The Scramble Vice: Everything We Know

Imagine it's the year 2048, and you're walking through the busy streets of Neo Tokyo. Everywhere you look, there are robots—some helpful, but others causing trouble. It's a world where technology can be both a friend and an enemy. Who will step up to save the city from these troublemaking robots? What tools will they use to put things right?

Well, get ready for a gaming experience the same. The Scramble Vice is here to bring you non-stop action and a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. You won't just be fighting; you'll also get to solve mysteries in a city of the future. So, are you ready to become a hero and save Neo Tokyo? Here's everything we know so far about The Scramble Vice.

What is The Scramble Vice?

The Scramble Vice is an upcoming 2D side-scrolling action game that transports players into the dystopian world of Neo Tokyo in the year 2048. This narrative-driven experience is crafted by the seasoned talents at Studio PICO and brought to the public eye by publisher Flyhigh Works. But this isn't just another futuristic beat-em-up; the game promises to fuse elements of cyberpunk lore, high-stakes policing, and robotics into a gripping story that aims to redefine the genre.

Set against a backdrop of technological marvels and existential threats, the focus is on the Tokyo Police Department's 9th Mobile Unit—aptly named The Scramble Vice. This specialized force is the city's last line of defense against the menacing surge of robotic crimes. You'll find yourself enthralled by the complexities of navigating law enforcement within a society teetering on the edge of chaos.

While the spotlight shines on police officer Sakuragi Kei, a key member of this elite unit, the game digs deeper into themes of justice, technology, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. It challenges not just your reflexes but also your perspectives on the future implications of rapid technological advancements. In a world where cybernetic enhancements can be both a tool and a threat, The Scramble Vice invites you to explore these grey areas in a narrative experience that promises to be as thought-provoking as it is action-packed.

Story

The Scramble Vice invites us on a riveting journey into the dark underbelly of Neo Tokyo, an electrifying cyberpunk metropolis teeming with futuristic robots and a rising tide of criminal activity. Set in the year 2048, the narrative is interwoven with themes of technology, humanity, and the blurred lines separating the two. The city is on the brink of anarchy, orchestrated by an elusive terrorist organization that employs advanced robotic agents to sow chaos. With society's pillars crumbling, it's up to you, as police officer Sakuragi Kei of the 9th Mobile Unit, to unravel this intricate web of crime and unveil the shadowy figures behind it.

Adding layers of depth to the narrative are the character dynamics within the 9th Mobile Unit, where Kei is not just another cog in the machine. Her team's personal histories, motivations, and internal struggles promise to provide a rich backdrop to the already complex main storyline. Coupled with co-op features, the game lets you team up with friends to piece together this puzzling mosaic of deception, corruption, and collusion. Each mission brings you one step closer to the truth, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown between justice and anarchy.

Gameplay

The developers have given us a sneak peek into how the game will work, and it looks super exciting! First off, you don't have to stay in your robot suit all the time. You can hop out and do other cool stuff like sneaking into enemy bases. This makes the game about more than just shooting; you have to think and plan too.

Now, when you are in your robot suit, called ASURA, you're in for some serious action. You'll have all kinds of weapons to pick from. Guns, yes, but also melee weapons like swords. You even have special features like Homing Missiles to hit targets precisely and a Roller Boost to dodge bullets. So, you've got a lot of choices in how you fight.

The game will also keep you on your toes with different levels or “stages.” Each stage ends with a big boss fight that you'll need to win to move on. You'll get to use more than 10 different types of weapons across these stages, so the action stays fresh and exciting. But it's not all about fighting. The game has a story to tell, and you're a part of it. You'll need to figure out who's behind all the robot crimes in Neo Tokyo.

Development

The Scramble Vice is being made by Studio Pico, which is working with the well-known game publisher Flyhigh Works. Even though the people making the game haven't shared a lot of details, what we do know looks promising.

Trailer

If the words alone haven't piqued your interest, the teaser trailer certainly will. The sneak peek offers a glimpse of the exhilarating action that awaits players, from blazing gunfights to awe-inspiring visual effects. Plus, let's not forget the captivating music that plays in the background, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling experience. If you haven’t watched the trailer yet, do yourself a favor and dive in; it's a must-see.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

So, when can we finally get our hands on The Scramble Vice? The game is set to come out in 2024, but we don't have an exact date yet. One thing we do know is that the game will only be available on PC, through Steam. As for special editions and exclusive content, the developers have been tight-lipped. To stay in the loop with all the latest news and announcements, you can follow the official social media account of Flyhigh Works here.

So, what's your take on The Scramble Vice? Are you excited about diving into the high-stakes robotic battles in Neo Tokyo? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.