CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL Brings Definitive Arcade Experience with 2-Player Co-op

Released on February 17, 2022 for the exA-Arcadia platform, CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL represents the most complete and responsive arcade version of CAVE's acclaimed horizontal bullet hell shooter. This enhanced edition introduces 2-player simultaneous co-op across all game modes, a first for the Akai Katana series, alongside technical improvements that deliver the tightest controls in the game's history.

The EXA LABEL version includes four distinct game modes: Original Mode faithfully recreates the 2010 arcade release with bug fixes in 4:3 aspect ratio; Climax Mode presents the director's cut with added content in 16:9 widescreen; Slash Mode features an extra stage and true last boss; and the exclusive EXA LABEL Mode emphasizes bullet canceling mechanics with adaptive difficulty adjustments. Players can further challenge themselves with Ultimate difficulty and a hidden "Kiwami" extreme mode accessed during character selection.

Set in a parallel world resembling Japan's Taisho period, the game follows rebels opposing an empire that weaponizes mystical Crimson Katanas through human sacrifice. Three pilot and katana combinations offer distinct playstyles: Type 1 Marigold fires in straight lines, Type 2 Orchid features homing lasers, and Type 3 Sakura provides spread pattern fire reminiscent of DoDonPachi. Each pair consists of a living pilot and a deceased "Guardian" character bound to their aircraft.

The core gameplay revolves around switching between Fighter Mode for speed and energy collection, and Phantom Mode for enhanced attack power and bullet immunity. Unlike traditional CAVE shooters, Akai Katana's forgiving bomb system doesn't break scoring chains, encouraging aggressive play while maintaining accessibility for newcomers to the bullet hell genre.

Technical enhancements elevate CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL above all previous versions. The game achieves 1-frame input lag (16.6ms) compared to 2 frames in the original arcade release and 5+ frames in console ports, making it the most responsive version available. Visual upgrades include 4K support up to 3840x2160 resolution, with both horizontal and vertical monitor compatibility. Three soundtrack versions are included: Original, Arranged, and the previously unreleased FM Arranged, all composed by Ryu Umemoto and Keishi Yonao and restored in stereo HD.

Developed by CAVE under IKD supervision with Team EXA-AM2 and distributed by exA-Arcadia, CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL showcases the capabilities of the cartridge-based arcade platform. Running at 60 frames per second with minimal input lag, it delivers both the definitive arcade experience and the most feature-complete version of Shinobu Yagawa's horizontal shooter masterpiece.

For more information, visit the official CRIMSON KATANA EXA LABEL page.

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