyo as they fight enemies and progress towards their goal. There is much to explore in the game’s open world, and environments range from lush forests to bustling city streets. Interestingly, players can even access houses when exploring the city and surrounding villages.

Besides fighting and exploring, players must also solve environmental puzzles as they progress through the game’s open world. The puzzles are unique and creative. Notably, players must be witty and fast to solve the puzzles and avoid the underlying environmental hazards.

Storytelling is also an integral aspect of the gameplay. Players unravel an intriguing story as they explore and overcome enemies. Interestingly, the game’s story also ties into the show’s original concept.

Development

Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is developed by BLAST ZERO, the Dutch developer formerly known as Tanuki Creative Studio. The developer is best known for Jitsu Squad, an action-packed, co-op focused 2D beat ‘em up game.

Interestingly, the developer’s work on Jitsu Squad directly inspired the development of Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past. A Japanese company contacted the studio with a proposal to release an arcade port in Japan. Dave Baljon, the developer and founder of BLAST ZERO, narrated, “And before we knew it, they asked us if we could do some sort of a pitch where we would show them what we would like to do with the characters of Samurai Pizza Cats, because they played Jitsu Squad.”

Red Dune Games is the publisher behind the game. Interestingly, the publisher is also currently working on various other highly anticipated video games, including Black Finger JET and Silent Planet: Elegy of a Dying World.

Trailer

The official trailer for Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past offers a peek into the game’s story and gameplay design. The first part of the trailer showcases The Big Cheese and his minion discussing their plans to eliminate the Samurai Cats and overthrow the emperor. With the plot established, the other scenes showcase various elements of the gameplay design. Players can see the cats in action as they perform various combat moves against various enemies. One of the scenes also showcases the game’s RPG system. Moreover, players can learn more about the game from the background narration.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Samurai Pizza Cats: Blast from the Past is still in the early stages of development. The developers have not set a release date, and the game is expected to launch in 2026. However, they promise to make the game available on Windows PC and all major consoles, meaning PlayStation and Xbox. The developers are expected to release updates about the game’s platforms and release date over time. PC users can wishlist it on Steam as they wait.