Heaven Burns Red, new smartphone RPG by Jun Maeda [Updated]

Heaven Burns Red is a new RPG, written by Jun Maeda. Key and WFS announced this new collaborative RPG for iOS and Android. It is set for a 2020 release in Japan. According to Gematsu, the staff list is as follows:

• Original Concept: Key x WFS
• Original Story and Main Scenario Writer: Jun Maeda (Air, Clannad, and Little Busters)
• Character Design and Main Visual: Yuugen
• Original Character Design: Na-Ga / Fumuyun / Maroyaka
• Music: Jun Maeda
• Songs: Jun Maeda x Yanaginagi

Jun Maeda also has a few words regarding the project:

“The latest game from Key is an RPG playable on smartphones with an original story and scenario handled by me. In this era where the culture of playing visual novels on PC is no longer, this project for the widespread smartphone platform is the Key game brand’s hope for survival.

But the essence of what we create has not changed. This is a game you can enjoy and empathize with, and in the end, one you can shed tears with. To mark the start of this new Key, we have been working hard with WFS and Yuugen over the past few years. And for the main vocals, Yanaginagi has come on board. We have finally made it to the teaser reveal.

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We will be unveiling the vocal music once a month until service begins, so please follow and pay attention to the official accounts. And thank you for supporting Heaven Burns Red.”

What do you think Heaven Burns Red will be like? Considering Maeda’s previous works, it seems almost guaranteed to a gut-wrenching experience. Utawarerumono also made the move to mobile, from its visual novel routes with Lost Flag. Is this the new form of the medium?

[UPDATE] The Heaven Burns Red website is now also available in English. You can read character designer Yuugen – The “Atelier” series, “Magia Record”, “Azur Lane”, “Outbreak Company”, and more – and composer yanaginagi – “Laterality” (ending song of the TV anime “Jormungand: Perfect Order”), “Yukitoki” (opening song of the TV anime “My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected”), and more – comments below.

YUUGEN

“I came into this project absolutely hating it.

The tapestry that was being weaved was in tangles, and as I made my way, untangling things as I went, I made sure to give each character their own distinct personality.

Key and WFS are an unlikely pair, but by becoming one team they are trying to break down the giant wall that once divided them.

Everyone involved in the project are contributing their own beautiful strings to this ornate piece of tapestry we are making. I am so excited to deliver this amazing experience to you, the fans who are no doubt looking forward to what we will create.”

YANAGINAGI

“It’s been a while since I’ve worked with Jun, but after hearing a single melody, it instantly felt like he was taking me on yet another journey through his world.

I’m often told my voice makes people sleepy, but “Before I Rise” is a powerful song that feels like a shout from the heart. So I feel like this song will not make you sleepy, but in fact take you into the world of Heaven Burns Red.

I also am providing vocals for a lot of the in-game music. The further into the story you go, you’ll encounter a variety of scenes where the music and the way I express myself via my voice changes, which will hopefully leave a deep impression. I hope you enjoy it!”

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