Arc System Works Announces Near-Future Cyberpunk RPG Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow

Arc System Works, perennial fighting game developer and AA Japanese game publisher, recently announced their latest foray into the world of RPGs with Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow (wow, what a mouthful!) as part of their ARC Showcase event.

The trailer gives a bit of insight into the game’s concept, establishing the near-future setting (Tokyo in 2030), the inciting incident (a geological catastrophe known as “Collapse”), and introduces the dual protagonists Soma Hoshigami and Rena Hizuki. The trailer is vague on details, throwing out a litany of proper nouns (Malice, the Evermore, the Stigma) with little explanation and only a short glimpse of a 2D world map and a flashy, counter-based combat system. Thankfully, Arc System Works has an official site ready to go with more details!

STORY

Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow is set in a post-apocalyptic Tokyo where reality is being encroached upon, monstrous beings appear, and supernatural beings run rampant. The story features Soma Hoshigami, a young man working a delivery job who is suddenly attacked by a supernatural creature before becoming a “half-transformed” human/supernatural being. Soma is then taken into custody as “lost property” by Rena Hizuki, an investigator in Metropolitan Police Department, Public Safety Bureau, Foreign Affairs Section 5, 2nd Anomaly Investigation Unit

With the world now collapsed and reality being contaminated by these supernatural phenomena, Rena Hizuki and Soma Hoshigami decide to work together to investigate unusual events, occurrences, and mysteries like the “Tiny True” drug spreading throughout the city, the “Stigma” patterns etched onto the bodies of young people that are becoming popular, and a cult operating in the shadows. The action continues to escalate as the protagonists unfold more story, fight and defeat powerful enemies in a stylish manner, and ultimately unravel the mystery of the world’s transformation.

Rena Hizuki (voiced by Ikumi Hasegawa)

A 28-year-old operative of the Metropolitan Police Department, Public Safety Bureau, Foreign Affairs Section 5, 2nd Anomaly Investigation Unit. Her Stigma extends across her body, centered around her chest, and she possesses a Demon Eye that can see into her own future. Rena carries an unsigned cursed blade, a ceremonial sword she acquired at an ancient market in China that functions as a key. Possessing a slight power to interfere with space, she attacks Aberrations not by slicing them, but with the power of severance.

Soma Hoshigami (voiced by Itsuki Tousi)

A 20-year-old considered ‘lost property’ after being picked up by Rena. Since he had already undergone transformation when discovered, Soma is not treated as a human for administrative convenience. His Stigmas manifest on his lower abdomen and both arms; he is a mutant in a ‘half-turned’ state (Tier One). Soma’s mutation distorts the surrounding space, and though he does it unconsciously, he attacks by manifesting conceptual fangs and jaws through his punches and kicks.

The official site also provides additional details on the game’s unique combat mechanics:

Action-Packed Battles & Strategy

• Exhilarating and Unique Battle System – In battles against enemies, players effectively stack skills over time to inflict massive damage. This employs a refreshing and unique battle system where you give and receive.
• Tactical Counter-Timeline  – The gameplay screen can be played in slow motion or paused at any time. In addition, battle situation information is displayed, allowing players to predict enemy attacks and check the recharge status of your own skills. This enables strategic combat that requires careful consideration, where as your skills improve, you can also enjoy aggressive combat similar to that of an action game.

I’m particularly interested in Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow‘s combat system, as the hybrid between real time counter-based mechanics seems to draw on the studio’s previous experience with fighting games, yet the ability to slow down or pause time adds an additional strategic layer beyond mere reaction times. The release date is fast approaching, as the game will arrive globally on September 23rd, 2026 on most major platforms including Steam, Epic Games Store, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation 5 and is available for preorder now.

In addition, physical collectors will be happy to know the game will receive a standard retail release on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch courtesy of Red Art Games for €49.99. This retail release is exclusive to Europe, but some North American retailers will stock the game, including VideoGamesPlus, who have it listed for $69.99 CAD. Some Red Art Games releases eventually receive a North American, ESRB-rated release, so collectors should keep an eye out.

Qliphah in Providence’s Shadow Screenshots