Konami announced Rhapsody in Scarlet, a new action game set for release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam, during Sony's State of Play livestream. The reveal included the first trailers showcasing the title's setting and combat mechanics, though the publisher omitted a launch window.
Setting and Narrative Premise
The game takes place in 1920s New York City. The narrative centers on Ellie Myers, a young magus and jazz singer, and Ilya Jones, the leader of an elite organization of magi known as the Seekers.
The dual-language voice cast features distinct talent for English and Japanese localization. According to GameSpot, Ellie Myers is voiced by Cherami Leigh in English and Akari Kitō in Japanese. Meanwhile, IGN reports that Ilya Jones is portrayed by Hannah Grace for English dialogue and Saori Ōnishi for the Japanese track. The musical score incorporates jazz elements, highlighted by the theme song "Cool/Hot feat. Emi Meyer," performed by the band SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS.
Combat and Platform Strategy
Rhapsody in Scarlet marks Konami's continued deployment of multi-platform releases for major action-RPG titles, bypassing console exclusivity by targeting current-generation hardware and PC simultaneously. The combat system integrates magical abilities within the historical backdrop of Prohibition-era New York, utilizing the protagonist's background as both a performer and a practitioner of the arcane.
The absence of a targeted release date leaves the production timeline unclear. Konami has not specified whether network tests, closed betas, or a detailed roadmap will precede the final launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam.
Industry analysts note that Konami's decision to anchor the game's atmosphere in the roaring twenties provides a distinct aesthetic departure from traditional fantasy settings typically associated with the genre. By blending the cultural vibrancy of the Harlem Renaissance and underground jazz clubs with occult warfare, the developers are establishing a unique lore framework for the Seekers and their arcane adversaries.
The inclusion of renowned jazz ensemble SOIL&"PIMP"SESSIONS for the theme song further underscores the studio's commitment to authentic period-specific mood-setting, ensuring the auditory experience matches the visual fidelity of the era's architecture and fashion. As development continues behind closed doors, fans await further developer diaries to dissect how Ellie's dual life as a vocalist and a magus will influence moment-to-moment gameplay decisions and narrative branching.
