Blue Protocol is a new fantasy action RPG, and though it’s still under development, it’s undoubtedly a highly-anticipated game in the JRPG and anime communities. People looking for alternatives to games like Elder Scrolls Online and Final Fantasy XIV might want to take a good long look at it. However, there’s not a lot we know about it so far. The game is still under development, and it has had several beta tests recently returning with raving reviews from the many testers.

So, if you’re a bit curious about the game, check out what we know about it so far:

Developed by Bandai Namco

Undoubtedly one of the biggest names in developing and publishing JRPGs and anime-themed games, Bandai Namco has a comprehensive resume. Now, we can add Blue Protocol to the list. This endeavor isn’t their first rodeo, having been behind games you’ve probably played before, like the Naruto series’ games and Soulcalibur.

The team working on Blue Protocol is composed of veterans who have worked on other franchises, notably Tekken and Ace Combat. However, the most significant members are undoubtedly those who contributed to the Tales series. While not a household name in mainstream gaming communities, the Tales franchise is huge in JRPG circuits. Games like Vesperia and Berseria were nothing short of masterpieces, and the next game, Tales of Arise, looks like it’ll live up to it.

Note that the Tales series and Blue Protocol are action RPGs, so we’re guaranteed to have a fun and fascinating combat system.

Your weapons determine your class

Comparable to titles like Monster Hunter, Blue Protocol’s class system is determined by its weapons. So far, there are only several available: a sword and shield, twin axes, bow, and staff, which lets players cast spells. There are no plans to release new classes in the future, although branching paths will change the way your character fights and customizes it.

A massive, sprawling semi-open world

Blue Protocol is set on a planet called Regnus, illuminated by a light called Engram. Littering its picturesque verdant countryside are ruins of a dead civilization known as the Bavarians. Over these ruins are beautiful sprawling cities built by the current inhabitants, giving you many places to visit. Currently, there are only two regions available, and we’re sure we’ll end up having to wait for more content in the future. Also, note that it’s not a fully open-world - regions are divided into sections, and entering them means dealing with a relatively quick loading screen.

Anime JRPG plot

If you’ve seen any of the trailers, you’ll already know Blue Protocol follows an anime-ish plot, which is typical in JRPGs. Currently, Bandai has only revealed six characters. Feste is a little girl who accompanies the main character. There’s also Jake, who is the top adventurer, and Aerinse, a mysterious lady who appears to have more beneath her than what meets the eye.

Robust character customization

Although the options were limited, the beta gave us a preview of the robust character customization elements. You’ll have the chance to change their size, build, and age, and, in the case of lady characters, the dimensions of the specific parts of the body. Hairstyles and colors, face types, and eye and facial expressions are part of the options, voice types, and clothes. Granted, we will have more choices in the future when the game releases, and yes, we’re sure cosmetics will be part of the game’s monetization.

It will be free-to-play

Blue Protocol will be free-to-play, meaning you can just download the game and play right away. In addition, there are no fees like a subscription, particularly in the case of FFXIV. However, we still don’t know what the game monetization will be like, though we can assume there will be premium items like cosmetics, voice packs, and mounts. VIP status and battle pass aren’t far off. With this considered, paid progression won’t be an issue, given that the game doesn’t have PvP since it’s solely a PvE adventure.

The devs will likely take the games-as-a-service route and continuously update the game in the long run.

Is it like Genshin Impact?

We’ve seen early comparisons of Blue Protocol with Genshin Impact, and honestly, it’s too far off. The former is an MMO, meaning you can explore Regnus’ wilderness with dozens of other players (there are limits to how many players there can be in a single map) and hang out with hundreds in the sprawling cities. Meanwhile, Genshin Impact is a single-player title with an optional co-op, and you can only invite three other players to explore Teyvat and battle with bosses.

A 2021 release date is unlikely

Although Blue Protocol is shaping up, it’s unlikely we’ll see it released in 2021. Currently, the game only has two major regions (with more planned in the future), and though the Japan release is slated later this year, we definitely won’t see it in the west in 2022 or even 2023.

Overall, we’re looking forward to Blue Protocol and the experiences it will dish out. It appears like an action-packed MMO version of the Tales series. Meanwhile, the setting, Regnus, looks like a world we’d all want to explore.

What do you think? Are you looking forward to Blue Protocol, and will you give it a shot when it finally arrives?