Today Nippon Ichi Software released the first images and details of its upcoming dungeon JRPG Labyrinth of Galleria: Coven of Dusk.
The game was teased with a countdown website a few weeks ago, and it’s a follow-up of Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk. It’s coming to Japan for PS4 and PS Vita on July 25. It’s worth mentioning that originally a Switch version was rumored, but that turned out to be incorrect and the game has been officially announced only for PlayStation 4, which is uncharacteristic of Nippon Ichi Software’s current productions.
This time around, the player won’t be a magical book, but sacred spirit lamp named Koreito, wielded by a young girl named Yuriika, and accompanied by an aging witch named Madame Marta and a kid named Peliko.
They will have to explore a labyrinth in the middle of the forest called Galleria fighting with the help of magically-animated puppet soldiers with many “facets,” each with their unique peculiarities. Two that we see today are the Wonder Corsair and the Shinomashira, respectively a versatile attacker with additional defensive capabilities and a close combat damage dealer specialized in controlling the battlefield.
In the game, a group of characters is called a Coven, and they form a Witch’s Brigade. Various Witch Brigades can be set for various roles, and up to five covens can be included in a party.
The basic gameplay is the typical dungeon RPG with a square-based map, with enemies and allies moving one square per turn.
Up to 40 characters + α can participate in a battle (eight per coven, multiplied by five covens) even if normally only three can attack at the same time, while some circumstances allow for eight to take part.
That “+ α” mentioned above is a character put in the role of “Miramachina” placed in front of a coven, basically acting as its shield. While they cannot be given orders, they will support the coven with their unique abilities.
There are two types of Miramachina. One is a defensive type, and the other fights independently.
When dealing high damage to an enemy, a “Critical Gore” can occur, causing that monster to lose a limb. This can greatly reduce its power. Yet, this can apply to allies as well. That being said, a lost limb cannot be repaired until the player returns to the base, and a critical gore to the head results in instant death.
Characters in are divided in front line and rear guard, and can be arranged in formations that can apply various bonuses.
You can find the first screenshots, artwork, and the box art for Labyrinth of Galleria: Coven of Dusk below.