Out now, built specially for iOS! Samurai Bloodshow is a tower defense / card collection game, a mix of strategy and action set against the backdrop of a real historical epic, the rebellion which led to the first Samurai-dominated government in the history of Japan.

Raise an army, plot your strategy on the campaign map, and then get ready to defend in the real-time combat against the invading hordes! The game’s campaign mode takes you along the path of historical general Taira no Kiyomori as he fought for control of Japan in the 12th Century, establishing a ruling Samurai order and changing the course of history there.

You can click here if you want to go right to iTunes and check it out — or read on for more details and our launch trailer!

While the game features a deep campaign mode, one of the key features for those who really want to test their skills is Versus mode: play against a friend via Bluetooth local connection, go online through Game Center to challenge others, or challenge unknown opponents online through wi-fi play. Where the campaign mode focuses on defense and the slow conquest of Japan, the versus modes include the added wrinkle of attacking your opponents as you protect your general.

The intuitive controls of the game — drag cards into your lanes to protect your generals, flick around the campaign map, and easily add or subtract members from your army — are complimented by a colorful and engaging art style. The graphics for the game are actually derived from Emaki, a style of illustrated narrative created on scrolls from 11th to 16th century Japan.

These graphics come alive as Samurai warriors, archers, wizards, and even dragons fight and defend on your orders. Set to an excellent score you can watch as your warriors dismember oncoming enemies in flurries of combat and fountains of blood and body parts.

For a limited time the game is available from the App Store for $1.99 — you can then of course play for free or, if you wish to get ahead, purchase additional cards to build up & advance your army.

Win battles to win rare cards, plot your advance through Japan, challenge your friends, and retrace General Taira’s steps towards glory!