Publisher Twin Sails Interactive appeared at the Future Games Show last night and announced that the awesome Persona-inspired turn-based JRPG Bloomtown: A Different Story will be coming to Switch. 24 September.
Developed by Lazy Bear Games and Different Sense Games, Bloomtown looks like a perfectly cozy affair on the surface. You get to explore a slice of 1960s American culture, make friends, do a bit of farming – all very sweet. But idyllic Bloomtown has a darker side (literally), as beneath the surface grows a world of demons and other evils that prey on the town’s children.
Stranger Things much? Yes, we thought so too. But there’s also a generous helping of video game inspiration here, with everything from the life simulation elements of Persona to the childhood mystery of EarthBound. There’s even a Pokémon-style demon-catching system that lets you assemble a team of monstrous allies to take on the Upside down Bottom.
We first heard about it at Summer Game Fest 2023, before our curiosity was piqued at Gamescom last year. Classic inspirations? Beautiful pixel art? Something strange going on beneath the surface? Yes, please! The latest trailer only confirms our anticipation, so we’re happy we don’t have to wait much longer.
Here’s an overview of the game’s key features and some screenshots courtesy of the publisher:
A new JRPG adventure: Inspired by popular classics such as the persona Series and Earthbound, Bloomtown balances social life with demon taming, pulse-pounding turn-based combat, and a gripping story. It’s up to Emily to unravel the secrets of mystical disappearances and save the souls of the townspeople!
Two worlds collide: Enter the dark underworld that lurks the children of Bloomtown. Encounter the inner demons of the townspeople, brought to life as monstrous manifestations of fear and vice.
Teamwork makes the dream come true: Use the unique abilities of your own demons and allies to defeat monsters and dungeon bosses in turn-based, tactical battles.
Catching and taming demons: Weaken unique demons to capture and add them to your own demon-hunting force. Level up your demons and fuse them to create powerful synergies for fighting in the Underworld.
An unforgettable summer holiday: Fighting demons won’t take up all your time in Bloomtown! Explore the city, take on quests, make friends, or take it easy – how you spend your time is up to you.
If this sounds like your thing, check out the eShop on September 24th.
