Monark

Monark is a jRPG with turn-based combat system. The project was developed by Lancarse, a studio based in Japan, known for Lost Dimension. A key role in the game was also played by veterans of the Shin Megami Tensei series, including Ryutaro Ito (one of the designers of Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner), Aya Nishitani and Kazunari Suzuki (both of whom worked on Giten Megami Tensei: Tokyo Mokushiroku), as well as composer Tsukasa Masuko, i.e. the artist behind the music in Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner and Devil Summoner: Soul Hackers.

Plot

The game is set in moden Japan. One day the elite school Shin Mikado Academy is surrounded by a mysterious and deadly fog. Some of the students trapped inside discover that they have gained the ability to enter an alternative dimension of demons, where power is shaped by the strength of personality.

We play as a teenager who is assigned by the student council to solve the supernatural problems that arise from this situation. He will try to use his powers to free the people trapped in the school. Standing in his way are seven corrupt students with similar demonic abilities who are doing everything they can to prevent Shin Mikado Academy from returning to normal.

Mechanics

Monark is quite a classic jRPG. During the game we explore the world, talk, complete quests and fight many battles using the turn-based combat system, in which we control up to six warriors, as well as summoned beasts. During clashes, the player can temporarily increase the insanity level of his hero, which strengthens his attacks and abilities. When using this mechanic, however, there is a risk that our protagonist will fall into a rage and start attacking everyone on the map, including his allies. We are rewarded for the successes with experience points, which we use to develop character statistics and unlock new skills.

In the adventures the protagonist is supported by one main companion, chosen from four available in the game. Each of them offers mostly unique story path, so in order to get to know the whole plot you have to go through the campaign multiple times. What's interesting, however, the authors have made available the option to skip over repeated sections, which we have previously completed with another companion.

Unusual element of the game is Ego of the main character, which allows us to control the beasts from another dimension. It includes pride, wrath, envy, greed, gluttony and sloth. By completing challenges, our decisions and psychological tests we strengthen each of these attributes, which affects the strength and type of summoned monsters, as well as the hero's statistics and his ability to magically strengthen the equipment of other team members.

Game modes

Monark only features a single player mode.

Technical aspects

The game offers 3D graphics in a typical anime style which is characteristic for jRPGs.