Of game franchises with cult followings, Atlus’Shin Megami Tenseiseries has one of the most passionate. It’s no surprise then that fans have maintained that excitement for a new studio formed by ex-Shin Megami Tenseidevelopers. That studio, Lancarse, is now ready to unveil its new RPG fully. IntroducingMonark, an RPG coming to PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.Monarkis tentatively planned to launch in Japan on October 14, with no localization confirmed yet.
Those hoping that Lancarse would build off the team’sShin Megami Tensiexperience are certain to be pleased.Monarkis a school RPG, with players taking on the role a member of the True Student Council’s deputy head. This isn’t a typical school council, however. Its purpose is to deal with supernatural complications, of which the protagonist takes direct responsibility over. Needless to say, that’s likely just an extremely simplified description of whatMonarkplayers will be getting themselves into.
RELATED:Shin Megami Tensei 5 Release Date and Details Leak On Official Website
Monarkwill have a fittingly complex depth to its gameplay. To start, it features a complex story filled with multiple different routes for players to experience in multiple playthroughs. These routes start with the protagonist choosing one of four different companion characters, and branches out from there. The main story fittingly hasmultiple different endings.Monarkwill also take pity on players, allowing them to skip routes they’ve already experienced in order to try new ones.
Combat inMonarkremains to be further explained. Screenshots show parties of up to six units, made up of the protagonist, their companion, and four minions. It’s described as command-based action, which could mean eitherturn-based or active combat. However, there’s also free movement, meaning it isn’t grid-based. Players will send their units into open environments to take on multiple enemies at once. The inspiration fromShin Megami Tenseiis there, butMonarkis definitely something new.
While there’s a lot of attention onMonarkdue to the involvement of manyShin Megami Tenseiveterans, there’s another game and developer worth bringing to attention. Fuyuki Hayashi is one ofMonark’s producers and directors, but also a lead onMonark’s scenario writing. Hayashi’s only previous project isa game namedCrystar, which appears to have some notable similarities toMonark, including free-roam combat with command actions.
Shin Megami Tenseifanswill be able to get a closer look atMonarkso that they can make judgments for themselves very soon. A reveal trailer forMonarkis expected to be released on June 10 around noon PT. It bears repeating, however, that localization forMonarkmay put the game into 2022 or later for western audiences.
Monarkreleases October 14 in Japan for PS4, PS5, and Switch.
MORE:How Monark Could Differentiate Itself From Persona and Shin Megami Tensei
