The highly anticipated tactical stealth RPG Guns Undarkness, led by legendary Persona and Metaphor: ReFantazio composer Shoji Meguro, is offering players a first look with a free demo during the upcoming Steam Next Fest. Set to launch on February 24, 2025, this demo provides a hands-on experience ahead of the game’s Early Access release later in the year.
A New Turn-Based Tactical Experience from Acclaimed Creators
Guns Undarkness brings together a powerhouse creative team. Shoji Meguro, known for his iconic work on the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series since joining Atlus in 1995, steps into the role of lead composer and creative force. He is joined by Ilya Kuvshinov, celebrated character artist from Ghost in the Shell, and rapper Lotus Juice, longtime collaborator on Persona 3 and other Atlus titles.
After transitioning to indie development in 2021, Meguro began crafting this sci-fi stealth action JRPG under the banner of Kodansha Game Creators Lab. First unveiled at Indie Live Expo Winter 2021, Guns Undarkness successfully crowdfunded via Kickstarter in 2022, surpassing its stretch goals and building a strong community of supporters.
Gameplay That Blends Stealth and Strategy
Described on its Steam page as a "turn-based tactical JRPG inspired by Metal Gear Solid and Persona," Guns Undarkness is set in the year 2045, a world teetering on the edge of collapse. Players take on the role of an operative in a private military company, undertaking high-stakes missions alongside allies while unraveling deep conspiracies threatening humanity’s survival.
The gameplay splits into two core phases: stealth and combat. In stealth mode, players navigate environments carefully, avoiding detection. Successfully sneaking up on enemies grants tactical advantages when combat begins. Battles are turn-based, allowing players to strategically position characters, issue commands, and utilize a variety of firearms to outmaneuver opponents.
Free Demo Offers a 20-Minute Tactical Preview
The Steam Next Fest demo delivers approximately 20 minutes of gameplay, featuring a full tutorial that introduces players to core mechanics—movement, stealth, combat commands, weapon handling, and early-game strategies. It's the perfect opportunity to experience the game’s atmosphere, art style, and turn-based combat system before the full release.
Guns Undarkness is scheduled to enter Early Access in Spring 2025, offering around 10 hours of content at launch. While the full release date has not yet been announced, PC players can look forward to diving into this narrative-driven, genre-blending RPG soon.
Stay tuned for the demo on February 24 and prepare for a unique fusion of stealth, story, and strategy shaped by some of Japan’s most influential game creators.
