Practice the demon arts

The PlayStation Vita’s launch line-up was undeniable hugy, but we’re already starting to hear murmurs of people asking what’s next. Thankfully it looks like the system’s going to avoid the usual new platform drought, with Unit 13 and the gorgeous Sumioni: Demon Arts both due out in North America in March.

XSEED confirmed the ink inspired action game's release date overnight. It’ll etch its way onto the PlayStation Store on 20th March for $19.99. Sadly, there are no plans for a retail release just yet.

XSEED Games Confirms Gold Status for Sumioni: Demon Arts

Gorgeous Side-scrolling Adventure in Makes Full Use of PlayStation®Vita system Touchscreen Features

Torrance, Calif., (March 2, 2012) – XSEED Games, an independent-minded publisher, today announced that its upcoming action platformer, Sumioni: Demon Arts, for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, has reached gold status and will launch exclusively as a digital download on the PlayStation®Network on March 20, at a price of $19.99.

Set in ancient Japan and presented in a classical Japanese "sumi-e" ink art style, Sumioni is literally translated from Japanese as "ink demon", and puts players in control of Agura, a single Inkdemon who has been summoned from a long slumber to help rid the land of a sinister evil. During their adventure, players will experience epic boss battles and a branching story with diverging arcs and multiple endings.

As they battle their way through ancient Japan, players will use the standard button-based controls of PS Vita system to control Agura, while the PS Vita system touchscreen may also be used to manipulate the environment and help Agura navigate the game's world. A swipe of the finger across the touchscreen will 'paint' brushstroke-like platforms into the game world that Agura can then use to avoid enemy attacks or traverse obstacles. Touchscreen features can also be used to summon helpful allies known as Inkgods, including the lion-like Shidou, who tramples enemies with massive ground attacks, as well as Yomihi, the fiery airborne phoenix. The PS Vita system touchscreen can also be used to battle foes with powerful elemental attacks, such as water, fire and lightning.

Sumioni: Demon Arts, developed by ACQUIRE and published by XSEED Games, is currently in production and will release on the PS Vita system on March 20, 2012. Boasting 30 stages and multiple endings, Sumioni offers completionists plenty to look forward to, and online leaderboards and other DLC will be added to support the title post-launch.