Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island was recently announced during a Nintendo Direct broadcast in Japan. This game is the sixth installment in the dungeon RPG series and offers players endless gameplay with procedurally generated dungeon maps, enemies, and loot. Shiren starts at level one each time he enters a dungeon, so players must gather loot, defeat enemies, and build strength to progress. However, if Shiren collapses during exploration, he loses all accumulated gear and levels, forcing players to start from scratch. The game features a turn-based system that requires careful planning and strategy. It introduces new elements such as powerful transformations for the protagonist and giant Behemoth monsters that hunt Shiren through the dungeon.
The game also introduces new characters, including Shiren’s loyal companion, Koppa, a talking ferret who can communicate with both humans and animals. Asuka, an old friend of Shiren and Koppa, is a wandering swordswoman who joins them on their adventure. Suzuna, a cheerful innkeeper, offers support to Shiren and Koppa as they plan their adventures on Serpentcoil Island. The physical version of the game can be pre-ordered, and it includes a bonus sticker featuring the protagonist and the game’s Japanese art style.
In this installment of the series, Shiren and Koppa journey to Serpentcoil Island after receiving a vision of a girl held captive by a monster. The island is rumored to be the stronghold of treasure-hoarding pirates. To rescue the girl and uncover the island’s mysteries, they must navigate complex dungeons filled with hostile monsters, hidden traps, and useful items. Players must be cautious and prepared, as collapsing during exploration results in the loss of all accumulated progress.
This release for the Nintendo Switch is the latest mainline entry in the Shiren the Wanderer series to come to the West since 2016. While preserving the series’ traditional gameplay, this installment introduces new elements and 3D graphics for an exciting and fresh adventure. The Shiren the Wanderer series originated in 1995 with the release of Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer and has since captivated players with its challenging roguelike gameplay.
