Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio Composer’s New Turn-Based JRPG Gets A Free Steam Demo

Experience the tactical stealth RPG, Guns Undarkness, a new title spearheaded by Shoji Meguro, the renowned composer behind the Persona series and Metaphor: ReFantazio. This exciting project also features Ilya Kuvshinov, the character artist from Ghost in the Shell, and rapper Lotus Juice, known for his contributions to Persona 3.

Steam Next Fest Demo Launch

A free demo of Guns Undarkness will debut during the upcoming Steam Next Fest. This provides a sneak peek into the gameplay mechanics and story.

Meguro, a veteran composer at Atlus since 1995, has crafted music for iconic franchises like Shin Megami Tensei and Persona. His transition to indie development in 2021, while maintaining his Atlus collaborations, marks a significant shift in his career. Guns Undarkness, published by Kodansha Game Creators Lab, is a testament to his independent vision. Initially unveiled at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021 and successfully funded via Kickstarter in 2022, the game is poised for release.

The demo, launching February 24th, 2025, offers approximately 20 minutes of gameplay, encompassing tutorials on controls, combat, weaponry, and early-game strategies. Early Access is slated for Spring 2025, promising around 10 hours of gameplay on PC.

Metal Gear Solid and Persona Inspiration

Guns Undarkness blends turn-based tactical JRPG elements with stealth mechanics, drawing inspiration from Metal Gear Solid and Persona. Set in a dystopian 2045, players assume the role of a private military contractor, embarking on missions to unravel the world's secrets and avert impending catastrophe. The gameplay seamlessly integrates stealth sections, where remaining undetected provides a tactical advantage in subsequent turn-based battles utilizing firearms. The PC Early Access release is anticipated in Spring 2025. A precise release date remains unannounced.