[i]REYNATIS[/i] features the painstakingly-recreated streets of Shibuya, Tokyo, complete with over 100 authentic shops and restaurants. Whether you've visited Shibuya many times, or are planning a future trip, we've got the scoop on everything you'll need to know about the iconic locations featured in the game. Plus, [i]REYNATIS[/i] Creative Producer TAKUMI has shared his insights on why he selected Shibuya as the location for [i]REYNATIS,[/i] behind-the-scenes of the development process, what area screams “Shibuya,” and more! [previewyoutube=upW0henlFik;full][/previewyoutube] Shibuya and [i]REYNATIS[/i] go hand in hand. When discussing the reason for choosing Shibuya as [i]REYNATIS'[/i] location, TAKUMI emphasizes the importance of players being able to relate to the themes he wanted to explore. [b]“If you do something different from others, are unconventional, or wear expressive clothing, you get flack,”[/b] TAKUMI says. As a result, [b]“that wonderful individuality gets hidden… and you end up with no uniqueness.”[/b] In contrast to this mentality, TAKUMI sought to explore themes around accepting others, expressing individuality, and celebrating uniqueness in [i]REYNATIS.[/i] In order for players to resonate with these themes, TAKUMI felt it was necessary to have the game's setting be something that was an extension of the real world. [b]“From there… I decided to choose a place in Japan that would be comparatively well-known, yet also underground, with back alleyways that could be explored.” “In the end, I chose Shibuya.”[/b] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/5d6d515cdb25f9677c46cb5f8ea084bd90bf629a.jpg[/img] [h2]Streets Constantly Under Change[/h2] Did you know that the FURYU Corporation offices are in Shibuya? Because of that, TAKUMI goes to Shibuya nearly every day. [b]“I also have many memories of shopping or hanging out in Shibuya,”[/b] he says. [b]“Because of that, each of my memories there are special.”[/b] But things are constantly changing, which means new shops are popping up all the time. [b]“Just walking around Shibuya, there might be a building that wasn't there the week before, or vice versa,”[/b] he recalls. [b]“It was nerve-wracking. Due to that, my impressions of Shibuya were always changing.”[/b] During the development of [i]REYNATIS,[/i] TAKUMI and the development team were paying particularly close attention to the streets of Shibuya in order to authentically replicate them in the game. TAKUMI says that he has the most fond memories of Shibuya from this time. [b]“I would say my special memories of Shibuya are particularly strong during the time when [i]REYNATIS[/i] was under development. In order to recreate Shibuya in the game, we would walk around taking pictures to get a feel for the area's atmosphere/vibe,”[/b] he says. Each of the areas of Shibuya certainly have their own vibe. Let's take a look at a few up close and see what TAKUMI has to say about them! [h2]Location 1: Dogenzaka[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/7db862884d9fa375c92c1c22661fb93d69297c4d.jpg[/img] This street is a hub for shopping, food, and Shibuya nightlife. There, you'll find everything from name-brand stores and chain restaurants to Japanese [i]izakaya[/i] (a casual Japanese eatery that serves alcohol and food) and clubs. [i][b]TAKUMI's Comment:[/b] Dogenzaka is honestly kind of a "deep cut" area, and gives off a dangerous vibe. (laughs) I remember going there to take pictures and thinking about what a dangerous place it was.[/i] [h2]Location 2: Shibuya Center Gai[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/a07801cd4573a975bde05d23161a01e20fe0e7ac.jpg[/img]This central hub for youth culture is known for the latest fashion and music trends. And when night falls, immerse yourself in Shibuya's nightlife entertainment! [i][b]TAKUMI's Comment:[/b] Every time I went here, the shops and buildings had changed. This area was always a nuisance [in terms of how to portray it in-game]. We tried as hard as we could to replicate the shops that had been there for a long time, as well as other places that stood out.[/i] [h2]Location 3: Spain Hill[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/59691175d9bc391223f64b9deec56e03845255d4.jpg[/img] This narrow street is packed with interesting shops. The Ningen Kankei café has been around since 1979 and is known for its excellent scones! [i][b]TAKUMI's Comment:[/b] This is the narrowest area in the game. However, we have faithfully reproduced the shops that line either side, so there might be a few you know. Maybe [the ramen shop] Ichiran? Personally, I like Ichiran, and I used to go there often, so I made sure that it was reproduced in the game.[/i] [h2]Location 4: Shibuya Scramble Crossing[/h2] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/45d19c6204a4280ea85f8bde6f1b1077623d761d.jpg[/img] This iconic crosswalk is located right outside Shibuya Station and is lined with many iconic signs and advertisements. At the entrance to Shibuya station, you will find the famous Hachiko statue, which has been transformed into a crow in the world of [i]REYNATIS.[/i] [i][b]TAKUMI's Comment:[/b] This is a symbol of Shibuya, so it was the first area that we created. Even at night, this place has a lot of people and it's really earned its name as the world's busiest intersection. Watching people manage to cross without bumping into one another is strange and charming. There are people of all ages and races crossing all going to different locations from there. It's fun to imagine [where they might all be going].[/i] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/2ae73a083e4d8fdf4a15db0e6cd886fbbf80d068.jpg[/img] [i]However, during the COVID-19 pandemic when the emergency declarations were made, even it was unbelievably empty. That's exactly how it is in REYNATIS. Because there are dangerous wizards, the area is under a state of emergency.[/i] [h2]The Area that Just Screams 'Shibuya'[/h2] When it comes to locations in the game, TAKUMI says his favorite is the section from Shibuya Scramble Crossing to the area around the Shibuya 109 building. [b]“I guess you could say it's the place that leaves the strongest impression of Shibuya. I'll bet it's also a famous symbol of Shibuya in Japanese tourist guides.” “Here's a little behind the scenes episode,”[/b] he relates. [b]“Originally, we had intended for the Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the area in front of the 109 building to be implemented as separate areas. The reason for this is that there are many signs and buildings, so we thought we had to be careful of memory limitations in order to have a maximum of three characters fight there smoothly."[/b] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/44899105/a0e221a8fedc0f9e86785186114f8e73cb5a935b.jpg[/img] [b]“However, you can see Shibuya 109 from the Scramble Crossing, and as you get closer to it, that area just screams 'Shibuya,' so we had to have it in the game, and I asked the dev team to somehow make those areas connected. I really want players to experience [that feeling].”[/b] As the first location in Shibuya worked on in the game, TAKUMI describes this section between Shibuya Scramble Crossing and the Shibuya 109 building as [i]REYNATIS'[/i] place of origin.” And, thanks to the hard work the devs put into the game, the two areas are connected, allowing players to see and experience the exact moment TAKUMI describes. [h2]Experience the Shibuya of [i]REYNATIS[/i][/h2] Even if you haven't visited Shibuya in real life, [i]REYNATIS[/i] will give you the chance to experience the bustling streets of Tokyo for yourself. [b]“I would love players to explore the Shibuya in [i]REYNATIS[/i] then compare it with the real-life Shibuya,”[/b] TAKUMI says. [b]“Each area was recreated with a high degree of fidelity, so it could be like a pilgrimage.”[/b] [b]+ Wishlist[/b] today and stay tuned for upcoming news, including content updates! Take your own pilgrimage to the Shibuya of [i]REYNATIS[/i] when the game releases on September 27, 2024! * The content update schedule may be subject to change without notice.