Composer's New JRPG Demo Now Free on Steam

Excitement is building for fans of tactical stealth RPGs as the composer behind the beloved Persona series and the upcoming Metaphor: ReFantazio, Shoji Meguro, is set to unveil his latest project, Guns Undarkness. This eagerly anticipated game will offer a free demo during the upcoming Steam Next Fest, giving players a taste of what's to come.

Guns Undarkness Will Launch Demo At Steam Next Fest

Guns Undarkness is poised to make a significant impact at Steam Next Fest, with its demo slated for release on February 24, 2025. Shoji Meguro, renowned for his contributions to the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series since joining Atlus in 1995, is steering this ambitious project. He's joined by the acclaimed Ghost in the Shell character artist Ilya Kuvshino and rapper Lotus Juice, known for his work on Persona 3.

After transitioning to an independent developer in 2021, Meguro continued his collaboration with Atlus while branching out into new ventures. Guns Undarkness, a Sci-Fi Stealth Action JRPG, marks his latest endeavor, supported by Kodansha Game Creators Lab. Initially announced at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021, the game successfully reached its Kickstarter goals in 2022, setting the stage for its upcoming demo and an early access release later this year.

Inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Persona

According to its Steam page, Guns Undarkness draws inspiration from iconic titles like Metal Gear Solid and Persona, promising a "turn-based tactical JRPG" experience. Set in the year 2045, the game thrusts players into a world teetering on the edge of collapse. As members of a private military company, players will embark on critical missions with allies to unravel the world's secrets and avert humanity's downfall.

The gameplay is split into two key components: stealth and battle. During stealth phases, players must navigate the environment undetected, gaining strategic advantages when they engage enemies. Combat shifts to a turn-based system where players command their characters, utilizing various firearms to secure victory.

The Guns Undarkness demo will feature approximately 20 minutes of gameplay, covering the tutorial, basic controls, battle system, weapons, and strategies for the game's early stages. Scheduled for an Early Access release in Spring 2025, the game promises around 10 hours of playtime on PC. While an exact release date remains under wraps, anticipation is high for this innovative JRPG.