Akatsuki Games Inc. has just dropped the demo for their latest Extreme ARPG, TRIBE NINE. Read on to learn everything we know, our review of the demo, and more.

Everything We Know About TRIBE NINE

TRIBE NINE Plot

TRIBE NINE unfolds in a dystopian Neo-Tokyo set in the year 20XX, where disillusioned youths create Tribes in search of belonging. However, these Tribes soon descend into violence, plunging the city into chaos. You must navigate this unforgiving world, confronting adversaries and unraveling mysteries as they endeavor to reclaim their shattered dreams and freedom.

TRIBE NINE Gameplay

The gameplay of TRIBE NINE is entirely free-to-play, with optional in-game purchases yet to be fully disclosed. Players can dive into a captivating drama filled with mystery, set in a meticulously crafted world featuring a blend of 3D combat and 2D overworld exploration.

Navigating Neo-Tokyo will occasionally lead to combat encounters with a party of three. Companions dynamically adapt their actions, drawing enemies, aiding recovery, and executing coordinated attacks to devise strategic plans.

TRIBE NINE Release Date

TRIBE NINE will be heading to PC and mobile devices but the game has yet to have a specific release date. We will be sure to update you once more information is available.

Digital Storefronts
Steam
Price		Wishlist only

TRIBE NINE Review (Deadly Demo)

An Extreme Homerun!

For those new to the game, TRIBE NINE is an Extreme Action RPG developed by the creators of Danganronpa in collaboration with Akatsuki Games. It blends Danganronpa’s signature art style with a crazy fusion of 2D and 3D elements, creating a visually stunning and unique world.

After finishing the demo, I can confidently say this game is a home run. The gameplay is exhilarating in every way imaginable, and the fact that it’s going to be free-to-play on both PC and mobile is mind-blowing.

Shaping up to be an Extremely Engaging Story

The world of Neo-Tokyo is just as breathtaking as its visuals. From the moment I started, I was hooked—and it’s all thanks to the incredible world-building. Instead of throwing you into a massive info dump, the game slowly unveils its cyberpunk-like setting piece by piece. It’s mindblowing! And considering it's from the same creator, that level of genius is no surprise.

If you've seen the anime, you’re in for a treat. The game is set two years after those events, but don’t worry—you don’t need to watch it to dive into the story. There are tons of cool Easter eggs, returning characters, and subtle references for fans.

Our main character, Yo Kuronaka, is the perfect guide to this world. Suffering from amnesia, you uncover the story and world right alongside him. After being brainwashed by a villain known as Zero for two years, Yo is rescued by the Trash Tribe, a group led by Kazuki Aoyama. It’s through Yo’s lost memories that the game masterfully reveals the world’s secrets—and your old friends—piece by piece.

Brimming with So Much Character

From what I’ve experienced so far, TRIBE NINE is brimming with personality, despite being set in a dark dystopian future. The world revolves around XB (Extreme Baseball), which isn’t just a game—it’s the law. Tribes settle disputes through XB matches, where winning or losing can determine everything in Neo Tokyo. It’s a wild and interesting concept, and it’s so exciting to see how Yo, the protagonist, plays a crucial role in this fight against the mastermind, Zero, who created this brutal system out of boredom.

After losing his best friend, Sui Yakumo, and later discovering that Tsuki Iroha is alive, Yo joins the Trash Tribe, determined to fight back and take down Zero. The story’s pacing is gripping, starting from Chapter 0 through the climax of Chapter 1, and it had me hooked the whole time.

Every character is bursting with individuality, each with their own quirks. One of my favorites is Eiji Todoroki, who’s obsessed with money and hilariously calls out the “poor,” yet still manages to have a heart of gold—like when he helps out Yo by giving him tension cards and a card reader.

I had high hopes that TRIBE NINE, like Danganronpa, would deliver memorable and creative characters, and it has definitely lived up to that expectation. Every character introduced so far has been fantastic, especially the protagonist. Yo is incredibly endearing, and I love watching his personality gradually unfold as he regains his lost memories. The story has been a wild ride from the start, and I can’t wait to see where it goes next.

Beautifully Blends 2D and 3D

TRIBE NINE masterfully merges 2D and 3D visuals, creating a world that’s visually engaging and full of character. The overworld, which is built with sprite-based and 2.5D elements, feels vibrant and alive. Neo Tokyo practically glows with cyberpunk style, the neon lights giving the city a haunting, futuristic vibe. The level of detail here is incredible, from the shading to the atmosphere, making it feel like a city worn down by a corrupt system.

What makes TRIBE NINE stand out is how seamlessly it transitions between 2D and 3D. The in-game combat and character portraits are fully 3D, but they retain a hand-drawn quality that feels intentional and makes the cast feel more alive.

Kazutaka Kodaka’s character drafts are top-tier. Each character drafts have a distinct personality that’s instantly recognizable through their design. In the demo, you can get to play 13 characters, and none of them feel generic—everyone has their own flair. Eiji Todoroki’s larger-than-life personality was a highlight for me, but I was also drawn to the look of Tsuruko, Q, and Enoki. Their individuality really shines through in both appearance and quirks.

I’m eagerly awaiting the chance to see who else will be introduced in the full game. Kodaka’s creativity never fails to surprise, and if the demo is any indication, TRIBE NINE will have an unforgettable cast and an even more exciting story to unfold.

Intense but Very Rewarding Combat

I’m honestly still surprised that TRIBE NINE is going to be free-to-play because it packs a ton of content, even in just the prologue and first chapter. The amount of gameplay already available is impressive, and I can only imagine how much more there will be when the full game drops. It’s so good and addicting that I never once felt the need to rush through it or get bored.

But don’t your guard down—there’s a reason this game is labeled an extreme ARPG. The combat is intense and surprisingly challenging. When you engage enemies in the overworld, you’re immediately thrust into dynamic 3D action battles. You and your party are locked into an arena, and the objective is to defeat your opponents. While you control one character directly, the rest of your party is controlled by AI.

Each fight feels tactical yet fast-paced, and I was genuinely caught off guard by how tough some of the enemies were. You have to stay on your toes, especially in boss battles where the game really tests your skills. It’s the kind of challenge that keeps you coming back for more.

Just like in any ARPG, you have the freedom to move, attack, and evade. Evasion is just as crucial as attacking and it’s important to be aware of your stamina gauge. Mastering the art of perfect evasion is key; if you pull it off you can counter, deal massive damage, and set up powerful counters. You can also dash to avoid incoming attacks because, trust me, enemies hit hard! Thankfully, each character has a variety of unique damage options, including special moves and team attacks that recharge over time, especially when you’re dealing damage to your opponents.

Most battles in TRIBE NINE are definitely winnable, but they can be quite a challenge, especially those boss fights where I've found myself dying more times than I'd like to admit. The game really pushes you to learn boss patterns and to be patient, which is part of the fun.

One mechanic that can really turn the tide is the “Tension” meter, which reflects the morale of both your team and the enemies. You can boost morale by dealing damage and executing special moves or team combos, which raises the Tension level. If the enemy's Tension hits three, they get a significant power boost and can unleash some devastating attacks.

On the flip side, when your Tension rises, you can activate your Tension cards—these are like passive abilities that can really change the game. Each card has specific conditions to meet for their effects to kick in, and you can equip up to five per party. Just be sure to read the fine print because some cards come with hefty drawbacks!

The combat system is surprisingly layered and complex, which makes it so much fun to experiment with different tactics, strategies, and team compositions. I love how you can tweak your approach depending on your opponents, and as you unlock more characters, the customization options really open up. Each character feels unique, with their own quirks and abilities, and you can level them up over time, along with your Tension cards.

For instance, I really enjoy using Miu Jujo, who can attack multiple enemies with her crystal powers. The balance in gameplay keeps things fresh, and there’s something incredibly satisfying about crafting the perfect team to take on any challenge.

XB is a Psychological Warfare

The demo introduces an exciting special XB battle system that really reminds me of the class trials in Danganronpa. This isn’t just about physical combat; it’s a psychological showdown where words become your weapons. When you pitch or bat, your goal is to choose the right word to counter your opponent. You’ll find unique responses hidden within the squared tiles, and while it may seem straightforward, the intensity of this verbal battle is genuinely thrilling. The over-the-top animations add to the thrill, so you better choose your words carefully.

This method of storytelling is both pivotal and intense, and I loved every moment of it. I’m eager to see if they introduce more rules or challenges in the full game, as that would surely ramp up the excitement even further!

So Much to do in Neo-Tokyo

There’s so much to explore in TRIBE NINE, and although I haven't had the chance to dive deep into the gacha system yet, I can say it feels pretty fair so far. You can unlock characters or tension cards, and I’ve never felt cheated by what I received. Since the gacha system is still in development, I’m curious to see what new features they’ll add. In the meantime, I got sidetracked by side quests and just wandering around the vibrant streets of Neo Tokyo.

TRIBE NINE is proving to be an impressive, engaging, and downright addictive experience. The captivating storyline only gets better with each chapter, pulling you deeper into its world. This is a game you won’t want to miss on day one. If you haven’t had the chance to try the demo yet, do yourself a favor and dive in—you won’t regret it!

Game8 Reviews

TRIBE NINE Product Information

Title	TRIBE NINE
Release Date	August 2024 (BETA) October 14, 2024 (Deadly Demo)
Developer	Akatsuki Games Inc. with Supervision from Too Kyo Games Inc
Publisher	Akatsuki Games Inc.
Supported Platforms	PC(Steam), Android, iOS
Genre	Action, RPG
Number of Players	1
ESRB Rating	RP
Official Website	TRIBE NINE Website