The Last Blade is a 2D fighting game which features anime-style characters that fight each other with swords, clubs, and even fishing poles. These characters pull off their special moves with that 'quarter-circle-to-half-circle' and 'double-half-circle' controller motions, reminiscent of Street Fighter.
The story follows Last Blade 's protagonists as they search for a legendary samurai's sword to defeat an evil cult that has threatened Japan. Along the way, they uncover secrets about their own past and the history of the world they live in.
Gameplay revolves around one-on-one combat between characters with unique abilities and fighting styles. Players can choose from a variety of weapons and special moves, such as the 'Dragon Punch' or 'Sword Slash'. The game's controller layout is similar to other fighting games of its time.