In the ever-evolving landscape of turn-based RPGs, the upcoming title “Guns Undarkness” is generating substantial buzz, primarily due to the renowned team behind it. Shoji Meguro, celebrated for his work on the Persona series and the Shin Megami Tensei franchise, is venturing into new territory with this sci-fi RPG, poised against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world. This collaborative project with Ilya Kuvshinov, known for his outstanding character designs in “Ghost in the Shell: SAC 2045,” coupled with the musical input from rapper Lotus Juice, promises a comprehensive audiovisual experience. However, the question remains: how will this amalgamation translate into engaging gameplay?
Set in the year 2045, “Guns Undarkness” delves into themes of socio-economic disparity exacerbated by a cataclysmic nuclear conflict. The premise invokes thought-provoking parallels with contemporary issues surrounding wealth inequality and social tensions. Described as existing in a world where technology flourished during a period of stagnation, the game presents a backdrop ripe for exploration. Players are thrust into the role of a rookie soldier tasked with discovering the underlying truths of love and humanity amidst a landscape ravaged by devastation.
The narrative draws an intriguing inspiration from real-world events, particularly the controversial “Great Reset” initiative proposed by the World Economic Forum. The parallel between this initiative and the in-game “Great Reset,” which led to global destruction at the hands of disillusioned “primitivists,” certainly raises eyebrows. This narrative choice hints at the potential for deep, meaningful storytelling, albeit it comes loaded with the risk of alienating players or inadvertently echoing divisive rhetoric.
Transitioning from narrative to mechanics, “Guns Undarkness” promises to introduce a squad-based combat system where strategic positioning plays a vital role. Missions unfold from a submarine base, with players controlling a group of four characters. Unlike traditional RPGs where battles initiate in a more straightforward manner, this game incorporates a layer of tactical exploration. By using cover strategically, players can stage their attacks akin to tactical shooters like “Rainbow Six,” yet this leads into a turn-based conflict where skill management becomes crucial.
Combat is structured around two main types of actions: regular attacks and skills. While regular attacks replenish without cost, skills offer stronger effects at a price, reinforcing a layer of strategic decision-making. Notably, players can utilize skills without cost when positioned in cover, which encourages tactical gameplay that prioritizes positioning and environment. Furthermore, the design appears to reward players for exploiting enemy weaknesses—allowing for dynamic shift-and-cover tactics that enrich the combat experience.
Additional features enhance the overall complexity of battles, such as character-specific buffs and debuffs linked to their firearms—a design reminiscent of the Persona series. The introduction of a reputation system, where characters grow in synergy with those they fight alongside, adds an emotional depth that further vegans player investment in their journey.
While “Guns Undarkness” shows considerable promise in both its narrative and gameplay mechanics, it also faces substantial risks. Given the sensitive nature of its themes, there’s a notable challenge in crafting a story that navigates socio-political topics without veering into offensive territory. Additionally, comparing the game’s narrative aspirations to the works of Hideo Kojima raises the specter of unrealistic expectations. Kojima’s unique storytelling prowess may set a benchmark that “Guns Undarkness” could struggle to meet, creating doubts about its narrative execution.
Moreover, the innovative gameplay mechanics must avoid becoming convoluted. RPGs often risk overwhelming players with an excess of systems that can lead to confusion rather than encouraging strategic mastery.
“Guns Undarkness” is set to release later this year, and its potential to evolve the turn-based genre lies in the balance between its ambitious narratives and engaging gameplay. As fans eagerly await its debut, the anticipation centers not only on its aesthetic appeal but also on its ability to address and integrate the complex themes it has chosen to explore. For now, all eyes will be on how this intriguing concept manifests in its final form.