Red Steel split-screen multiplayer: "the fight will not be only on screen"

An intriguing Red Steel multiplayer detail recently surfaced during GamePro's interview with Ubisoft creative director Nicolas Eypert. When asked about the game's multiplayer, Eypert had this to say:

"[You'll] have up to four players. If they play together in split screens we can only say that the fight will not be only on screen."

While the 4-player figure is underwhelming by today's standards, we're certainly curious about the off-screen activity Eypert has hinted at. Cross-room shootouts? Mock swordfights? Could be groundbreaking ... could be awful — it will most certainly be embarrassing.

Can Ubisoft resuscitate the current state of 'couch' co-op?