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

The acclaimed composer of the Persona series is leading the charge on a new tactical stealth RPG, Guns Undarkness, and a free Steam demo is on the way! Read on to learn more about the game and its upcoming release.

Guns Undarkness Launches Demo at Steam Next Fest

Get ready for Guns Undarkness, a tactical stealth RPG boasting a star-studded team. The game features the musical talents of Shoji Meguro, renowned composer for the Persona series and Metaphor: ReFantazio; the artistic vision of Ilya Kuvshinov, character artist for Ghost in the Shell; and the lyrical prowess of rapper Lotus Juice, known for his contributions to Persona 3.

Meguro, a veteran of Atlus since 1995, has crafted soundtracks for iconic titles like Shin Megami Tensei and the Persona series. In 2021, he transitioned to indie development while continuing his work with Atlus. Since then, he's been crafting this sci-fi stealth action JRPG, published under Kodansha Game Creators Lab.

Initially unveiled at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021 and successfully funded via Kickstarter in 2022 (reaching all stretch goals!), Guns Undarkness is poised for its debut. A free demo will be available during the upcoming Steam Next Fest, starting February 24, 2025, with early access planned for later in the year.

Inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Persona

According to its Steam page, Guns Undarkness is a turn-based tactical JRPG drawing inspiration from classics like Metal Gear Solid and Persona. Set in a dystopian 2045, the world teeters on the brink of collapse. Players assume the role of a private military company operative, embarking on critical missions alongside allies, uncovering global secrets, and fighting to save humanity.

Gameplay blends stealth and turn-based combat. Stealth sections allow players to navigate environments undetected, granting a significant advantage in subsequent encounters. Turn-based battles require strategic command of characters and skillful firearm usage.

The demo offers approximately 20 minutes of gameplay, encompassing a tutorial covering basic controls, the battle system, weapons, and early-game strategies. The full early access release, expected in Spring 2025, promises around 10 hours of playtime on PC. A precise release date is yet to be announced.