"Reborn" is an ironic title for Elemental Labs and acttil's upcoming PS4/PS3 game. After all, it's the first video game to be published by the newly formed acttil, and the first game by rookie dev Elemental Labs.
The title isn't meant to be self-referential; the game is about the rebirth of legendary samurai Miyamoto Musashi, and the Japanese demons he must slay. Reborn takes Japanese folklore and drops it into Neo Tokyo. Creator/developer Franz Tissera has always been in love with Japanese mythology and history, and anyone who shares his familiarity with such will see his passion in Reborn. But, for those who don't know much about Sojobo and Tengu, have no fear; the game is not a mythology text book. From what I saw at acttil's presentation, knowledge of Japanese lore is a bonus, like fandom of any subject matter would naturally enhance the experience. Tissera is taking his love of samurai stories and Japanese demons, and dressing it up in many layers of cyberpunk.
In order to come into actual existence, however, it needs to meet its $200,000 Kickstarter goal.
You know me and know that I'm a jaded mother fucker. I don't talk shit up just for my health like some journalists. So of course, not having played this myself, I can't guarantee that Reborn will deliver. No one can guarantee that for any game. But what I can tell you is that, this past September at the Tokyo Game Show, Tissera put on a detailed presentation, and I could tell that he's organized, very driven, and extremely passionate about his product. That's all I can say, and all any of us can say. Whether it looks like its worth your money is up to you. There is a mountain of information and media on the Kickstarter page, so give that a look.
Good luck to Elemental Labs and acttil.
