Konami and Sony announced an upcoming action adventure game titled Rhapsody in Scarlet during a PlayStation State of Play presentation. The game is set in an alternate, vibrant, and rapidly changing 1920s New York City filled with magic, monsters, and a secret society of practitioners. While the title was highlighted during the PlayStation State of Play and a accompanying PlayStation Blog post, Konami confirmed that it will not be a console exclusive. The title is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, though an official release date has not yet been set.
Konami and Sony Reveal Rhapsody in Scarlet at State of Play
According to Konami co-producer Takanori Murayama, the development team aimed to depart from conventional weapon-based, close-quarters melee combat found in many action titles. Instead, the game features a flexible, combo-driven combat system centered around a magus and a beast.
Setting, Characters, and Magical Conspiracy
The story follows Ellie Myers, a young magus who arrives in New York City with ambitions of pursuing a jazz singing career. According to official story details, Ellie is suddenly transported by a mysterious man to a sanctuary before getting caught up in a world-shaking conspiracy involving a mysterious mafia organization. Ellie is voiced in English by Cherami Leigh and in Japanese by Akari Kitou (also referenced as Akari Kito).
During her journey, Ellie encounters Ilya Jones, the young leader of an elite magus organization known as the Seekers. Ilya was raised under the tutelage of her father Harold, who serves as the head of the Sorcellerie Quarter. Ilya is voiced in English by Hannah Grace and in Japanese by Saori Oonishi (also spelled Saori Onishi).
Narrative materials outline distinct personalities for the two central figures:
- Ellie Myers: A free-spirited magus who values freedom above all else, refuses to be bound by rules or authority, and fights alongside her beast companion, Sköll.
- Ilya Jones: A serious-minded, exceptionally talented young leader who values order and rules above all else.
Although Ellie and Ilya frequently clash due to their opposing natures, they gradually forge a strong bond as they fight side-by-side through numerous battles and investigate the mafia’s schemes, ultimately uncovering a fateful battle that threatens the balance of the world.
Combat Mechanics and Historical Research
Gameplay centers on cooperative interactions between Ellie and her beast companion, Sköll. Players can mix and match an expansive arsenal of abilities, combining close-range attacks, long-range assaults, and area-of-effect spells with beast techniques to unleash customized magical combos. Konami highlights finding and adapting these combos to different enemies as a core pillar of the experience.
To establish the atmosphere of the 1920s, Konami conducted on-site research and utilized historical references. Developers incorporated period-accurate architecture, fashion, automobiles, and Prohibition-era speakeasies, while also reflecting historical trends such as the rapid spread of automobiles and radios alongside the growing presence of women in society. This historical texture is overlaid with fantasy elements including magic, beasts, a magical district, and a jazz-inspired soundtrack.
