Chambara Brings Multiplayer Gaming Back To Your Living Room

07/26/2016 03:34 pm EDT

USC Games Publishing today released Chambara, created by the student developers of team ok and the first game published by USC, as a digital download for PlayStation 4. Chambara seeks to bring competitive multiplayer back to living rooms with local multiplayer modes that pit players against each other in tactical stealth combat.

According to the press release, "in Chambara, two to four players will go head to head and fight for survival in multiple distinct environments, each with their quirks and landmarks for players to learn and take advantage of. Armed with their melee weapon and a shuriken to stun opponents, players must stalk and ambush their opponents by utilizing the game's core mechanic, disappearance."

Disappearance allows players to blend in with portions of Chambara's stylish, two-tone environments. Players move about each game world, hiding in plain sight until the perfect moment arises to jump out and strike.

"We really wanted to recapture the feeling of playing split-screen games with friends on the couch as those were the games we all enjoyed growing up and throughout college," said Kevin Wong, Chambara team. "With very tense gameplay moments and a playfully artful tone, Chambara is exactly the kind of game we wish we played while growing up, and we hope it ends up being important to someone in their formative times now."

Chambara features:

• Classic local, split-screen multi-player for the modern age;
• Multiple unique stages, each intricately designed to play differently;
• Playlist functionality for stage selection that allows customization for casual to deep play;
• Stunning art-direction and richly interactive sound design;
• A variety of cosmetic customization, including character accessories and the color palette for the playable stages.

"When we started as a gaming publisher that works with our students, our goal was not to just publish great games, but to provide memorable experiences that can only come out as an independent title," said Danny Bilson, professor of advanced gameplay of USC Games. "We are extremely proud of team ok's Chambara for its striking aesthetic and refined multiplayer gameplay and look forward to their future success."

Chambara is available now for PlayStation 4, and will make its way to Xbox One in August. Check out screenshots in the gallery below.

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