Even though the third Bleach DS game hasn't hit international shores yet, Sega have already announced information regarding the 4th installment, including the genre, Japanese box art, and release date. Flamebringer features yet another departure for the franchise. Instead of a strategy RPG or a 2D fighting game, they've decided to make this one into a hack and slash platformer. Not many details have been revealed so far about the gameplay, other than whatever's been seen in the short video clips (which can be found on YouTube) and screenshots and that character cards are used to power up Ichigo.

The title is currently slated for an August 6th/8th Japanese release date, a month before the US even receives the 3rd installment.

Sega’s fourth portable Bleach game is a departure from the other three. Bleach DS 4th: Flame Bringer is an action game set to come out in Japan on August 8.

Details are still scarce about how the game works, but GM Star adds Ichigo can be powered up with soul cards. Ah, those must the be the character portraits in the customization screenshot. Plus we’ll get an early look at Sega USA’s Bleach game for 2010.

McClubbin via siliconera.com »