Entergram officially announced Yama no Susume: Next Summit ~Ano Yama ni, Mou Ichido~ (Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit ~To That Mountain, Once More~), an adventure game that is based on Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit, the fourth seasons of the anime series. It is scheduled to release on December 7, 2023 in Japan for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.
Combining elements of management, board-game-style progression, and engaging story parts, the Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit game offers a refreshing experience for fans of the series. Players will follow an original story supervised by the manga’s creator, as protagonist Aoi, along with her friends, embarks on a survival challenge on mountains they have previously conquered. Divided into three main sections: preparation, climbing, and story parts, the game features physical preparation and bonding with fellow climbers in its gameplay.
The Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit game will be available in a digital version priced at JPY$8,360, a standard packaged version at JPY$8778, and a limited edition at JPY$14,278. The standard edition features cover art drawn by Eight Bit, the studio responsible for the anime’s production, while the limited edition includes exclusive acrylic dioramas, a B2 tapestry using the standard package illustration, and an original soundtrack with the game-size theme song “Hana Uta*Step.”
▍Encouragement of Climb: Next Summit ~Ano Yama ni, Mou Ichido~ Gameplay
The gameplay of the game unfolds in three main segments: preparation, climbing, and storytelling. In the preparation part, players gather information about the mountain, procure suitable equipment and food from the shop, and develop five parameters: Strength, Companions, Elation, Knowledge, and Preparation. By growing these elements and acquiring skills, you will be ready to challenge the climbing part.
The climbing section is designed in a Sugoroku-style format, with players progressing by spinning a roulette wheel. As they move, stamina and water levels decrease. To avoid running out of stamina and hydration, players must use carry-on items and rest spaces that allow for partial strength recovery.
On the path, there are squares that can affect gameplay such as Companion Squares for bonding and strength recovery, Accident Squares for disadvantages, and Surprise Squares for events with special SD illustrations. The objective is to guide to the mountain’s summit, carefully checking the route.
In the story segment, players are immersed in an original tale supervised by the original author, Shiro. The protagonist, Aoi, along with her friends, re-challenges mountains they have previously climbed. Familiar characters from the manga and anime will also appear.
