Following its reveal yesterday, Nippon Ichi Software and Vanillaware have released the first official trailer of GrimGrimoire OnceMore, a remaster of the PS2 game now releasing for the PS4 and Switch on July 28, 2022 in Japan.

The trailer gives a good look at what to expect from this remaster, showing off stunning art that is reminiscent of other Vanillaware titles like Odin Sphere: Leifthrasir and most recently, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim.

You can check it out below.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore Overview and Features

Here are further details about the game courtesy of Gematsu:

GrimGrimoire is a magic fantasy real-time strategy game in which a young wizard girl named Lillet struggles to uncover the truth in order to avoid reliving the same five days and impending disaster. Developed by Vanillaware and published by Nippon Ichi Software, it was first released in 2007.

Resurrected as GrimGrimoire OnceMore for PlayStation 4 and Switch, this remastered release features high-resolution graphics and new systems that make the game more enjoyable, including “Great Magic” that can turn the tides in battle and a “Skill Tree” to strengthen your familiars.

Please look forward to GrimGrimoire OnceMore, now more beautiful, vivid, and easier to play than ever.

Story

Lillet Blan was very excited.

Her heart had been racing since the moment she heard. Lillet had been invited to enroll into a Magic Academy where only talented youths were personally sought out by the greatest wizards. The school was lead by the famous wizard, Gaminel Dore, who had once defeated the Archmage. And the campus on which they study, the Silver Star tower, was once the destroyed Archmage’s castle.

The tower was still full of unsolved mysteries and dangers, and this attracted many who had their own personal reasons in mind. Lillet had opened her first grimoire, and began her studies. But only five days later, a terrifying disaster threatens the academy, and all lives are lost. All except she, who had traveled back through time without knowing why…

Can Lillet come closer to the truth by reliving those repeating days? Can she end the nightmare at the end of those five days?

To avoid constant death, open the grimoires once again.

Systems

Magic Fantasy x Real-Time Simulation Depicted by Beautiful Visuals

The protagonist, Lillet, was invited to the Magic Academy Silver Star Tower and began her journey to become a magician. Various incidents occur at the Academy, such as demons and spirits interfering with classes, and rampaging golems created by alchemy. The Academy also seems to have a secret…

Set out to become a fine magician while clearing each stage by utilizing various magic such as Sorcery and Necromancy. Battles play out in a real-time simulation format, in which the player summons familiars by the power of grimoires and defeats the enemy party while protecting their own.

Summon Familiars Like Fairies, Golems, Demons, and Dragons

Magic battles are fought using the familiars summoned by the power of grimoires. Whether a fairy or golem, familiars come in various forms and each have their own unique abilities.

—Dragons are extremely powerful, but take time to hatch from their eggs.

Take Advantage of Enemy Affinity to Gain the Upper Hand in Battle

There are four types of magic (Glamour, Necromancy, Sorcery, and Alchemy), and each can summon its own unique units.

Additionally, there are two types of familiars: Substance and Astral. Astral familiars are extremely weak to magic attacks, but physical attacks have no effect on them. They are a good choice against powerful physical attack users.

Considering your affinity with the enemy and summoning the familiars that will gain you the upper hand is the key to victory.

—The Homunculus’ ability “Clairvoyance” allows Astral familiars to be hit with physical attacks.

—The Grimalkin’s ability “Sleep” can put even powerful enemies down to rest.

New Features

High-Resolution Graphics

With high-definition graphics, the game’s detailed visuals are clearer than ever. And since the aspect ratio is wider, it is easier to understand the magic battle playing field.

Newly Recorded Character Voice-Overs

Every voiced line in the game has been newly recorded with a completely new cast. Additionally, Lillet and company are not only voiced during story parts, but also in battle, adding a new side of GrimGrimoire to enjoy.

New System: “Great Magic”

Four types of “Great Magic” that can be used during battle have been implemented. While Great Magic can only be activated a limited number of times, one use alone can change the state of battle—“Mana Burst” shoots a flame that deals damage to a wide range; “Resurrection” recovers the HP of injured party members; and so on.

—Wipe out your enemies with the Great Magic attack Mana Burst! You can also enjoy lively cut-in animations.

New System: “Skill Tree”

In GrimGrimoire OnceMore, missions are set separately from the conditions to clear each stage. The coins earned by completing tasks can be used to strengthen summoning circles and familiars.

—How you upgrade is up to you. Coins can be refunded, so try out various upgrades.

Gallery Function

A “Gallery” function has been added to view illustrations produced for GrimGrimoire and GrimGrimoire OnceMore. Over 90 illustrations by the Vanillaware staff are featured.

Changes and Adjustments from the Original Version

A “Fast-Forward” function for battle and story parts, and “Mid-Battle Save” function for battle parts have been added, making the game easier to play at your own pace. Additionally, the difficulty level of “Hard” mode has been adjusted to be more challenging than the original version.

GrimGrimoire OnceMore is scheduled to release in Japan on July 28, 2022 for the PS4 and Switch. An English release has not been specified.