SOULVARS is a deckbuilding JRPG that was first released on mobile devices back in 2022 to great success, so much so that now it will be releasing on PC and consoles this June with a demo set to be available to play during the Steam Next Fest in June. SOULVARS was first made by solo developer ginolabo, who has teamed up with Shueisha Games to create the PC and console port.
For anyone who hasn’t heard of SOULVARS before, it is a pixel art game inspired by classic JRPGs, while adding modern gameplay elements. In addition, the upcoming PC and console releases have art illustrated by the mangaka, Shiro Usasaki, for the character illustrations in the key visuals and in-game. Aside from that change, the ports gameplay has also been optimized and enhanced for PC and consoles, featuring a horizontal UI and intuitive controller support that delivers a dynamic gameplay experience on bigger screens.
In regards to the game itself, in the world of SOULVARS, the human race faces the consequences of technology as grotesque Dominators emerge, wreaking havoc on humanity. To combat this threat, elite units of Soulbearers, the next generation of humans born with alternate Souls, are deployed around the clock. Players will step into the shoes of Yakumo, a freelance Soulbearer, taking on assignments from the private military contractor known as the Dominator Disposal Organization.
SOULVARS introduces a deckbuilding combat system that allows players to collect gear and expand their Soulbits, which are cards for their hand. By personalizing their deck and strategically mixing and matching various Soulbits, players can unlock over 100 different Arts and Abilities. The hunt for rare and powerful gear becomes essential as defeating unique Dominators is the key to mastering the ultimate Arts.
Party-based combat takes center stage in SOULVARS, where every enemy represents a puzzle to solve and a challenge to overcome. Players will have the opportunity to customize their party, consider different enemy types, and weaknesses, and how to best combine Soulbit actions. With over 200 different powerful finishing moves to unleash, the tactical options available to players in combat are incredibly varied.
SOULVARS also offers a narrative that covers the dangers of unchecked technology, explores the origins of the mysterious DDO, and delves into the conspiracies behind the Dominators' emergence. Through Yakumo and his fellow Soulbears, players will unravel a detailed story that adds depth to the action-packed adventure.
To ensure a global reach, SOULVARS has also been localized in 12 languages, allowing players worldwide to enjoy the game in their preferred language. The interface and subtitles are available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Hindi.
SOULVARS is currently available on mobile devices via Android and iOS. SOULVARS demo will be available at the Steam Next Fest from June 19th-26th. It will release on Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on June 27th.
