Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island was announced during the Japanese Nintendo Direct broadcast on September 14, but did not appear in the western broadcast. It is the sixth numbered entry in the dungeon RPG series.
Here is an overview of the game, via Spike Chunsoft:
■ Main Visual
■ The Mystery Dungeon System
The Mystery Dungeon offers endless gameplay with procedurally generated dungeon maps, enemies, and loot to ensure that every game will be a new challenge for even the most seasoned adventurers. Shiren starts at level one each time he enters a dungeon, so he needs to grow by defeating enemies, gathering loot, and building strength. All the gear and levels Shiren accumulates will be lost if he collapses during exploration and must restart from scratch. The action progresses on a turn-based system, which allows players to plan carefully and thoughtfully. Players must use their accumulated knowledge, experience, and imagination to succeed.
This title brings new elements to the Mystery Dungeon, such as Shiren taking on new, powerful transformations and giant Behemoth monsters that hunt him through the dungeon.
■ Characters
Shiren
A heroic wanderer who travels the land in search of adventure with nothing but his partner Koppa, his wits, and his iconic hat and cape.
Koppa
Shiren’s loyal companion. Koppa is one of the last talking ferrets, able to speak with both humans and animals fluently.
Asuka
A wandering swordswoman who is old friends with Shiren and Koppa. She’s come to Serpentcoil Island for her own reasons and is reunited with her allies.
Suzuna
The cheerful innkeeper at Uzumaki-Ya, ready to support Shiren and Koppa while they plan their adventures on Serpentcoil Island.
■ Pre-Order the Physical Version Today
As a first-run bonus, a 2.75” x 3” sticker featuring the protagonist Shiren and the game’s traditional Japanese art style will be included with the game.
*Image for illustration purposes only. Design and details are subject to change without notice. While supplies last.
For details on where to pre-order Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island visit the official website.
About Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island
After receiving a vision of a mysterious girl held captive by a terrible monster, Shiren and Koppa make their way to Serpentcoil Island—a distant isle rumored to be the lost stronghold of treasure-hoarding pirates.
To brave the many dangers that await them, Shiren and Koppa must traverse complex dungeons filled with hostile monsters, hidden traps, and useful items. All the gear and experience Shiren accumulates will be lost if he collapses during exploration, so beware of rushing in unprepared! Rescue the mysterious girl and uncover the mystery that clouds Serpentcoil Island.
The forthcoming release for Nintendo Switch marks the series’ latest mainline entry to come to the West since Shiren the Wanderer: The Tower of Fortune and the Dice of Fate was released on PlayStation Vita in 2016 and then on Nintendo Switch in 2020. While preserving the traditional gameplay, this installment introduces new elements and 3D graphics to create a fresh and exciting adventure.
Shiren the Wanderer series of roguelikeRPG games began with the 1995 release of Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer for the Super Famicom in Japan. Players venture into a “Mystery Dungeon” that changes each time they enter. To succeed, they need to rely on their wits, experience, and creative thinking to overcome monsters, avoid perilous traps, and conquer the dungeon. Players who run out of energy during their journey will lose all of their possessions including tools, money, and gear, and must start again at level one. Players will experience a thrilling and tense adventure with unexpected events and risks that cannot be redone.
Watch the announcement trailer below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.
