We’re thrilled to have revealed Rhapsody in Scarlet, a brand-new action game for PlayStation 5, during today’s State of Play and State of Play Japan. Set in the jazz-filled streets of 1920s New York, Rhapsody in Scarlet is an action game where players can enjoy exhilarating combos by wielding magic and beasts. Behind the city’s dazzling skyscrapers and lively streets, an unseen conflict rages among those who practice magic in secret. Players take on the role of Ellie, a young magus who finds herself swept up in events that will shape her destiny.
First, please take a look at the first trailer revealed during State of Play.
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Thrilling combo-driven Acation with magic and beasts
Many action games nowadays focus on weapon-based close-quarters combat, but with Rhapsody in Scarlet, we wanted to create something different, allowing players to build highly customizable combos and harness the unique possibilities of magic.
One of the defining features of Rhapsody in Scarlet is its dynamic action, which sees Ellie wield magic while commanding beast companions in battle. The stylish combat blends close- and long-range attacks, area-of-effect spells, and beast techniques into highly customizable combos. Finding combos that fit your playstyle and adapting them to different enemies and situations is one of the game’s core appeals.
A story trailer that brings the story and characters into focus
In addition to its exhilarating action, Rhapsody in Scarlet also places a strong emphasis on its story, woven together by a cast of distinctive characters. For more, please take a look at the story trailer revealed during State of Play Japan:
A Young Magus commanding beasts is drawn into the fate of the world
The story is set in 1920s New York. Ellie, a young magus who has come to the city that never sleeps to pursue a career as a jazz singer, becomes entangled in the schemes of a mysterious mafia organization following a certain incident. There, she meets Ilya, leader of the Seekers, a magus organization. Though the two have completely opposite values and clash repeatedly, they gradually deepen their bond as they continue fighting together. Before long, they find themselves confronting a fate that threatens to shake the balance of the world.
Ellie Myers
Voiced by Cherami Leigh (English) / Akari Kito (Japanese)
Our story’s protagonist, Ellie is a young magus who came to New York to pursue a career as a jazz singer. Fighting alongside her beast companion, Sköll, she channels the powers of beasts and magic to unleash combined attacks. Valuing freedom above all else, Ellie refuses to be bound by rules or authority. With her unconventional thinking and unwavering determination, she confronts a world-shaking conspiracy and the destiny that awaits her.
Ilya Jones
Voiced by Hannah Grace (English) / Saori Onishi (Japanese)
The young leader of the Seekers, a magus organization, Ilya was raised under the tutelage of Harold, her father and the head of the Sorcellerie Quarter. An exceptionally talented magus, she possesses both remarkable skill and a strong sense of responsibility. Valuing order above all else, she frequently clashes with the free-spirited Ellie. However, through many battles they fight side by side, the two gradually come to understand one another.
Jazz-filled 1920s New York
In Rhapsody in Scarlet, we have worked to recreate the atmosphere of 1920s New York as much as possible, from its architecture and fashion to its cars and Prohibition-era speakeasies. The 1920s were a time of remarkable energy and change, marked by the rapid spread of automobiles and radios, as well as the growing presence of women in society. To faithfully recreate the vibrant atmosphere of New York during this era, we carried out on-site research and gathered a wide range of historical references. At the same time, we introduced fantasy elements such as Beasts, magic, and the magical district they inhabit, creating a distinctive world where historical reality and fantasy come together as one. By incorporating jazz inspired by the sounds of the 1920s, we have also created a unique experience, where swing-filled sound and action come together as one.
Wishlist starting today
Exhilarating action powered by magic and beasts, a distinctive world set in 1920s New York, and a story centered on Ellie and Ilya await in Rhapsody in Scarlet.
We will have more to share in the future, so please be sure to add the game to your wishlist and stay tuned for upcoming updates.
The game will also be featured in Konami Press Start, a streaming program that will air on Konami’s official YouTube channel on September 3 at 8am PT / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST, September 4 at 12am JST , so be sure to check it out as well.