Today's issue of Weeekly Famitsu included a spread on The Lost Child, the new game by Takeyasu Sawaki, who is well known for El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron.

First of all, we learn about the struggle between angels and devils named "Tenma Conflict" ("Tenma" is constructed with the kanji for "heaven" and "demon") In the game there are beings named "astral bodies." Among them there are angels, fallen angels and three different tribes of devils. The angels are trying to capture the devils, and the devils are resisting that intent, causing the Tenma Conflict to spread.

In the middle, the fallen angel try to quell the conflict between angels and devils in order to restore peace in the world. The protagonist is involved in this war.

Michael is the leader of the angel faction who instructed the mysterious and beautiful Parcia to deliver the demon device Gangaur to the protagonist Hayato Ibuki. He observes the world, and his intentions are unknown.

The base of operations of the protagonist is the editorial department of the magazine "lost" for which he is a writer. Hayato will use the office to prepare before exploring the "layers" that exist between the material world and the astral world. He can receive quests by reading the memos that include details on rumors, and use the desk to save the game and organize his inventory. The editor in chief of the editorial department (depicted in the gallery) is the one tasking Hayato with investigating those mysteries.

There are four "Obeliks" in the material world, where the king of the devils collects the souls that are to be sent to the world beyond. One of them is located in the layer under Akihabara. Hayato will have to collect information and clues to locate it.

After doing his interviews, he will find the layer and the obelisk, and will have to face its protector Hasuta, a powerful snake-like devil able to control the power of the wind.

Hayato can use an attack called "Astral Burst," that infuses a bullet with an astral body by using the demon device Gangaur delivered by Parcia. Astral bodies can be captured and controlled, becoming allies.

In order to capture the astral body, it's necessary to hit them with an astral burst, which changes powers according to the race and attributes of the astral body infused in the bullet. After captured, the astral needs to be bound into service via "purification."

Astral bodies that are captured and bound into service can be improved in a dedicated place. By satisfying certain conditions, it's possible to transfer skills between different astral bodies and evolve them. Strengthening the astral bodes is an important element in improving Hayato's battle power.

To transfer skills between astral bodies, Hayato will have to use the "spirit scale" keeping in mind the spiritual balance between the skills.

We also learn that Enoch, protagonist of El Shaddai: Ascension of the Metatron will return to the game in the form of an early purchase bonus. He will fight for Hayato as an astral body. His appearance is different because Lucifel interfered when he was forcibly summoned, causing him to lose his original form. During Hayato's adventure this "Dark Enoch" will evolve like the other astral bodies, and will regain his original look and power.

You can check out all the screenshots below, and you can also watch the original teaser trailer, and a second gameplay trailer.

Lost Child will release in Japan for PS4 and PS Vita on August 24th.