South Korean developer Dynamis One and publisher NC have unveiled a teaser video and official website for the upcoming RPG Astrae Oratio (officially shortened to “Asora”). The teaser suggests that the game is set to launch in 2026.
Although the developers have yet to reveal details about characters and gameplay, the new information is packed with clues about the concept and setting, both of which appear quite intriguing at this stage. The world (or one of the worlds) where Astrae Oratio’s story unfolds is 1889 Tokyo, or the 9th year of the fictional Reisei Era. However, the timeline might be misleading, as it’s described as a “world where technology, culture, and civilization are intricately intertwined, accelerating nearly a hundred years beyond what we know today.”
Having achieved remarkable postwar economic growth, Tokyo was chosen as the host of the upcoming “Expo” over its rival Kyoto, and is currently experiencing a development boom, with the construction of the Tokyo Tower nearing completion. This has led to a growing population, which seems to connect to Astrae Oratio’s magic element too, as the teaser states, “The power of magic is proportional to the scale of human life. In other words, the larger a city’s population, the greater its magic becomes, and Tokyo is the largest metropolis in existence. That makes it the most powerful magical dominion in the world.”
It appears the player will take on the role of a Shunin (Japanese for “chief” or “supervisor”), who has been assigned to an administrative body known as the Special District Office. The office is described as “an institution that gives physical form to the concept of administration and anchors it upon this land” and is “the sole signifier floating upon the vast ocean of magic.” It was established by a mysterious group of “shadow bureaucrats” known as the Other Cabinet.
Another key element of Astrae Oratio seems to be magic duels, or “Trials of Dominion,” which serve as the primary method of resolving disputes between magicians. In battle, magicians wield weapons known as Artifacts, that act as manifestations of their will. “They take on diverse forms, ranging from historically significant antiques (like Hecate’s Dagger) to modern inventions shaped by contemporary interpretation.”
It seems the player will be given the choice of joining (or leading) five clans, including Minato, a clan formed by magician girls attending the Minato International Middle School; The Seiran Fellowship – a secret clan formed by daughters of powerful conglomerate families, and others.
Further updates on Astrae Oratio are expected to be shared via the official homepage and X account.
Mido