Nippon Ichi Software is now starting to share the first details for Yomawari: Midnight Shadows. The game is slated to come out in Japan on August 24 on PS4, PS Vita and PC. I’ve been gone for a while, so I’m a bit behind on the coverage, but let’s go ahead and catch up by breaking it all down.

Story

So what we already know is that the game takes place in a much bigger world than the last one. It contains two playable characters that get separated on their way home from the summer fireworks. We will be able to alternate perspectives between the two girls as the game progresses. Obviously, their adventures include exploring a large town at night while avoiding ghosts and monsters. When it comes to the new information, it seems that there will be instances where one girl can obtain hints that will be useful to the other. Their stories will overlap frequently throughout the game.

Gameplay

It seems that a lot of the old stuff is coming back, such as the flashlight, the simple inventory system and the heartbeat meter. If you’ve played the original Yomawari, you know what those are. Even if you don’t, they’re all pretty self explanatory. It’s dark out, so the flashlight, streetlights and other environmental elements will be your only source of light. The heartbeat meter is like a radar that allows you to detect ghosts, to which then you can use rocks and other items to distract them. Just like the previous game: one hit and you’re dead. If you’re in trouble, you can still hide behind bushes and signs like before. It seems that the small shrines from the previous game will continue to act as save points and fast travel as well.

Exploration

Exploring is a bit different this time around. There is a new feature in the form of a hand icon that allows you to push objects like boxes. This can help in creating brand new paths to originally inaccessible places. Speaking of which, the original Yomawari mostly took place outside, with the only interior being your own house and a couple of other places. In the sequel, there will be many more interiors such as libraries, abandoned house and more.

Visuals

As you can see from the screenshots, the game looks a lot better than before. They have definitely opted to go for more color variety, rather than the muted and consistently dark look of the original. I’m seeing a lot of gold, red and brighter looking environments for both the interiors and exteriors. In addition, there will be some parts of the world that are seen from the side instead of the typical isometric view. It has been describe as looking at a pop-up book in a way. Since the game will also be out on PS4 and PC, then it’ll also benefit from 1080p resultion. In my opinion, I love the improvements. It looks like Vanillaware levels of good, so I welcome it with open arms.

Limited Edition

The Japanese Limited Edition of Yomawari: Midnight Shadows will contain the following:

• A special-design, exclusive, three-sided box with a transparent sleeve
• 191mm x 135mm art book including artwork from Yomawari: Night Alone and Yomawari: Midnight Shadows, as well as game and promotion-use illustrations
• Yomawari: Midnight Shadows prequel story that alternates between Yui and Haru’s perspectives

I can only assume that we’ll be getting something similar in the West when it eventual releases over here. Let me reiterate that August 24 is the Japanese release date, but the Western release is coming this fall. We’ll leave it here for now and continue with more info next time!

And now, I leave you with a bunch of screenshots. They’re pretty awesome. Enjoy!

Source: Gematsu, Nippon Ichi Software