The quirky action-adventure Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury has officially landed a release date, courtesy of publisher Maximum Entertainment. Why you might want to save the date? Let’s dig in.

Ever seen the animated flick Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank? I haven’t, partly because I don’t do FOMO, partly because that sterile animation style just doesn’t click with me. Hand-drawn forever. But come on: a samurai dog smacking cats in a world full of cats? As a game? Yeah, count me in.

If you want in too, publisher says November 20 is the day. Sure, it’s still a bit away, but hey—better than those publishers who hype their stuff years in advance. That’s the real pain.

Anyway, Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury launches digitally on that day for PC (Steam), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch. There won’t be physical copies, not even for consoles.

Cool, but what’s Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury actually about?

One of the main selling points to me is its open, colorful world. Yeah, I’ll admit it: I’m a sucker for open worlds. Expect villages to explore and a bunch of bizarre NPCs handing out side quests, according to Steam.

What really piques curiosity is the “creative” trap system—traps that allegedly deal “massive damage” and let you take the fight to the Shogun’s minions. Judging by the recently published trailer (scroll down), “massive damage” might just mean massive fun.

As the video makes clear, it’s not just about setting traps. The focus is a fast-paced, arcade-style combat system with katanas, explosive arrows, and reflex-based “samurai trials.” Other features to expect:

• Mystic powers for mobility and ambushes
• A weapon and gadget arsenal, basically everything you need to wreck enemy waves
• Plus: local split-screen couch co-op for two players

Story picks up where the film left off

While combat plays a major role in Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury, story fans won’t be left out in the cold. Narratively, the game continues the events of Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank: the once-peaceful Shogun is now leading a feline army to attack the villages of this Japan-inspired world.

That means Hank and Jimbo are back in action; defending villages, rescuing allies, and ultimately reclaiming the island. Sounds like a plot scribbled on a beer coaster, sure, but let’s wait and see. What’s confirmed is that the game won’t just feature familiar faces from the movie—it’ll also introduce new characters.