REYNATIS

Dive into the captivating world of REYNATIS, the latest action RPG from FuRyu and Natsume Atari, where magic pulsates across the neon lights of contemporary Shibuya. This ambitious game promises to interlace blazing magical combat with in-depth narrative research in a backdrop infused with one of Tokyo's most iconic districts.

A Tale of Two Wizards: Liberty vs Authority

At the center of REYNATIS lies an intriguing storyline that would surround two main protagonists with clearly clashing ideologies. Marin Kirizumi, the wizard who seeks power for liberation, and Sari Nishijima, a magical law enforcer to maintain order, are the opposing forces in a world struggling to strike a balance between knowing when to mesh magic into contemporary life. Thus, from here comes a framework for elaborate arguments on freedom, oppression, and consequences of unregulated power.

The scenario of the game was written by none other than Kazushige Nojima, one of the scenario writers behind the Final Fantasy series. This skill in creating complex stories with focus on character development shows in REYNATIS, therefore giving players a tale that goes beyond good versus evil dynamics.

Shibuya After Dark: A Magical Playground

What really sets REYNATIS apart is the reproduction of Shibuya itself—painstakingly realized down to the last detail. This busy district is Hoghausen, containing everything from the symbolic spots like SHIBUYA109 to narrow alleys known only to a few locals. The reproduction is so fine that it goes beyond just a stage; it is filled with secrets and stories waiting to be uncovered.

The game's dual-mode system makes for an interesting layer of exploration. In Suppressed Mode, the player will combine with civilians, collecting information and acquiring quests. Switch to Liberated Mode, and Shibuya comes alive with magical nature—along with the dangers associated with open magic. This brings to mind the day/night system of Persona 5, but REYNATIS goes one step further by deeply intertwining it into both the narrative and gameplay.

Combat in REYNATIS is one of the high spots, as unique Suppressed and Liberated states give this system strategic depth. Moreover, it offers the ability to switch between characters in the middle of a battle for another layer of tactical consideration—a system that is sure to keep any player on his/her toes and adapt accordingly.

Review: 9/10

REYNATIS is full of promise as a new action RPG, something that really merges a deep and richly realized modern setting with seriously deep, magic-infused gameplay. It has an interesting premise for its story, really replicates Shibuya in detail, and there's potential for varied and engaging combat.

While all of this will come to bear when the game releases, what is here does suggest that the pedigree of the development team—in names like composer Yoko Shimomura and character designer Yusuke Naora—bodes well for a game players can expect to be polished and immersive upon its eventual release.

Pros:

• Intriguing narrative exploring complex themes
• Beautifully recreated Shibuya setting
• Unique dual-mode system for exploration and combat
• Promising character-switching combat mechanics
• Strong creative team with proven track records

Cons:

• May be overwhelmingly complex for casual players
• The modern setting might not appeal to traditional fantasy RPG fans
• Success will depend on how well the various systems integrate in practice