Most fantasy RPGs ask you to become the hero. Isekai Villain takes a rather different approach.
Available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Play Anywhere, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, KEMCO’s latest pixel-art JRPG throws players into a familiar isekai setup with a twist. Instead of waking up as the chosen one destined to save the world, you’re reincarnated as a minor villain whose story is supposed to end in an early grave.
Naturally, the plan is to change that.
At A Glance
- Game: Isekai Villain
- Developer: Exe Create
- Publisher: KEMCO
- Platforms: Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Play Anywhere, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch
- Price: £16.74
- Genre: JRPG
Reborn Into The Wrong Role
The story follows Yu Nishimura, an ordinary young man who dies unexpectedly before awakening inside the world of his favourite comic book. That might sound like a dream come true for any fan, until he discovers he’s been reborn as a bit-part villain whose future has already been written. And it doesn’t end well.
Rather than accepting his fate, Yu decides to rewrite the script entirely. To survive, he’ll need to embrace his new role, gather followers, outmanoeuvre heroes and build enough power to challenge the destiny laid out before him.
Unlike most JRPGs where saving villages earns praise and admiration, Isekai Villain actively encourages players to lean into their darker side. As your notoriety grows through questionable actions, new abilities and powers become available through the game’s progression systems. The more feared your villain becomes, the stronger they grow.
More Than Just Turn-Based Battles
Whilst combat remains a key part of the experience, Isekai Villain is much more than simply marching from one battle to the next.
The turn-based combat system combines classic JRPG mechanics with weakness exploitation, break attacks and chain combinations, rewarding players who take the time to understand enemy vulnerabilities rather than simply mashing through encounters.
Outside of battle, players can explore dungeons, gather resources and gradually expand their own villainous headquarters. Facilities such as smithies, laboratories and smuggling operations can all be developed, helping transform a humble hideout into a proper base of operations.
Not every aspiring villain gets their own lair, after all.
Time To Rewrite Destiny?
For JRPG fans who enjoy pixel-art adventures, turn-based combat and fantasy storytelling with a twist, Isekai Villain offers a chance to see what happens when the supposed bad guy decides he’s had enough of following the script.
Isekai Villain is available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC via Play Anywhere, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch, priced at £16.74 for the Standard Edition. Players looking for a few extra advantages can also pick up the Special Edition for £27.49, which includes several gameplay-enhancing add-ons.
