Originally released on June 23, 2016, in Japan under the name Caligula, this new J-RPG from Atlus will arrive in the West on May 2 this year as The Caligula Effect for PlayStation Vita, digitally only and with the original Japanese voice track.
Developed by Aquria (the same studio behind SAO: Hollow Fragment) and written by Tadashi Satomi (Revelations: Persona and Persona 2), the game tells the story of nine students trapped in a virtual school, reliving a typical high-school ending in a loop that made them forget real life. The main characters are the people who realized their condition and formed a "Go-Home Club" with the intention of returning to the real world.
The world in which they live is actually Mobius, a virtual-reality construct created and ruled by the omnipotent virtual pop idol known as μ (pronounced "myoo"). This group of students will encounter insane students known as Digiheads, battle a group of nine evil musicians (representing famous Japanese Vocaloid composers), confront omnipotent μ, and face their deepest inner traumas before tasting the sweet nectar of freedom.
The game was originally published by Furyu in Japan, and Atlus decided to localize and release it in the West. A Digital Deluxe Edition will also be available at launch, including the game, a swimsuit costume DLC set, a PS Vita theme, and 19 avatars. The price will be US$39.99.
The game includes:
- A human story set in a virtual world - Experience a dark story as the Go-Home Club does whatever it takes to escape the digital prison known as Mobius. Written by Persona series veteran Tadashi Satomi.
- Many relationships to nurture - More than 500 NPCs can be recruited to the team and used in combat, each with a class and a unique backstory discovered slowly by completing several quests.
- A strategic battle system - The game features a unique battle system called "Imaginary Chain," which turns encounters into a planning exercise. By choosing skills, players can adjust timing and see a simulated preview of an attack before using it.
- Music from celebrated producers - A game about battles with musicians naturally features original songs from celebrated Japanese producers such as OSTER Project, 40mP, 164, cosMo@Bousou-P, and many more!
You begin the game hearing μ say: "Do not be afraid; this is a world where you will forget everything about pain and life's sad things. Just leave all the bad things behind and come live peacefully with everyone here, okay? Welcome to Mobius."
The game's name, "Caligula Effect," means wanting something you should not desire, something you cannot have. The game makes an impression from its name alone, calling on its premise to discuss taboos such as wanting what one should not, being someone one is not, and even touching on suicide. We are curious to see it.
