Introduction to Penny Blood

Introduction to Penny Blood

"Penny Blood" is an upcoming role-playing game (RPG) scheduled for release in 2025, developed through a partnership between Yukikaze, Shade, and Studio Wildrose. Matsuzo Machida, known for his work on the "Shadow Hearts" series, leads the project as director, designer, and writer. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S platforms. "Penny Blood" is designed as a spiritual successor to "Shadow Hearts," combining turn-based combat with real-time gameplay elements within a narrative set in the 1920s across America, Europe, and Asia. The story centers on Matthew Farrell, a detective with the ability to use magic, as he investigates supernatural events.

The World and Characters of Penny Blood

"Penny Blood" immerses players in an alternate 1920s universe, blending Gothic horror with historical settings. The protagonist, Matthew Farrell, is a private detective from New York with the inherited ability to transform into various monstrous forms. Although he resents this power, he uses it to assist the Bureau of Investigation in combating a sinister force known as Malice. The narrative begins with a mysterious incident at an asylum, propelling Matthew on an international journey. He is joined by Emilia Dawson, a British Secret Intelligence Service agent with mechanical augmentations, and Suseri Otsuki, from the fictional Japanese Kamuzumi clan.

Gameplay Dynamics of Penny Blood

The gameplay of "Penny Blood" involves exploration of an overworld, dungeon crawling, and a unique combat system. Battles are turn-based with a real-time component called the Psycho Sigil, a minigame that requires players to time their attacks for maximum effectiveness. Characters have a limited supply of Sanity Points, which decrease each turn. When depleted, characters gain an attack bonus but become uncontrollable, introducing a tactical aspect to managing character behavior during combat.

Artistic Influences and Themes

Matsuzo Machida's "Penny Blood" draws heavily from his previous work on "Shadow Hearts," targeting an adult demographic with its mature themes. The game explores darker subject matter, pushing the boundaries further than its predecessor while maintaining occasional comedic relief akin to "Shadow Hearts: Covenant." The title "Penny Blood" references the cheap 19th-century British fiction known as Penny dreadfuls, and the game's emblem subtly alludes to Charon's obol, the coin traditionally placed with the dead to pay the ferryman in Greek mythology.

Development Journey and Crowdfunding Achievement

The conceptualization and initial development of "Penny Blood" began in 2021, with the collaborative efforts of Studio Wildrose, Yukikaze, and Shade. The team includes veterans from the "Shadow Hearts" series, such as character artist Miyako Kato and composer Yoshitaka Hirota, with contributions from renowned composers Nobuo Uematsu and Kenji Ito. Machida's interest in the 1920s inspired the game's setting, and Kato's character designs reflect its somber atmosphere. A joint crowdfunding campaign with Akifumi Kaneko's "Armed Fantasia" on Kickstarter saw "Penny Blood" reach its funding goal within a single day, ultimately amassing over $2.6 million. This success secured the game's production for the intended platforms and allowed for the addition of extra content through stretch goals.