Original 01/06/21 at 1:18 a.m.: Acquire has announced 3D dungeon RPG Labyrinth of Zangetsu (Zangetsu no Sakyuu in Japanese) for PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC, the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu reveals. It will launch this summer in Japan.
Dungeons and monsters are depicted in monotone by Japanese-style ink brush painting. Gameplay systems are said to be a return to the roots of hack-and-slash.
Acquire plans to first release free version of Labyrinth of Zangetsu that users can play to some extent. If they enjoy it, they can then purchase the full version.
Thanks, Ryokutya2089.
Update 01/06/21 at 10:35 a.m.: The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu is now available to the public. Here are the some additional details from the magazine and a scan via Bookwalker‘s free preview of the issue:
Labyrinth of Zangetsu is new 3D dungeon RPG by Acquire. Its gameplay systems are a return to the “roots” of hack-and-slash. It is a title that emphasizes “wa” (the Japanese-style), which is Acquire’s specialty. It depicts a “deep” world view illustrated by ink painting brush strokes. And features a “mixture of wa” sound that channels the music of Japan’s various eras, from “gagaku” (traditional Japanese music and dance) to “noh” (traditional Japanese masked dance-drama). Labyrinth of Zangetsu is developed based on these four keywords.
Worldview: A World Painted Jet Black by the “Ink of Destruction” Calamity
The story is set in Ido, “the city of the morning moon,” which continues to fight against the calamity that is the “Ink of Destruction.”
Ido belongs to Tokinokuni, a country that resembles medieval Japan, and is a fortress city protected by a powerful magical technology barrier located directly beneath the “moon” that always shines in the sky.
The city summons travelers from all over the world to select “Ink Destroyers” from among those with extraordinary power.
Ink Destroyers are given the task to proceed toward “Sakyuu,” the most dangerous area.
Ink Beasts: Born from the Ink of Destruction
When the living come into contact with the “Ink of Destruction,” some went mad and fell to death, while others became demons and began to attack their loved ones and devour their neighbors.
When the dead come into contact with the ink, they are resurrected and wander the world to increase their ranks.
Furthermore, inanimate can become ferocious, wriggling monsters…
These were called “Ink Beasts” and were feared by the people.
Update 10:32 p.m.: According to the product page on Acquire’s website, Labyrinth of Zangetsu is developed by KaeruPanda. Despite being announced for PlayStation 4, Switch, and PC in Weekly Famitsu, the website lists platforms as “to be announced.”
View a set of screenshots and artwork at the gallery.
