A short while ago XSEED Games unveiled more information about the storyline of Sumioni: Demon Arts for the Playstation Vita which they intend to publish this year as their first Vita title. The game, in development by Acquire takes place in a fantasy world where players guide an ink figure demon through a canvas landscape / sumi-e art style and through the use of the Playstation Vita’s touch screen functionalities, you are able to manipulate the world through the all-mighty power of Ink… from producing ink platforms to summoning allies.
The world of Sumioni: Demon Arts is one of melancholy and anguish. Years prior to the game’s opening, two evil men named Seimei and Fukujou successfully conspired to overthrow the Chancellor of Japan, Michisada, and his loyal aide, Tengan. But after this successful coup, Fukujou betrayed Seimei, attempting to steal all the glory for himself. Furious, Seimei invoked a forbidden incantation to unleash an ancient demonic energy, which he then used to do away with the traitor Fukujou and rule the land through intimidation, violence and fear. He kidnapped Michisada and his daughter to use in his twisted rituals, and threw the aide Tengan in prison on false charges. It seemed as if no one could stand in his way.
As time went on the land was driven further into despair by Seimei’s relentless oppression. Tengan, now old and frail, decided something needed to be done. Having heard rumors of an ancient Ink demon named Agura sealed away within the borders of his prison long ago, Tengan began to toy with the idea of releasing this creature into the world and sending it off to put an end to Seimei’s tyranny. Despite the objections of his Inkgod companion, Shidou, Tengan gave his life to do this very thing, awakening a very confused and irritated Agura.
After a bit of coaxing, Agura finally agreed to help their cause and, along with another phoenix-like Inkgod named Yomihi, these unlikely heroes took off towards the capital to stop Seimei and the growing evil presence he had summoned years before.
Players are tasked with controlling Agura on his quest to destroy Seimei and save Japan from its fate. Of course, this is not just going to be a linear experience but through the games 30 stages you will be taken on different paths which can lead to a completely different ending based on your decisions and just how competent you are at the game.
