ReFantazio: New JRPG Demo Now on Steam

The renowned composer of the Persona series is leading the charge on an exciting new project: Guns Undarkness, a turn-based tactical RPG set to debut a free Steam demo. Read on to learn more about its release and intriguing details.

Guns Undarkness: A Tactical Stealth RPG Led by a Persona Legend

Get ready for Guns Undarkness, which will unleash a free demo during the upcoming Steam Next Fest. This ambitious project boasts an all-star team, spearheaded by Shoji Meguro, the composer behind the Persona series and Metaphor: ReFantazio. He's joined by Ilya Kuvshinov, the character artist known for his work on Ghost in the Shell, and rapper Lotus Juice, a prominent figure in the Persona 3 soundtrack.

Meguro's extensive career at Atlus, spanning back to 1995, has seen him contribute to iconic titles such as the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises. In 2021, he transitioned to indie development while continuing his collaborations with Atlus. Since then, he's been working on this sci-fi stealth action JRPG, published under Kodansha Game Creators Lab.

Initially revealed at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021 and successfully funded via a Kickstarter campaign in 2022 (reaching all stretch goals!), Guns Undarkness will offer a free demo during Steam Next Fest, starting February 24, 2025. An early access release is planned for later in the year.

Inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Persona

According to its Steam page, Guns Undarkness is a turn-based tactical JRPG drawing inspiration from the likes of Metal Gear Solid and Persona. Set in a 2045 ravaged by near-apocalyptic destruction, players take on the role of a private military company operative, embarking on critical missions alongside allies. Unraveling the world's secrets is key to saving humanity.

Gameplay blends stealth and turn-based combat. Strategic movement and evasion are crucial during stealth sections, granting players a significant advantage in subsequent encounters. Battles unfold turn-by-turn, requiring players to cleverly command their characters and utilize a variety of firearms to secure victory.

The demo offers roughly 20 minutes of gameplay, encompassing a tutorial covering basic controls, the battle system, weapons, and essential early-game strategies. The early access release, anticipated for Spring 2025, promises approximately 10 hours of playtime on PC. A precise release date remains unannounced.