A thief has run off with your sword, and you chase him with nothing but a drag and a release. There is no jump button or run key. You pull back, see a dotted arc, and let go to fling yourself through the air blade first. Stolen Sword unblocked makes every swing feel calm, because the world nearly freezes while you line up the shot.
Ian Chiao made the game for js13kGames 2020. The forests, cliffs, lakes and fighters are all drawn in code.
How to play Stolen Sword
Once the title appears, click or tap to begin. Press anywhere, then drag in the opposite direction of where you want to fly. The farther you pull, the stronger the dash, and gravity curves your path. Let go and your swordsman shoots off, cutting any enemy the path crosses.
You hold two dashes while standing. Each strike on an enemy gives you at least one dash back, so a good string of hits keeps you airborne. Landing on a platform or dropping into water also tops you up.
Watch out for anything red, since it hurts. Some foes shoot bursts of red squares, some carry shields that bounce you away until they wear down, and some heal over time. The first hit you take marks your outfit in red. A second hit restarts the current wave. The chase covers four stages, with short story captions between them.
Controls
| To… | Mouse | Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Start the game | Click once the title appears | Tap once the title appears |
| Aim a dash (time slows while you aim) | Press and drag away from where you want to go | Touch and drag away from where you want to go |
| Dash and slash | Release the button | Lift your finger |
| Continue after a story caption | Click | Tap |
Tips
- Pull short near the ground. Small drags are easier to control, so save the long pulls for big gaps between enemies.
- Plan your next target before letting go. A hit refunds a dash, so aim each strike so it ends close to the next foe.
- Take your time while aiming. The slow-motion pause is generous. Use it to read where enemy shots are heading.
- Pick your angle on shielded foes. A guard bounces you back, so strike from a side where the rebound will not throw you into danger.
- Go for the core. Some groups of enemies are tied to one center piece, and cutting it brings the whole group down.
Stolen Sword questions
Does Stolen Sword remember where I stopped?
Yes. Your current stage and wave are stored in your browser, so you can come back later on the same device and keep going.
Is it good on a phone?
Yes. It was designed around one finger and a tall, narrow screen. Hold your phone upright and drag the same way you would with a mouse.
Why does my sword bounce off some enemies?
Those enemies carry a curved guard. Your hits still wear it down, so keep striking and it will break.
