A new game based on the *Blade & Soul* IP has launched on Steam, transforming the gritty world into an anime-style universe

I’m sure anyone who experienced the early days of the internet has heard the meme: “I’ve been in the shower the whole time—where’s that sultry senior sister?” This line, originally from the PC version of *Blade & Soul*, paired with the game’s promotional video featuring its sultry, voluptuous female character models, became an unparalleled internet sensation at the time. This sexy art style, which originated from *Blade & Soul*, also helped make the game a massive hit back then.

More than a decade later, Kim Hyung-tae, the art director of *Blade & Soul*, once again demonstrated through *Blade & Star* and *Niki* that this Korean-style sensual aesthetic continues to attract a massive global audience.

The "Blade & Soul" IP, which had been dormant for quite some time, has also seen some new developments recently.

Blade & Soul Heroes, a massively multiplayer online game developed and published by NCSOFT, the studio behind Blade & Soul, recently launched on Steam and is available to play for free.

The story of Blade & Soul's main storyline, set many years ago

Developed by NCSOFT, the owner of the "Blade & Soul" IP, *Blade & Soul Heroes* stays true to the overarching framework of the franchise’s universe. The game’s main story takes place many years before *Blade & Soul 1*. Players will join Yoo Seol, who is determined to revive her martial arts school, on a journey to seek justice from the enemies who destroyed her school.Follow in her footsteps to hunt down the evil Li Tianxi and uncover the secrets of the Turbid Heaven Sect. Along the way, she will encounter numerous heroes, each possessing extraordinary skills and carrying their own unique stories. Together with Yoo Seol, they will rebuild her sect and join forces, vowing to defeat Li Tianxi and the Turbid Heaven Sect.

Over 40 characters to collect and unlock

As a game set in the same universe, *Blade & Soul Heroes* features a variety of characters—some familiar, others new. The game’s launch version includes over 40 characters for players to collect and unlock, all of whom share some connection to characters from the main *Blade & Soul* series. In the future, the number of unlockable characters will continue to grow with updates. Each character boasts two completely distinct sets of skills and playstyles.

One game, two combat styles

As a spin-off of the popular action MMO *Blade & Soul*, *Blade & Soul Heroes* inherits its excellent combat system while introducing innovative new features.The game features two distinct combat modes. In real-time combat, players control their main character to engage in fluid combat, coordinating with the support skills of four teammates to execute various combo attacks. In turn-based combat, all five characters take the field simultaneously, requiring players to employ various strategies, leveraging teamwork and tactics to overcome stronger opponents.