Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the popular roguelike deck-building strategy game Phantom Rose Scarlet, is set to launch on October 30 for PC via Steam. A smartphone version is planned for release sometime in 2024.
Publisher Playism and developer makaroll have revealed key features and details about the game, including new gameplay mechanics, classes, and the availability of the first playable demo at PAX West 2023. The game will support English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, and Traditional Chinese language options.
Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire continues the unique draw-less card mechanic, focusing on careful management of the deck’s cooldown during battle. The game’s protagonist, Aria, must navigate the phantom-infested Marion Magic Academy, seeking to regain her lost memories. Players can choose between the existing Blade Class and the newly introduced Mage Class, each with distinctive gameplay properties. The Mage Class offers an innovative mechanic called Arcana, requiring players to strategically balance offense and defense. The game also has multiple modes such as Adventure, Arcade, and Custom, and introduces over 200 cards to collect.
For the first time in four years, Playism will have its booth at PAX West from September 1 to 4, showcasing the first-ever playable demo of Phantom Rose II Sapphire. Attendees visiting the PLAYISM booth at the Seattle Convention Center will have the opportunity to play the demo and receive an original double-sided keychain as a memento.
▍Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire Reveal Trailer
▍Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire Gameplay
Phantom Rose II Sapphire, developed by indie developer and artist makaroll, is the long-awaited sequel to Phantom Rose Scarlet. This deckbuilding game with roguelike elements carries forward the unique draw-less card mechanic, emphasizing strategy over luck.
In the eerie world of Phantom Rose II Sapphire, players assume the role of Aria, who awakens in an abandoned classroom within the phantom-infested Marion Magic Academy, with no memory of her past. Guided only by a student card, Aria must navigate through the school, contending with Phantoms, all while attempting to recollect her lost memories.
The game’s unique draw-less card mechanic requires players to craft their deck through defeating Phantoms, carefully managing the cooldown of their cards instead of relying on random draws. This approach offers a fresh take on deckbuilding, with gameplay extending across various difficulties and modes, including Adventure, Arcade, and Custom.
Introducing a new class system, Phantom Rose II Sapphire allows players to choose between two distinct classes: Blade and Mage. Each class presents unique cards and mechanics. The Blade Class provides straightforward gameplay, while the Mage Class introduces an additional mechanic called Arcana.
The game also enhances player engagement with intriguing characters to encounter along the adventure. Interactions with survivors unveil their stories, and choices made during events might lead to unexpected assistance.
With over 200+ cards to collect and the opportunity to rescue other students in distress, Phantom Rose II Sapphire builds upon its predecessor, offering more expansive and engaging gameplay.
▍Phantom Rose 2 Sapphire Main Characters
■ Aria
The protagonist of Phantom Rose II Sapphire and a student of the prestigious Marion Magic Academy. Wakes up without any of her previous memories in a classroom with the academy in a Phantom-infested state.
■ Sylphy
A mysterious cat that joins Aria throughout her journey to escape the Phantom-infested academy, Sylphy comes across as a hothead on the surface but is very caring on the inside.
■ ???
A lady shrouded in mystery keeps her cards close to her chest and answers questions by not answering them.
