Presented in a classical “Sumi-e” ink painting style, Sumioni – which is literally translated from Japanese as “Ink Demon” – sees players guiding a lone Inkdemon known as Agura through a fictional ancient Japan. The apathetic and once exiled Inkdemon Agura has been given a chance to redeem himself, and must rid the world of the sinister dictator that has taken over the capital city and threatens to resurrect an ancient evil and plunge the land into further despair. On his journey, Agura will discover humanity’s better qualities, bringing his own values and motivations into question.

As players battle through Sumioni’s artistic world, they will be given the ability to directly shape the game’s environment through “brushstrokes”, which are painted on the screen with the swipe of a finger. Platforms can be instantly painted onto the game’s world, allowing Agura to traverse deadly obstacles and turn the tables on his enemies. All the while, players will simultaneously control Agura with traditional system face buttons. Elemental attacks can also be painted on the screen, allowing players to set fire to opponents or summon lightning strikes with the shake of a finger. Phoenix and lion-like Inkgod allies may also be summoned when facing overwhelming odds, and the accuracy with which players trace shapes onto the screen will determine the length and ferocity of these allies’ attacks.