NetEase is still cranking out new multiplayer games for the western market: Last night at the PlayStation State of Play event, it announced that it’s publishing Joker Studio’s upcoming “free-to-play ocean adventure RPG” Sea of Remnants, which is destined for PC, PS5, and mobile. Yes, this is the second new sea-themed game we’ve covered just today, but as you’re about to find out, they’re not much alike.
“Sea of Remnants invites players into a visually captivating world, where they assume the role of a puppet-like sailor who has lost all their memories,” NetEase says.
“Alongside a mysterious girl, players will voyage across vast seas, uncharted islands and a city slowly awakening to its secrets. Through open-world exploration, intense naval combat and dynamic interactions with a cast of over 300 eccentric characters, players will uncover the truth behind their forgotten identity and shape the fate of the world around them. On this sprawling journey, players can recruit a crew of unique puppetfolk allies, customize their ships with modular upgrades, and build specialized teams for exploration and turn-based battles. Every decision—whether sparing enemies or seizing opportunities—will unleash dramatic ripple effects across the world. With rival factions reacting to each choice and Orbtopia’s cityscape evolving in response, no two captains will share the same story.”
So what exactly is this game? Because the emphasis on characters makes it sound like a gacha game, and if you just read the press release, it doesn’t give even a whisper that it’s multiplayer, co-op, or an MMO. The Steam page, however, calls it an MMO with both single-player and online co-op, and it looks more like Sea of Thieves with the gankbox stripped out than anything.
“Tackleboxes snap shut with a clatter—who’s glaring green-eyed at the angler now? There, cats rule the alleys. Roosters itch to set sail. A pirate gorilla rises from obscurity. A parrot translates between beast and man. Orbtopia breathes in noise, spice, and a little chaos.”
We don’t know what any of that means, but we definitely wanna see a pirate gorilla rise from obscurity, especially in a game with this punk art style (the specific term NetEase uses is “vibrant graffiti energy” and “absurdist glitch aesthetics”). Launch is expected next year; preregistration is already live on the official site.
