The upcoming issue of Famitsu gives JRPG fans a tantalizing first look at Atlus’s newest title in development, Project Re Fantasy, which looks to be a traditional epic fantasy in an old-world setting. Atlus also announced the formation of new development studio, Studio Zero.
Persona Central reports the development team at Studio Zero will be led by P Studio (Persona series) alums including producer and director Katsura Hashino, character artist Shigenori Soejima and composer Shoji Meguro. Yet, fear not, Persona fans. Atlus remains committed to the series, even as it works on Project Re Fantasy. Company Director Naota Hiraoka told Famitsu, “Soejima is an indispensable member of the Persona series staff, but we don’t want his work to stop there. Meguro is the same. Both will continue to participate in the Persona series in the future… We’re steadily developing other titles behind the scenes, including the Persona series.”
Hashino offered Famitsu (via Gematsu) some interesting insight about why Atlus finally decided to explore the high fantasy realm. “Until now, since the time fantasy went mainstream, Atlus has dared to create series set in contemporary times and cherished its stance of aiming to counter the typical. The series works from Persona 3 and onwards are the exact products of such thought. I had always held the thought that I someday want to challenge the traditional genre and deliver a title uniquely Atlus,” he said.
A clear departure from the urban settings of the Persona and Shin Megami Tensei series, Atlus fans have already taken to social media to discuss the concept art for the upcoming game.
Atlus Reveals Studio Zero and New RPG Codenamed Project Re Fantasy - https://t.co/cAsQLtlWoM | #gaming #atlus pic.twitter.com/YkffsMf6zp
— TechRaptor (@TechRaptor) December 22, 2016
If those little glimpses of the game’s art style have got you curious, be sure to check out more of the hi-res Famitsu page scans over at Persona Central.
The title of Project Re Fantasy is subject to change, and there’s no release date or platform confirmed at this stage. Atlus will host a live stream to reveal more information about Project Re Fantasy on NicoNico Dec. 23 at 8 p.m JST (6 a.m. EST).
Are you excited to hear more about Project Re Fantasy? Do you think the makers of the Persona games will do justice to high fantasy characters, storytelling and worldbuilding? Feel free to discuss your early impressions of the game in the comments below.
