Konami Unveils Rhapsody in Scarlet and More Upcoming Games at Press Start

Konami has filled its latest Press Start presentation with fresh projects and new looks at games already heading towards release. The roughly 30-minute broadcast covered seven titles, ranging from established franchises to completely new adventures.

Several announcements also showed how varied the publisher’s approach to game development has become, spanning horror, RPGs, card games and user-created experiences. With plenty joining the top upcoming video game releases conversation, the presentation offered an interesting snapshot of Konami’s plans for gaming.

Jazz meets magick

One of the biggest reveals was Rhapsody in Scarlet, an action-adventure set in 1920s New York. Players follow Ellie Myers, a young magus and aspiring jazz singer who arrives in the city chasing her dream, only to become entangled in a secret conflict among magick users.

Ellie eventually meets Ilya Jones, the serious-minded leader of an elite magi organisation called the Seekers. Despite their contrasting personalities, the pair gradually form a bond while investigating a mysterious mafia conspiracy that threatens the wider world.

Combat combines magick with beast abilities, letting players chain close-range, long-range and area-of-effect attacks. Ellie is voiced by Cherami Leigh, while Hannah Grace voices Ilya. Konami also previewed the jazz-inspired theme “Cool/Hot” by SOIL & “PIMP” SESSIONS featuring Emi Meyer.

Rhapsody in Scarlet is coming to PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, although no release date has been announced.

New worlds emerge

Project Zircon also appeared with its deck-building roguelike concept. Players rule a nation, recruit character cards, construct facilities and develop new strategies during each run while preparing to face the resurrected Calamity Dragon of the Abyss.

Another RPG, Rev. NOiR, follows Asch and Finé as they attempt to stop a deadly catastrophe known as Lightfall. Strategic decisions mix with action combat, and the game is scheduled for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2027.

Konami Wai Wai World Craft takes a different direction. Built around “Create, Play and Connect,” the platform lets users modify official experiences, change rules, build maps and share their own games. That community-driven approach reflects broader gaming industry innovations and gaming trends centred on player-created content.

Familiar names return

Konami also revisited some of its biggest franchises. Silent Hill: Townfall received another look ahead of its September 24 launch, with messages from cast members Jovan Adepo, Terry O’Quinn and Kezia Burrows.

A new Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse trailer highlighted additional story moments, characters and bosses before its October 15 release. The 2D adventure follows Rose Belmont as she battles Dracula and the forces surrounding his latest resurrection.

Finally, eFootball Kick-Off! will receive League Mode through a free update on September 24.

Altogether, the announcements give gaming fans several very different experiences to follow, while adding more contenders to the year’s top upcoming video game releases. After unveiling such a varied lineup, will Konami’s renewed creative push mark the beginning of an even bigger comeback?