Bandai Namco Europe have today, rather surprisingly, announced that the 2014 PS Vita game Freedom Wars is being remastered for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Windows PC. The game will be known as Freedom Wars Remastered and is scheduled to release on 10th January 2025.
Freedom Wars originally developed in partnership by DIMPS and Japan Studio with Sony Interactive Entertainment publishing it onto the PS Vita. It was met with success, especially in Japan, and became one of the key titles to own for the beloved handheld. Fast-forward 10 (nearly 11) years and Bandai Namco Entertainment is planning to release this remastered version of the game, of which feature upgraded visuals at 4K resolution and 60fps gameplay. This remastered version will also feature updated weapon crafting system, new difficulty settings and other quality of life improvements.
Synopsis: In the distant future, humanity is in a struggle to survive. Pollution has devastated the planet, and the remnants of humanity are divided amongst city-sized prisons called Panopticons. So scarce are resources that living itself is a crime and those born are immediately given a million years of prison time. Dubbed “Sinners”, the only option other than awaiting death in prison is to fight for freedom with allies for resources, to rescue citizens from abduction by rival enemies, or take up arms against other enemy Sinners.
About: In gameplay that stays true to the widely acclaimed original, players must venture forth into combat to survive. Fortunately, they are given Thorn weapons to help traverse the world and subdue enemies. Thorns allow for fluid three-dimensional movement by jumping and grabbing onto terrain. Players can choose weapons with unique abilities to either set traps, provide healing, or increase defence. Thorns can also subdue enemies, even severing limbs or arms for additional resources. As players try to reduce their prison sentence, materials scrounged or taken from fallen enemies on the battlefield can be used to upgrade weapons.
The Panopticon is its own entity – players will come to understand and navigate through their prison environment and use Entitlement Points earned from volunteering for combat to claim new rights from their wardens, such as the ability to run for five seconds or to recline while seated. The wardens are fully customisable android accessories that can even accompany players into battle under their ever-watchful eyes. The Panopticon’s community of prisoners will be crucial to survival… missions support up to four Sinners, either AI-controlled NPCs or with other players in online co-op. Band together to take on more difficult combat missions and gradually reduce the million years of incarceration in a life-or-death fight for freedom.
Freedom Wars Remastered is currently planned to release onto the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Windows PC on 10th January 2025.
