Thick Thighs Save Lives
NeoGAF's Physical Games Advocate Extraordinaire
NIS America has announced that they will publish the dark action RPG by FuRyu, Reynatis, for a Western release on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in Fall 2024 that's according to a recent report by Noisy Pixel.
Reynatis occurs in Shibuya, Tokyo, in a world where fantasy meets reality. The city’s citizens fear magic and its power, which forces wizards to veil their capabilities lest they suffer oppression. The protagonist, Marin, enters Shibuya, seeking freedom through strength. Here, he meets Sari, an officer of the MEA, an organization that aims to keep wizards under control. This story will tackle “oppression, clashing ideals, and the price of freedom.”
During gameplay, players will explore Shibuya as they interact with NPCs, shop for items, take on quests, or “expose your true self to harness your inhuman powers.” Further, players will find themselves in the alternate world of Another, a land of fantasy where monsters and secrets abound. Combat features two modes: Suppressed and Liberated. The former prioritizes evasion, while the latter focuses on dealing significant damage with magic. These modes will be freely swappable, and six playable characters will be present, all with unique abilities, such as summoning.
Reynatis also features music by Yoko Shimomura, who many know from the Kingdom Hearts series, and scenario writing by Kazushige Nojima from the Final Fantasy franchise. We’ll keep you all updated with the release of Reynatis.
ABOUT THIS GAME
Liberate your world
REYNATIS is a full-blown action-packed magical RPG in which two people with different perspectives fight for their ideals in a realistic recreation of modern-day Shibuya, Tokyo.
■World/Story
The year is 2024. In Shibuya, Tokyo, the Criminal Magic Response Act has issued an order barring citizens from going out at night. However, it was quickly disregarded, and few enforce it.
Marin Kirizumi is a wizard who grew up oppressed by others due to his magic. “If you become the strongest, you'll be set free." Following those words left by his father, he arrives in Shibuya at night.
When Sari Nishijima discovered her magic, she decided to use her powers to maintain order. She follows her own sense of justice to protect Shibuya from forces with dangerous ideals and illegal drugs that turn people into monsters.
Marin, who seeks liberation. Sari, who treats the oppression of wizards as justice. The story of REYNATIS begins when the two meet in Shibuya, a place where cultures and ideas mix.
Marin Kirizumi is a wizard who grew up oppressed by others due to his magic. “If you become the strongest, you'll be set free." Following those words left by his father, he arrives in Shibuya at night.
When Sari Nishijima discovered her magic, she decided to use her powers to maintain order. She follows her own sense of justice to protect Shibuya from forces with dangerous ideals and illegal drugs that turn people into monsters.
Marin, who seeks liberation. Sari, who treats the oppression of wizards as justice. The story of REYNATIS begins when the two meet in Shibuya, a place where cultures and ideas mix.
■Battle
By properly utilizing Suppressed and Liberated states, anyone can easily execute show-stopping actions.
In Suppressed Mode, you are unable to attack, but you can avoid any enemy attacks with the press of a single button.
In Liberated Mode, you can go all out with your attacks, but you will be unable to defend, so timing is essential.
Players can instantly switch between up to three different characters in the middle of battle. Each character comes with their own unique abilities. Pick your characters depending on the situation to gain the upper hand!
In Suppressed Mode, you are unable to attack, but you can avoid any enemy attacks with the press of a single button.
In Liberated Mode, you can go all out with your attacks, but you will be unable to defend, so timing is essential.
Players can instantly switch between up to three different characters in the middle of battle. Each character comes with their own unique abilities. Pick your characters depending on the situation to gain the upper hand!
■Exploration
The real city of Shibuya has been painstakingly recreated in REYNATIS. Walk around the city to find everything from famous landmarks such as SHIBUYA109 to hole-in-the-wall joints that only the savviest will know.
While in Suppressed Mode, your identity and actions are concealed. As long as people don’t find out you’re a wizard, you can talk with normal civilians. During these conversations, you may receive exploration tips, as well as new quests.
In Liberated Mode, you can use your magic to explore and move more quickly. However, there's a chance civilians will report you to the MEA, who will come after you in full force.
While in Suppressed Mode, your identity and actions are concealed. As long as people don’t find out you’re a wizard, you can talk with normal civilians. During these conversations, you may receive exploration tips, as well as new quests.
In Liberated Mode, you can use your magic to explore and move more quickly. However, there's a chance civilians will report you to the MEA, who will come after you in full force.
■Another
Pockets of Shibuya contain Fog, gateways to an alternate magical world called Another that only wizards can access.
This clandestine realm is managed by the anti-government organization known as the Guild. Those who cannot wield magic are unable to enter, and monsters run rampant due to the magic in the air. The expanse of Another contains not only forests and wilderness, but things resembling factories and museums, as well. What lies in its deepest recesses remains unknown.
This clandestine realm is managed by the anti-government organization known as the Guild. Those who cannot wield magic are unable to enter, and monsters run rampant due to the magic in the air. The expanse of Another contains not only forests and wilderness, but things resembling factories and museums, as well. What lies in its deepest recesses remains unknown.
■Lastly
When Marin and Sari’s paths cross, a darkness that will transform the world descends.
Wishlist REYNATIS today! We hope you'll look forward to the release!
Scenario / Kazushige Nojima
Music / Yoko Shimomura
Character Design / Yasutaka Kaburagi
Creative Producer / TAKUMI
Wishlist REYNATIS today! We hope you'll look forward to the release!
Scenario / Kazushige Nojima
Music / Yoko Shimomura
Character Design / Yasutaka Kaburagi
Creative Producer / TAKUMI
Game Information
Game Title: REYNATIS
Platforms:
- PC (Sep 27, 2024)
- PlayStation 5 (Sep 27, 2024)
- PlayStation 4 (Sep 27, 2024)
- Nintendo Switch (Sep 27, 2024)
- REYNATIS - Demo Trailer (Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Steam)
- Reynatis - Announcement Trailer | PS5 & PS4 Games
Publisher: NIS America
Review Aggregator:
OpenCritic - 63 average - 31% recommended
Critic Reviews
8Bit/Digi - Stan Rezaee - 9 / 10
REYNATIS is an action experience that tosses you onto the streets of Shibuya while making you question your characters.
Console Creatures - Bobby Pashalidis - Recommended
Reynatis has heart but feels like a previous generation relic with sometimes archaic game design elements. However, it has some good ideas, fun combat, and good music working for it.
Final Weapon - Raul Ochoa - 3.5 / 5
REYNATIS is a great action RPG that interprets the themes of a "fantasy based in reality" in an intriguing setting: Shibuya, with a bustling underground of wizards. From the perspective of protagonists Marin and Sari, players may unleash their magic with unique Wizart abilities and explore another world that runs in parallel with their own. Despite some of the game's limitations and flawed execution in various areas, it delivers a compelling story without overstaying its welcome.
GamingTrend - Henry Viola - 65 / 100
Reynatis is close to a master at one trade, with its unique and refreshing combat system. But there's too many other pieces that drag the overall presentation down, especially with its outdated graphics, poor Switch performance, awkward camera angles, and high price tag. However, even through all its minor to glaring flaws, and believe me there are many, it's an adventure I find myself looking fondly back on the things it does well.
IGN Italy - Majkol Robuschi - Italian - 5.5 / 10
Quote not yet available
Niche Gamer - Fingal Belmont - 7 / 10
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Nintendo Life - Ethan Zack - 5 / 10
It would be one thing if Reynatis was a decent enough action RPG to turn your brain off to and enjoy some simplistic, button-mashy battles with. The problem is that the creators behind this title so obviously wanted it to be more than that, but it doesn't have the writing quality, the technical spectacle, or the mechanical depth to make it happen. Just like its co-lead Marin, Reynatis' single-minded ambition to reach greater heights unveils its greatest weaknesses - a sense of aimlessness and a general apathy toward its own fantastical world. If you believe you can still find some enjoyment in Reynatis despite its failings, it might be worth a shot. Unfortunately, the performance deficiencies of this Switch release make it a game that's best played on just about any other console you have available. With plenty of other great action RPGs out on the market, you have to wonder if it's worth the trouble.
NookGaming - Thomas Knight - 7 / 10
Reynatis is a rather curious experience. Its story is enjoyable, but it has its issues. The gameplay has some great ideas but it sometimes fails to realize them properly. Luckily the combat is frequent and fun.
While it's certainly not perfect, I did enjoy playing through Reynatis and I believe others will too. I just wonder about the reasons behind some of the game design decisions made.
Push Square - Jenny Jones - 5 / 10
The story and world-building are definitely the most interesting things about Reynatis but it’s a shame everything else feels so half-baked and repetitive. It’s hard to get invested in the characters when the dull combat makes you want to get through the adventure as quickly as possible.
The Beta Network - Anthony Culinas - 5 / 10
Even with the help of three Square Enix vets, Reynatis has regrettably fallen short. Its dated PS2-like graphics, copy-paste environments, blatantly reused boss fights and annoying mechanics inevitably damper this 12-hour action RPG. While Shibuya looks lovely, the combat is flash and the narrative about wizards overcoming oppression is intriguing, the gameplay, story and certain characters could’ve been fleshed out further. The drama does have its moments and the Japanese voice-acting is high quality, it’s just a shame that the experience leaves much to be desired.
The Games Machine - Emanuele Feronato - Italian - 7.5 / 10
Reynatis offers a compelling story and some nail-biting combat with a dual system of defense and offense that engages properly, especially in boss fights with huge monsters. Unfortunately, exploring Tokyo and the parallel world Another is not as engaging, as apart from rare situations it proves to be little more than a walking simulator. Technically it is not excellent, with models and textures reminiscent of what we saw on PS3, however, at least there is no slowdown or frame loss. If you are looking for a storyline full of charismatic characters, this might be your game.
The Outerhaven Productions - Scott Adams - 4 / 5
Reynatis is a very fun action RPG that ticks a lot of boxes for me with its challenge and personality. The character models in gameplay do lack polish but the designs are gorgeous.
TheSixthAxis - Miguel Moran - 6 / 10
Reynatis is a game full of heart that reminds me of the golden age of PS2 RPG adventures, for better and for worse. It's full of interesting ideas, but is lacking consistent execution. If you can see past that, I do think that the charm of the game – the strong character writing, the living city of Shibuya, and angsty JRPG vibe of it all – will really resonate.
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