Okay, so, DMM Games and Too Kyo Games announce SHUTEN ORDER for Switch and PC. I saw this headline and immediately thought, "Oh great, another gacha game." But wait! There's something about this one that's actually... intriguing? I know, I know, I say that about all of them (almost). But this time, there's a legitimate reason for my mild (and possibly fleeting) excitement.
Maybe it's the art style. Maybe it's the weirdly compelling premise. Or maybe it's just the fact that Too Kyo Games, known for their work on titles like Danganronpa (RIP Kazutaka Kodaka's hairline, am I right?) is involved. Whatever it is, SHUTEN ORDER has piqued my interest. Let's dive in, shall we?
What is SHUTEN ORDER Anyway?
Here's the thing: trying to figure out exactly what SHUTEN ORDER is is a little like trying to catch smoke. It's a project that’s been floating around for a while now, and it feels like information is being released in drips and drabs. We know it involves yokai. We know it's coming to both Switch and PC, which is a plus. We also know that it's being developed by DMM Games (known for, uh, certain types of games) and Too Kyo Games (makers of delightfully twisted visual novels). Think of it as a very strange collaboration. Also, you might be wondering about gacha again. Actually, that's not quite right, according to some articles. There's no confirmation if this game is a gacha game.
But beyond that? Details are scarce. Like, really scarce. The official website doesn't give away much, and the trailers are more mood-setting than informative. Maybe they're trying to build suspense? Or maybe they haven't quite figured out what the game is yet themselves. (Hey, it happens!) I’d compare it to trying to assemble IKEA furniture without the instructions – frustrating, but potentially rewarding. And speaking of rewarding, you can find more great video game content over at playhoopgame.com.
Yokai and Twisted Tales: A Match Made in… Hell?
One thing we do know is that SHUTEN ORDER is heavily inspired by Japanese folklore, specifically yokai. For those unfamiliar, yokai are basically supernatural monsters, spirits, and demons from Japanese mythology. They range from the mischievous and silly to the downright terrifying. Think of them as the original Pokemon, but with a slightly higher chance of cursing you for all eternity.
Too Kyo Games' involvement is what really sells this for me. These are the folks who brought us the darkly comedic and psychologically disturbing Danganronpa series, as well as the equally twisted World's End Club. They have a knack for creating compelling characters and throwing them into absolutely horrific situations. I mean, who doesn't love a good murder mystery involving a psychotic teddy bear? I, for one, embrace it fully. This does suggest this game is narrative-driven and filled with interesting and compelling characters. If that's the case, then this will be one to look out for.
And, Too Kyo Games also has experience with gameplay as well. It’s easy to forget given Danganronpa’s success, but World’s End Club was also a genuinely engaging action platformer. So there is something to be said for them having experience in crafting a fun game, not just a story.
Why This Could Be More Than Just Another Gacha Game
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room: DMM Games. They're not exactly known for their high-brow, artistic endeavors. Their catalog is… well, let's just say it caters to a specific audience. The frustrating thing about this topic is that you don't know exactly what to expect from the project. Will it have the dark, gritty elements of a Danganronpa title? Or will it simply be another gacha game cash cow with anime girls?
But here's where the collaboration aspect comes in. Too Kyo Games isn't exactly a stranger to pushing boundaries, and DMM Games clearly has the resources to bring a project like this to life. Maybe, just maybe, this is a case of two very different companies bringing out the best in each other. Or maybe it'll be a train wreck. Only time will tell. But, I did some research and found a nice article at CrazyGames. The article explains why train wrecks can actually be fun.
We can always look to the voice acting as a high point for the game as well. Too Kyo games has a reputation of hiring some of the best Japanese voice actors. It should be expected that this game will also follow in those footsteps as well.
Think of it this way: sometimes, the most unexpected combinations create the most memorable experiences. Chocolate and peanut butter, pineapple on pizza (controversial, I know), and now, DMM Games and Too Kyo Games. It might sound crazy, but it just might work. The developers have stated that the gameplay will involve turn-based combat. If this is the case, we can expect a wide variety of characters to play with and use.
And, if you are interested in more discussion on various games, feel free to read this article on playhoopgame.com.
FAQ About SHUTEN ORDER
Is SHUTEN ORDER a gacha game?
As of right now, there is no confirmation that it is a gacha game. Most likely, the game will be a narrative-driven experience that you can get into without spending a ton of money. This is all speculation, though. But given the track record of the developers, this game will most likely not be a gacha game.
Will I need to know a lot about Japanese folklore to enjoy SHUTEN ORDER?
Probably not! While the game is inspired by yokai and other Japanese myths, it's likely that the developers will provide enough context for players to understand the story without needing a degree in Japanese mythology. Think of it as a fun introduction to Japanese folklore, rather than a test of your existing knowledge. I initially thought you'd need to read a book to play. But after looking deeper, that's probably not the case at all.
When will SHUTEN ORDER be released?
The release date for SHUTEN ORDER is still shrouded in mystery. DMM Games and Too Kyo Games haven't announced a specific date yet, so we'll just have to keep our eyes peeled for more information. In the meantime, you can follow their social media channels and official website for updates.
What platforms will DMM Games and Too Kyo Games' SHUTEN ORDER be on?
SHUTEN ORDER is planned for release on both Nintendo Switch and PC. This is great news for gamers who prefer different platforms, as it means more people will have the opportunity to experience this potentially amazing game.
Will the game have an English dub?
There's no official word on whether SHUTEN ORDER will have an English dub. However, given the increasing popularity of Japanese games in the West, it's certainly a possibility. Keep an eye out for announcements closer to the release date.
I'm not familiar with either DMM Games or Too Kyo Games. Is SHUTEN ORDER a good place to start?
That's a great question! It really depends on what you're looking for in a game. If you're intrigued by dark stories, interesting characters, and a unique blend of Japanese folklore and modern storytelling, then SHUTEN ORDER could be a great starting point. However, keep in mind that both DMM Games and Too Kyo Games have distinct styles, so do some research to see if their previous work aligns with your tastes. It could be a great starting point.
