Summary
Vanillaware’sUnicorn Overlordhas already proven to be a massive success for the developer, selling over 500,000 units in a matter of weeks, whereas it took the studio’s previous game (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim) almost a year to reach similar figures. Even more impressive is the fact thatUnicorn Overlordwould end up being many players' first Vanillaware game thanks to its embracing of tactical RPG tradition at a time when few new games in the subgenre are being released. The success and crossover appeal ofUnicorn Overlordshould make a sequel a seemingly foregone conclusion, but Vanillaware’s history as a developer and some recent job listings point elsewhere.
Despite sending out surveys to players gauging interest in a possibleUnicorn Overlordsequel, Vanillaware’s recent job postings for development on an as-yet-unnamed action RPG seem to indicate that the studio is, for now at least, moving on from one of2024’s highest-rated games. It’s also worth noting that Vanillaware is a studio that typically tends to stray from producing sequels, with most of the developer’s titles being one-and-done experiences that each occupy unique genres and mechanics while retaining the studio’s signature hand-drawn visuals. Still,Unicorn Overlordnails the fundamentals of its genre so well that it presents a strong case for Vanillaware to break from tradition.
A Unicorn Overlord Sequel Could Course-Correct the Original’s One Stumbling Block
WhereUnicorn Overlordshines is in its understanding of the important elements and mechanics of traditional tactical/simulation RPGs, boldly wearing itsOgre Battle: The March of the Black Queeninfluence on its sleeve along with othernods toFinal FantasyTactics,Tactics Ogre, andFire Emblem. One area whereUnicorn Overlordslightly stumbles in comparison to its lofty inspirations, though, is in its story. Whereas the TRPG/SRPG genre is traditionally known for someGame of Thrones-level political intrigue and jaw-dropping twists,Unicorn Overlord’s narrative is somewhat predictable and threadbare when stacked up against the games that influenced it.
Vanillaware spent a decade developingUnicorn Overlord, and a sequel could give the developer a perfect opportunity to put that framework to use by telling a new story. Rather than reinvent the wheel entirely, this potential sequel could introduce new characters, settings, and conflicts (as well as some new unit types and map designs) while retaining the core gameplay loop and RPG systems at play inUnicorn Overlord. The first game’s high production values already contribute to it having some noteworthy presentation, and a sequel toUnicorn Overlordcould put the art direction and voice acting to better use in a more nuanced and captivating story.
Vanillaware Deserves Its Own Supergiant Moment
For more than 20 years,Vanillawarehas made a name for itself as a cult-favorite studio thanks to its unique interpretations of popular genres and an unmistakable hand-drawn art style used in all of its releases. Perhaps one of the closest analogs to Vanillaware is Western-based studio Supergiant Games, which also earned a reputation for its visually distinctive games that put their own stamp on their respective genres. But, where Vanillaware has yet to produce a sequel to one of its titles, Supergiant has recently broken a similar trend by producing a follow-up to one of its most popular games:Hades.
Theearly access release ofHades 2has proven to be a massive success for Supergiant, justifying the studio’s decision to break from tradition and produce a sequel, and it’s hard to not imagine a potentialUnicorn Overlord 2having a similar impact. Despite the TRPG/SRPG subgenre’s more niche status,Unicorn Overlordwould sell half a million units mere weeks after its release, proving that the series has massive potential as a franchise. Both Vanillaware and Supergiant are studios that clearly put a lot of passion into their releases, andUnicorn Overlordcould be to Vanillaware whatHadesis to Supergiant, allowing the developer to capture lightning in a bottle twice.
Unicorn Overlord
WHERE TO PLAY
Liberate Your Kingdom, Reclaim Your Destiny. From the masterminds that brought 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim and Odin Sphere, ATLUS x Vanillaware presents the rebirth of tactical fantasy RPG. Fight against fate and embark on a royal adventure to regain your reign alongside trustworthy allies.Unicorn Overlord combines the timeless tactical RPG genre with overworld exploration and innovative battle system for a unique epic fantasy experience in the iconic Vanillaware style.Traverse a vibrant world, assemble units and direct them into exquisitely animated battles. Perform heroic deeds and grow renown throughout the five nations. Cultivate a grand army with over 60 unique characters, from humans and elves to massive beasts and heavenly angels.
