News: Knights of Fiona - New VR JRPG Adventure Announced
CharacterBank, a Kyoto-based studio renowned for innovative XR experiences, unveiled "Knights of Fiona," their most ambitious VR project to date. This full-scale Japanese Role-Playing Game (JRPG) is crafted exclusively for virtual reality, immersing players in the vibrant fantasy world of Gallia. Founded in 2019 by CEO Shuto Mikami, CharacterBank blends traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, building on feedback from their previous title, RUINSMAGUS, to amplify player-favored elements like weapon variety, level diversity, NPC interactions, and boss battles. The game supports solo play or co-op adventures with up to two friends, emphasizing deep narratives and unforgettable characters. Players step into the shoes of a knight alongside the titular Fiona, sworn to protect the kingdom from an ancient evil and rampaging fierce dragons that have plunged the realm into darkness. Wishlisting is now available on Steam VR and the Meta Horizon Store, with a planned 2026 release.
The core of "Knights of Fiona" lies in its hand-crafted, character-driven story, pushing VR's interactive boundaries through a rich roster of unique NPCs. Exploration is a highlight, allowing players to roam the bustling city of Gallia—from its lively train station to scenic seaside ports—and venture into sprawling lands teeming with foes. Combat demands skillful engagement against hordes of enemies, culminating in epic boss battles against dragons and mythical creatures, restoring hope to the beleaguered kingdom. The game's design caters to VR's immersive potential, leveraging upcoming headset advancements for fluid, responsive interactions. As a single-player and co-op title, it fosters both solitary epic quests and collaborative triumphs over darkness.
Shuto Mikami, CharacterBank's CEO, expressed enthusiasm for delivering wholly unique VR worlds, stating, “With the power of new and upcoming headsets, we are aiming to push the limits of what is possible and deliver a fresh narrative experience.” Director HOI echoed this, noting the team's focus on player desires: “‘Knights of Fiona’ amplifies every area they enjoyed from RUINSMAGUS... more variety of weapons, levels, NPCs, and boss battles. We are taking everything players love and pouring all of our creative energy into it.” CharacterBank continues to surprise global audiences with memorable XR titles from their Kyoto headquarters. This announcement marks a bold step in VR JRPG evolution, promising an unforgettable journey through Gallia.