Vampire Survivors is such an influential game that lots of games in the same style are popping up, but I bet you already knew that. Each game needs to differentiate itself with a unique theme. The recently released Outer Terror has a horror theme, for instance, and now Sunsoft's Ikki Unite has come along with a feudal Japanese setting. This one is a sequel to a classic Japanese arcade game, but it has lots of Vampire Survivors style and 16-player online co-op to make it appealing to modern gamers. After first appearing on Steam, Ikki Unite is now available on Switch as well.
Ikki Unite features both a single-player mode and a 16-player online co-op mode. When playing single-player, players will control Gonbe, the villager hero from the arcade game. In co-op, players can select from 16 heroes, including both men and women. Each character has their own unique starting weapon, just like in Vampire Survivors. Characters attack automatically, making the game easy to learn and play.
Unlike Vampire Survivors, Ikki Unite consists of one multi-level campaign that takes place on a single gigantic map. Gamers start with a 3-minute timer. If they don't accomplish anything to extend the timer, the game will end. The goal is to travel across the map and defeat as many bosses as possible. Doing so will extend the timer and eventually cause a new chapter of the story (complete with cinematics) to start.
Spread across the feudal village and fields of the map are boxes that contain various helpful items. Some boxes take time to open, during which the team must stay close and fend off enemies. Leveling up allows the player to select from three weapons or items that last for the duration of the run. Ikki Unite also has shops, though, where players can buy additional items. Solo players can even recruit NPC allies to help out during the run.
I've only played a little of Ikki Unite so far, but I love how it combines the Vampire Survivors formula with Japanese style and setting. The early game doesn't explain metagame progression (progress that carries over between runs) at all, but hopefully, that information becomes clear eventually.
Ikki Unite costs $14.99 on Switch and $11.99 on Steam. Both versions are on sale right now, so don't wait to grab them!