Publisher Top Hat Studios and developer 2 Odd Diodes have released a new trailer for side-scrolling social link-based action RPG SONZAI.
Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:
About
SONZAI is a story-rich, social link based-RPG with combo character action and JRPG elements. The town of Kumotoshi holds secrets. A new life, new people, new spirits. What are the threads that bind people together? What is the nature of magic? All presented in a beautiful, completely hand-drawn style.
A Story-Rich, Social Link-Based RPG With Combo-Based Character Action and JRPG Elements
Welcome to Kumotoshi: the only town in the world where magic exists. Thrust into new circumstances, and with an unlikely crew of companions, embark on a journey to uncover the secrets and scars of a place like no other.
Kumotoshi is a magical town; a hub for young mages. Explore the town by daylight, and become stronger by connecting with those around you. Deepen your relationships and pursue social links to unlock new abilities, upgrades, and weapons.
Engage in Visceral Character-Action Combat
At night-time, the boundaries between worlds blur. Head to the edges of the town to fight vengeful spirits, discover hidden civilizations and lost legends. With spectacular, combo-based character action, juggle enemies in the air, dash through them, and prove how stylish you can be. Wield swords, chains, muskets and more to vanquish your foes. Mix things up by experimenting with a wide selection of passive/active abilities, customizable modules, and skills.
A Dynamic, Living World
Wrapped in a beautiful, inky minimalist art style with precisely choreographed animation (every single frame hand-drawn), SONZAI features a thought-provoking narrative about existence, individuality, and what it means to be “special.” A vast world filled with hidden lore to discover, how you get tangled up in the lives of SONZAI‘s colorful, diverse cast may just change everything.
Key Features
- Explore a vast work—whether it’s a burning town right beside Kumotoshi, or a lost civilization underground – each new area has its own aesthetic and beings who reside in them.
- Drop into the Milk Drink bar for boba and some gossip, or be a good Samaritan and volunteer some time at the orphanage. Be mindful of who you are and aren’t on good terms with: each character has their own life and story.
- Get closer to those around you by increasing your aptitude at their favored activity. New abilities, upgrades and more unlock as your relationships progress!
- Stylish combo-based, spectacle fighter and character action combat—wield a varied arsenal of weapons, mix things up with a combination of passive or active rune abilities and perks, and see how stylishly you can vanquish your foes.
- Take your combat prowess to the next level by visiting Anya’s shop, and combining the drops and runes you possess to create multi-perk modules.
- New opportunities and new friends await. SONZAI is the debut game by trailblazing video game duo 2 Odd Diodes, hailing from Kolkata, India, and published by New York-based Top Hat Studios.
SONZAI is in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC (Steam). A release date has yet to be announced.
Watch the trailer below.