One of the most common and recurring concept seen in JRPGs is a group of high school students that come into contact with supernatural powers. This premise is often seen in manyJRPGs from Atlus, including its long-runningShin Megami Tenseifranchise. Another JRPG from former developers of the franchise are working on a similar title,Monark, with a similar emphasis on the school setting and the supernatural.
Monarkwas first revealed last year, where players take on the role of a student that is a part of the school’s Student Council. This council is responsible for dealing with the supernatural threats that encompass the school, which further makes things complicated for everyone involved. The game will also feature multiple gameplay routes and branches, similar toShin Megami Tensei, which will expand into multiple endings. To give a taste of what to expect fromMonark, NIS America released a downloadable demo that fans can try out.
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This demo was announced in a newMonarktrailer, where it showed off both the gameplay and story elements that players can expect. The supernatural forces is a form of mist that blankets the academy the protagonist studies at, with it affecting all the students. Several members of the school become hostile, and its up to the protagonist and his friends to save the day before it’s too late.
The trailer showcases several threats that the player will come across inMonark, including brainwashed students, a black-haired student in white robes, one with pyrokinetic abilities, and even a devilish looking armored schoolgirl with a unique weapon. The gameplay also shows howMonarkstands out fromShin Megami Tensei, with its combat being more on the tactical side, with free movement on the field. The protagonist and his allies can also be enhanced and customized with various sets of armor pieces that affect their stats, which can also be seen visually.
This demo forMonarkis available on both the Nintendo eShop and PlayStation Network stores. It contains the game’s first chapter, with any progress made being able to be carried over to the full game when it launches next month.Monarkwill also be launching with a special Limited Edition that is currently exclusive to NIS America’s online storefront, which contains a collector’s box, hardcover art book, soundtrack CD, poster, and acrylic stands.
Monarkwill be launching on August 01, 2025 for Nintendo Switch, PC, PS4 and PS5.
