KONAMI has used its latest KONAMI PRESS START showcase to reveal several new games, alongside fresh trailers, gameplay footage and release information for some of its previously announced projects.
The biggest new announcements were Rhapsody in Scarlet, a story-driven action adventure set in 1920s New York, and PROJECT ZIRCON, a deck-building roguelike that combines card-based strategy with nation management.
That wasn’t all, however, with KONAMI Wai Wai World Craft receiving its first proper gameplay look, while SILENT HILL: Townfall, Rev. NOiR, Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse and eFootball Kick-Off! all received updates.
KONAMI PRESS START Video
Rhapsody in Scarlet Looks Like KONAMI Is Trying Something Different
The standout new announcement from the presentation was arguably Rhapsody in Scarlet.
Set in a stylised version of 1920s New York during the Prohibition era, the story-driven fantasy action adventure follows Ellie as she becomes caught up in a world where magic and beasts are very much part of the equation.
What makes the combat particularly interesting is the game’s flexible combo system. Players can combine magick and beasts while switching between close-range attacks, long-range abilities and area-of-effect attacks depending on the situation.
KONAMI also introduced the game’s voice cast, including Cherami Leigh and Akari Kito as Ellie, alongside Hannah Grace and Saori Onishi as Ilya.
The presentation also showed off the game’s recreation of Prohibition-era New York, giving it a rather distinctive setting compared with the usual fantasy worlds we’ve become accustomed to seeing in action RPGs.
Adding even more flavour to the announcement, KONAMI revealed a jazz-inspired theme song performed by SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS and singer-songwriter Emi Meyer.
Rev. NOiR Gets a 2027 Release
Rev. NOiR also received plenty of attention during the showcase, with KONAMI showing off a new story trailer and confirming that the RPG will launch in 2027.
The game takes place in a world threatened by the return of a celestial catastrophe known as Lightfall. Players follow Asch, Finé and their companions as they attempt to prevent humanity from being wiped out.
Combat combines action with strategic decision-making, with systems such as Astral Sigils and Kardieoses allowing players to develop their own approaches to combat.
There is also some good news for Xbox players. Alongside the previously announced PlayStation 5 version, Rev. NOiR will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Steam. Steam wishlists are now available.
PROJECT ZIRCON Is a Deck-Building Roguelike With a Twist
If card games and roguelikes are your thing, PROJECT ZIRCON could be one to keep an eye on.
The newly announced title puts players in charge of a nation facing the return of the Calamity Dragon of the Abyss. Naturally, simply having a decent deck isn’t going to be enough.
The game is split between Strategy and Admin phases. Players will expand their territory, acquire cards and facilities, and construct combinations capable of dealing with the threats facing their nation.
Branching scenarios and multiple endings should also give players plenty of reasons to return after completing their first run.
Steam wishlists are now open for PROJECT ZIRCON.
KONAMI Wai Wai World Craft Lets Players Make the Games
KONAMI Wai Wai World Craft could prove to be one of the more ambitious ideas coming out of the showcase.
Rather than simply playing KONAMI’s games, players will be able to create, customise, share and evolve their own games using official experiences as a starting point.
The gameplay footage demonstrated how players can alter rules, introduce enemies and mechanics and customise their worlds. KONAMI is also bringing characters from some of its biggest franchises into the experience, with Contra and Castlevania among those confirmed.
The entire concept revolves around three ideas: Create, Play and Connect. Essentially, KONAMI wants to build a social ecosystem where players aren’t just consuming content but actively creating experiences for one another.
SILENT HILL: Townfall Gets One Last Look Before Launch
With SILENT HILL: Townfall now approaching its September 24 release, KONAMI used the presentation to provide some additional details on the psychological horror title.
The standalone entry takes players to the fictional Scottish island of St. Amelia and is being positioned as an experience that should be accessible to newcomers while still giving long-time SILENT HILL fans plenty to dig into.
Cast members Jovan Adepo, Terry O’Quinn and Kezia Burrows appeared in the presentation, while writer and director Jon McKellan discussed the game’s story and characters.
KONAMI also revealed the Japanese voice cast for Simon, Zoe and Richard.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Heads Towards October
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse was another game to receive a new trailer, with the appropriately named Bloody Tears Trailer showing more of Rose Belmont’s fight against Dracula and his forces.
The latest footage provides another look at the game’s story, characters and bosses ahead of its October 15 launch.
eFootball Kick-Off! Adds League Mode
Finally, eFootball Kick-Off! is getting a substantial free update on September 24.
The new League Mode will allow players to select clubs from leagues across Europe, South America, Asia, Oceania and the J.League before competing for seasonal glory.
KONAMI also highlighted the game’s online features, mini-games and family-friendly options, with the Nintendo Switch 2 version offering a selection of features designed specifically for the platform.
KONAMI Has Plenty Coming
There was a surprising amount packed into KONAMI PRESS START, particularly considering how many of these games are completely different experiences.
Rhapsody in Scarlet immediately stands out thanks to its unusual combination of fantasy action and 1920s New York, while PROJECT ZIRCON could appeal to players looking for something more strategic. Meanwhile, KONAMI Wai Wai World Craft is potentially the biggest wildcard of the lot, particularly if KONAMI can build a strong community around player-created content.
And then there are the established franchises. SILENT HILL and Castlevania continue to expand in different directions, while eFootball Kick-Off! is getting another sizeable update.
It certainly wasn’t a showcase built around one enormous reveal. Instead, KONAMI appears to be building a rather broad portfolio of games across several genres — and, for once, there are a few genuinely unexpected projects in the mix.
If you enjoy games and gaming and want more NEWS from the Gaming World Click Here
