Vampire Survivors dev explains how their SaGa franchise collab came to be

As you might have seen the other day, developer poncle announced/released a free expansion, based on Square Enix’s RPG franchise SaGa, called Vampire Survivors: Emerald Diorama. Wondering how that collab came to be? Check out the video above, in which poncle explains the situation that led to him teaming with Square Enix for this massive tie-in.

In a universe where a single level up choice can change everything, the SaGa Emerald Beyond characters stand shoulder to shoulder with the Vampire Survivors, united to face their next adventure together. Will the Vampire Survivors be graced by the presence of a vampire? We doubt it, but never say never.

As the Junction opens, the Vampire Survivors are thrust into a strange system of interconnected worlds, from a wondrous enchanted witchdom to a sinister realm of bloody nightmares. Equipped with the power of Glimmers and befriended by those that understand this strange universe better than anyone, onward they step into the unknown; united in cause, determined to survive, and free of fear. Well maybe a little bit of fear.

• 12+ New Characters
• An eclectic cast of bizarre SaGa protagonists join the Survivors, including:
• Tsunanori Mido – A fate-forged master of Kugutsu puppets.
• Ameya Aisling – An undercover witch searching for her lost magic (and cats)
• Bonnie & Formina – A duo of daring detectives who fight side-by-side with fists and firearms.
• Diva No.5 – A songstress mech forsaken for singing a forbidden melody, travelling between different worlds (and robotic bodies) in search of her heart.
• And Many More! – including a teacher of heroes, an Emperor unthawed, and a Dismal King with some bloodthirsty tendencies…
• 16+ New Weapons & the Glimmer mechanic

40 new ways to attack, including base weapons, evolutions, and the sensational Glimmer mechanic from the SaGa series. Whenever you attack with these weapons, there’s a chance to spontaneously learn a special technique through the Glimmer system. Swords, magics, punches, and missiles: all the variety of SaGa gets represented!

Fleuret – stab enough encroaching enemies and you’ll Glimmer the Crystalline Carve, letting you freeze foes whilst cutting them down.

Pressure Point – unleash a barrage of martial arts blows at close range to Glimmer the far-reaching fire jab Shenlong Firefist.

Hecaton Machine Gun – shoot a blistering salvo of interestingly inaccurate bullets to Glimmer the Bombarding Fire technique, blasting baddies with a massive upheaval of the earth.

Hyperion Bazooka – master these high-power missiles that explode as they penetrate through hordes of foes to Glimmer the Cosmic Rave to massively multiply your firepower.

Character parties

No JRPG DLC is complete without a squad of odd allies to pal around with. Level up Tsunanori Mido to summon up to 4 Kugutsu puppets, fighting independently with their own weapons in a defensive cross formation. Pick either Bonnie or Formina to play as both intrepid investigators, combining punches and pistols for a powerful partnership. And in the darkness of Yomi, rumours swirl of a Dismal King who can enthrall defeated foes to make his own army of allies…

Showstopper

Survivors never give up! When a SaGa character reaches critical HP they fight back from the brink with a Showstopper, a brief burst of bonus Might, decreased Cooldown, and a little extra Luck to help them survive whatever precarious situation you’ve put them in with a tempest of powered-up projectiles.

A New World-Weaving Stage

Follow the Emerald Wave through a diorama of interwoven worlds, the perfect setting to walk sideways while mowing down masses of unusual monsters and bonkers bosses.

Remixes of Stupendous SaGa Emerald Beyond Tracks

• A Fierce Engagement
• A Quick Warm-Up
• Against All Odds
• CCPD, Moving Out!
• Darkness Incarnate
• Emerald Destinies
• Feel The Beat
• The World’s Heartbeat
• Yumeha, Chipper As Ever!