The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the renowned composer behind the Persona series and Metaphor: ReFantazio, Shoji Meguro, takes the helm of a thrilling new project titled Guns Undarkness. This turn-based tactical JRPG, set to launch a free demo at the upcoming Steam Next Fest, promises to blend elements from iconic games like Metal Gear Solid and Persona into a unique gaming experience.
Scheduled for February 24, 2025, the Guns Undarkness demo will give players a taste of what's to come. Collaborating with Shoji Meguro are Ghost in the Shell character artist Ilya Kuvshino and the talented rapper Lotus Juice, known for his contributions to Persona 3. Meguro's extensive experience with Atlus since 1995, where he composed for beloved series such as Shin Megami Tensei and Persona, adds a layer of anticipation to this indie venture. After transitioning to independent game development in 2021, Meguro has been working on this sci-fi stealth action JRPG, which will be published under Kodansha Game Creators Lab.
First revealed at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021, Guns Undarkness successfully met its Kickstarter stretch goals in 2022, signaling strong community support. Set in the year 2045, the game's narrative unfolds in a world teetering on the edge of destruction. Players assume the role of a member of a private military company, tasked with uncovering the world's secrets and saving humanity through a series of missions alongside allies.
The gameplay in Guns Undarkness is split into two key aspects: stealth and battle. In stealth mode, players must navigate the game world undetected, gaining strategic advantages for subsequent battles. The turn-based combat system allows players to command their characters, utilizing various firearms to emerge victorious. The demo, offering around 20 minutes of gameplay, will include a tutorial covering basic controls, the battle system, weapons, and strategies for the game's early stages.
Following the demo, Guns Undarkness is slated for an Early Access release in Spring 2025, offering approximately 10 hours of playtime on PC. While specific release dates are yet to be announced, the anticipation for this tactical stealth RPG continues to build.