Summary
DeveloperSpike Chunsoftis finally continuing its beloved series of procedurally generated “mystery dungeon” roguelike games.Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island,releasing at the end of February,is the first main seriesShirentitle released in over a decade, not counting Western releases of previously Japan-exclusive titles. It features the series' classic dungeon-focused gameplay while also adding new elements to Shiren’s latest journey.
Many New Monsters in Shiren the Wanderer
Shiren will encounter some familiar foes during his adventures on Serpentcoil Island, but he will also face down new enemies. A recent press release by Spike Chunsoft revealed several of the new monsters Shiren will face as he explores theprocedurally generateddungeon. The primary new enemies added are the Ninjas, mysterious and aggressive residents of Serpentcoil Island. They wield powerful elemental attacks and come in Fire, Water, Tree, Metal, and Earth versions. Also debuting in this game are the baseball-loving Hoppin' Batter and the physically tough Master Hen and Great Hen.
Monster Transformation Abilities
Rather than simply fighting the monsters he encounters, Shiren will also be able to transform into them by consuming an item called a Peach Bun. Shiren will turn into the monster whose name is written on the bun. While transformed, he will be able to use their special abilities. Similar toHidden Machine moves inPokemon,Shiren will need to use the abilities of certain aquatic and flying monsters to access hidden areas of the map.
Improved User Interface & Quality of Life
The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Islandhas massively improved the game’s UI compared to previousShiren the Wanderertitles. Several quality-of-life improvements have also been added. These changes include:
Challenging New Monsters & Rare Items
Players will not just be facing down normal monsters as they explore Serpentcoil Island. Roaming around the island are Behemoths, extra-powerful monsters that are immune to normal attacks and have extremely high attack and health. In a press release revealing the Behemoths, a Spike Chunsoft representative said of the enormous creatures:
“Behemoths are far more powerful than any normal monster. They wield extremely high Attack Power and are completely immune to attacks from the front or sides thanks to their defensive Behemoth Barrier. If you come across a Behemoth, the best option is to run.”
However, players who do want to attempt to take down Behemoths and other difficult monsters inThe Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Islandshould verify to pick up some Sacred Items, another new feature coming in the latestShirentitle. Sacred Items are extremely rare weapons and shields that are more powerful than the standard versions.
They come in Blue and Gold varieties, with Gold being rarer and featuring random effects, some more helpful than others. Some Sacred Items are also enhanced by Natural Runes, which grant them abilities not possessed by any other items in the game. With the help of Sacred Items, players will be able to take on the many challenges awaiting Shiren in themystery dungeonon Serpentcoil Island.
Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Islandreleases on July 08, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch.
