During EVO 2017 Akira announced a beta release, a release window, and two new characters joining the “Mysterious Fighting Game.” Along with announcing that the PlayStation 4 version and will launch in North America, 2018.

A playable beta is set to release at the end of 2017.

You can read the details and check out the trailer below.

■ What is Gougi?

In the past, Garuda (a being made up of the lingering grudges of powerul warriors who fell in battle) was sealed by the Hayate clan.
Although Garuda was resurrected once, thanks to the self-sacrifice of a Hayate descendant, he was sealed once again. However, feeding on the energy released during Kairi and Hokuto’s battles, Garuda was resurrected once more and became a demon that seeks out powerful souls in order to devour them. Gougi is the very embodiment of a fallen warrior’s spirit. It contains Energy, Power, Skill, and Secret Techniques.

Powerful souls can join together with Gougi to draw out new powers, but those with weak souls are unable to resist the Gougi and end up being corrupted.

■ Who is Shirase?

The true identity of “Hokuto,” once the bloodline seal placed on her was released. The illegitimate child of the Mizugami Family; to hide her real identity she took the name of Hokuto and jointed the main family. She was brainwashed at infancy and given the mission to kill Kairi, but once the spell wore off, “Hokuto” became no more.

With her final will, she sealed her younger sister Nanase’s memory, so that she could live a life as a normal girl.

■ Characters

Kairi

Backstory: Having lost his memory, he is now locked in an endless battle with other powerful warriors. Garuda has been following Kairi around the globe, feeding on the powerful spirits Kairi releases in battle. He is Nanase’s brother, and Shirase’s half-brother.

Shirase

Backstory: The true identity of the assassin Hokuto, after being freed from the sealed placed on her. With her final will, she erased Nanases’ memories in order for her to live a normal life. Having lost the ability her feel emotion, her only mission now is to kill Kairi.

Garuda

Backstory: A living corpse acting as the vessel for a countless number of powerful souls; he is made up of lingering grudes and resentment. Originally existing only to fight, in the flames of battle his sense of self became twisted and he turned into a monster that seeks to devour all other powerful souls.

Once, a great warrior sacrificed his life to seal Garuda away, but after resonating with the powerful “dark energy,” he was reborn. A descendant of the Hayate clan once sealed Garuda in his own body, but was eventually taken over and became the new vessel. With the energy released during Kairi and Shirase’s battle, Garuda was able to resurrect himself once more by feeding on the spirits of powerful warriors.

Skullomania

Backstory: After finding reemployment in a very good position, he is living a productive life as a salaryman. However, he is troubled by the fact that he has no recollection over the recent Skullomania appearances. That doubt has given birth to new powers. He has a pet dog named Pochiro.

Darun Mister

Backstory: The undefeated champion of Indora Pro Wrestling. After the God of Indora spoke to him in a dream, Darun resigned from his role as Purun’s bodyguard and made his way to Japan. He was utterly defeated by Garuda and left on the verge of death, but he was protected and saved by Gougi. He is now a man completely determined to face Garuda once again and defeat him. He is incredibly hot-blooded.