Posted in: Games, Video Games | Tagged: Project Prelude Rune, Square Enix, Studio Istolia

Square Enix Announces New Project Prelude Rune

Published Wed, 22 Feb 2017 08:45:21 -0600

Square Enix has another new game for us, this one is titled Project Prelude Rune and will be back in the genre Square does best – JRPGs. The new title will be the property of Square's newest studio called Studio Istolia. We don't know much about the new RPG, just that "The project aims to build a new RPG with a new fantasy: unfolding across a vast land teeming with life. Nurtured by the earth, the many peoples of this land dare to dream, fighting for what is just—and this is their tale."

Given that statement, the nonsensical but pretty sounding name, and the liberal use of dragons in the art, this seems like the usual JRPG fare. Game Informer reports that the head of the studio and producer on Project Prelude Rune is Hideo Baba, known for his work on Bandai Namco's Tales series including Tales of Xillia and Tales of Zestiria. According to Square's press release, "Istolia" is based on the Greek word for story, because "The aim of the studio is to provide unforgettable stories that will inspire players in their own lives, and bring new game experiences to everyone around the world." So it seems like the studio will be focused on story-heavy games, which would be pretty well within Square's wheelhouse.

Along with the announcement of the studio and the new IP, Square showed off some awesome concept art for Prelude Rune which appears to be early in development. It'll be a few years before we see or hear much of this one, much like the recently announced Avengers Project. The concept art is below, our coverage of the Avengers project is here with dueling responses here and here.