Unveil a Lost Legend in Utawarerumono: ZAN

Step into a reimagined epic with Utawarerumono: ZAN, an action-packed 3D brawler that breathes new life into the beloved saga of Haku. Set in a world reminiscent of ancient Japan, this title serves as a high-octane retelling of the events found in Utawarerumono: Mask of Deception. Players follow the journey of Haku, a man with no memories, as he navigates a land consumed by great conflict and defends his home from invading forces.

While the game features heavy elements of visual novel-style dialogue to deepen the narrative, it is primarily designed as a fast-paced arena brawler. Developed by Tamsoft, Utawarerumono: ZAN shifts the series away from its traditional tactical RPG roots toward intense, Musou-style combat, making it an ideal experience for fans looking to see their favorite characters in motion.

Dynamic Combat and Character Customization

The heart of Utawarerumono: ZAN lies in its deep and intuitive combat mechanics. Players can take control of over 12 legendary heroes, each possessing unique strengths, fighting styles, and abilities. Whether you are executing complex combos using the Square and Triangle buttons or utilizing specialized counters and charged attacks, the combat flow is designed to be both fluid and rewarding.

Key gameplay features include:

  • Overzeal and Final Strikes: By filling your Zeal gauge, you can enter "Overzeal" mode to receive powerful buffs or unleash devastating, character-specific Final Strike moves.
  • Chain Attacks: Utilize the Circle button to trigger Chain attacks. Success depends on timing quick-time events to strengthen your attack and replenish your Zeal bar.
  • Squad Management: Engage in battle with a party of up to four characters, allowing you to swap combatants on the fly and revive fallen allies during the heat of battle.
  • Extensive Progression: Strengthen your roster through various customization layers, including equipping elemental Sigils, using Military Medals for upgrades, and spending Bonus Points to increase base stats.

A Tale of War and Destiny

The story mode takes players through 18 chapters filled with cinematic cutscenes and character interactions. While the game is a loose reimagining of previous entries, it offers plenty of content for long-time enthusiasts of the franchise, featuring familiar faces from the anime and earlier titles. For those seeking extra challenges beyond the main campaign, the "Battle Recollections" mode provides 13 playable missions with various sub-objectives across two difficulty settings.

Utawarerumono: ZAN is best experienced by players already familiar with the lore of Yamato, as it focuses on delivering visceral action and character growth. With its blend of strategic upgrades and frantic melee combat, it offers a satisfying loop for fans of the 3D brawler genre looking for a grand, mythological setting.

Game Details

  • Genre: Action RPG / 3D Brawler
  • Platform: PlayStation 4
  • Developer: Tamsoft
  • Publisher: NIS America, Inc.
  • Players: 1 Player (Online multiplayer supports 2-4 players with PlayStation Plus)