Showa American Story has received a new trailer during gamescom Opening Night Live, giving players another look at the unusual post-apocalyptic RPG from NEKCOM and publisher 4Divinity. Set in an alternate version of the 1980s where Japan has purchased much of the United States, the game combines Japanese and American pop culture with zombies, brutal action and dark comedy.
The trailer follows protagonist Chigusa Choko as she travels through California, introducing several of the characters she encounters during her journey. These include companions Michael Hero and Bubba, as well as the mysterious Mutsuki Akitora and various enemies inhabiting the wasteland.
The footage also highlights some of the activities available outside combat. Choko can take part in various mini-games and recreational activities, including the arcade games SpaceBunny and ShowaRun, alongside other activities designed around the game’s 1980s setting.
Combat is a major part of the experience, with the trailer showcasing Choko using a wide range of weapons against the game’s enemies. Her arsenal includes melee weapons, firearms and unusual improvised tools, while combat allows players to use weapon-specific attacks, dodges, counters and executions.
Players will be able to customise Choko’s combat approach by mixing different weapons and improving her stats as she levels up. Completing mini-games can also unlock new abilities, adding another progression system outside the game’s main combat encounters.
The story begins when Choko, a young woman who has mysteriously returned from the dead, wakes up in a world filled with zombies, monsters and surviving humans. She sets out across the United States to uncover what happened to her and the world around her while learning more about her own mysterious powers.
The game’s alternate America has been transformed by Japanese influence, with locations including Neo Yokohama, formerly Los Angeles, as well as reimagined versions of San Francisco, Las Vegas and Neo Tokyo #4, which was once Austin. Player choices and dialogue can also influence the world and the relationships Choko forms with other survivors.
Showa American Story combines exploration, action combat, comedy and character-focused storytelling. Alongside its main journey, players can complete side quests and participate in activities ranging from arcade games and hopscotch to physical training.
The game’s visual identity is built around a combination of retro Japanese and American pop culture. NEKCOM says the concept was influenced by the developers’ experiences growing up in China during the Reform and Opening-Up era of the 1980s, when American and Japanese popular culture became increasingly accessible.
Showa American Story will be released on Windows PC through Steam and PlayStation 5. A release date has not been announced, but players can wishlist the game now.
