Developer BlackJack Studio has released the first gameplay trailer for Langrisser: Sea of Sword, showcasing a significant departure from the series' traditional structure. The footage confirms that the upcoming tactical RPG will introduce a new approach to squad-based combat and world navigation.

Quick Facts

  • Developer: BlackJack Studio
  • Platforms: PC (Steam) and mobile
  • Composer: Yasunori Nishiki (Octopath Traveler)
  • Key Features: Dual-general combat, destructible environments, and open-world exploration

New Combat Mechanics

The core of Sea of Sword is a new dual-generals, dual-soldiers mixed combat system. Players can deploy two generals to a single unit, selecting one to serve as the commander and the other as the lieutenant. This allows for the combination of different soldier types within one squad, offering more tactical variety. Commanders can be swapped mid-battle to alter the unit's available skills, and specific pairings trigger unique cooperative abilities.

Battlefields are also receiving updates to increase tactical depth. Players will encounter destructible environments, such as bridge sections that can be destroyed to cut off enemy movement or walls that can be breached during siege scenarios. Terrain, including elevation and specific types like forests or islands, now plays a direct role in determining the outcome of combat.

Exploration and Narrative

Moving away from the series' history of disconnected, battle-to-battle progression, Langrisser: Sea of Sword features a world that players can freely explore. Users can navigate towns, caves, and forests to interact with NPCs, solve puzzles, and gather materials. The game also introduces a base-building element, where players can develop a territory from a simple encampment into a fortified military stronghold.

The story follows a nameless protagonist and a mysterious character named Eta as they navigate a power struggle between factions. The narrative is set to feature a darker, more intense tone than previous entries, with the game's atmosphere supported by an orchestral score from composer Yasunori Nishiki and a hand-painted anime art style.

While a specific release date has not yet been announced, the game is available to wishlist on Steam and pre-registration is currently open.