SacriFire's biggest influences were Xenogears and Valkyrie Profile 2. Interview with the developer of the promising Polish JRPG. How did you ask Osamu Sakuraba for the music?

 

The RPG "SacriFire" is scheduled to be released on Steam and GOG for PC in 2026.

*It will be released on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One at a later date.

Although this title is produced by Pixelated Milk, a Polish-based developer, it advocates a Japan-made RPG, a so-called "JRPG"-style game, in all aspects, including game design and art.

The music is also strong from the fact that Mr. Toru Sakuraba, who has been involved in various domestic RPGs such as the "Valkyrie Profile" and "Tales of" series, is in charge. JRPG respect" can be felt.

What kind of game is this game in fact? And where does this "JRPG respect" come from? When I conducted an email interview with the development team, the outline gradually became clear.

Combines traditional JRPG sensibilities with European and Polish sensibilities

――Please tell us what kind of game this is.

SacriFire is a story-driven RPG inspired by classic Japan RPGs with modern elements!

It features a unique hybrid battle system where time advances only when the player takes action, allowing you to enjoy a blend of turn-based and real-time combat. As you move between two parallel worlds, you'll encounter hidden elements, characters, and challenges that are unique to each of them.

It also features a beautiful design that combines 2D pixel art with 3D rendering technology. The soundtrack is by Osamu Sakuraba, who has worked on many classic JRPGs, from old to new.

There are also plenty of classic elements of the genre. For example, deep character development, a wide variety of unique weapons, captivating mini-games, and countless dungeons filled with puzzles and enemy characters. It is a game that pays homage to JRPGs of the past and pursues newness.

――What do you want you to pay attention to in the story and world setting?

We always focus on the interaction between the characters and the world around them. As a story, the concept was developed around Ezekiel, a young priest who faces fluctuations in his faith, and his journey.

Next, I made the people around the main character, Ezekiel. The surrounding world is all based on the characters, including the vast underground city of Antioch, the idyllic paradise of spirits "Erebus", and places that have not yet been revealed. When a person with difficulties appeared, he considered the society and environment that would create that person.

As for the theme of the story, we want to leave room for interpretation. We believe that players who can draw their own conclusions will have a more enjoyable experience.

――Please tell us about a JRPG that has had a particularly big influence on you. And what points stick in your mind?

There are two games that SacriFire has been heavily influenced by. The first is Xenogears, which boasts one of the most powerful and ambitious stories in gaming history, and I was deeply impressed by its complex themes and philosophical intentions. SacriFire" will have its influence everywhere in the world view and story.

The other is "Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria" (VP2). Its unique combat system was a great inspiration for us to come up with the battle system for "SacriFire". Fans of VP2 will be familiar with the combat of SacriFire. The dungeon mechanics are also influenced by VP2's 2.5-dimensional dungeon exploration and light-hearted action elements.

Xenogears / Valkyrie Profile 2 Silmeria

――Please tell us how you came to be involved in the music by Osamu Sakuraba.

From the very beginning of the development of SacriFire, we wanted to ask a well-known Japan composer. Osamu Sakuraba was exactly the ideal person. Some people may think of recent hits such as "Dark Souls," but Sakuraba has worked with "Star Ocean" and "Tales of." I am also working on music for classic (and modern series) JRPGs.

I felt that Mr. Sakuraba's style of electronic music that makes use of synthesizers fits perfectly with the atmosphere of "SacriFire". So I contacted him and he was interested in this project! I'm thrilled to see this dream collaboration come true.

――Please tell us about the theme as an individual creator and the cultural impact of developing in Poland, which is important to you in this game apart from the influence of JRPGs.

In fact, this is not the first time that we have made a game influenced by JRPGs. Our first game, Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs, is also a tribute to works like Disgaea, with a good old Japan simulation RPG in mind.

In both SacriFire and Regalia, we aimed to blend the traditional JRPG feel with our European and Polish sensibilities. I am proud that this fusion has resulted in a fresh work that is unique to me.

In SacriFire, this trend is evident in the character development system. By incorporating elements of Western RPGs, flexibility and freedom are achieved. The narrative and character development elements also reflect the darker tones stemming from our cultural background.

『Regalia: Of Men and Monarchs』

――Speaking of European titles influenced by JRPGs, the huge success of France-based Sandfall Interactive's Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is still fresh in our minds. Also, speaking of Poland, CD Projekt of "The Witcher" and "Cyberpunk 2077" is now one of the world's top RPG developers. How do you feel about the progress of these studios? It's gratifying to see JRPG-influenced works made outside of Japan and become successful.

In addition to Clair Obscur, Sea of Stars and CrossCodeHits and high ratings such as " show that this genre is widely popular around the world. It's a testament to the fact that you don't necessarily have to be a Japan studio to create a compelling JRPG-style game.

Speaking of CD Projekt, we are very proud to have such a studio from Poland now that we have become one of the most influential RPG developers in the world.

『Clair Obscur: Expedition 33』

――Do you have a message for game fans in Japan, many of whom have been familiar with JRPGs for many years?

We hope you will enjoy playing SacriFire. Many of the people on the development team grew up playing JRPGs. The Pixelated Milk studio itself would not exist without Japan games. Through Japan games, we were able to explore the depth of storytelling, character design, and games.

With SacriFire, we wanted to pay homage to classic JRPGs while introducing new ideas and unique mechanics of our own. This work is a true homage, with respect and admiration. We would be honored if you could join us on this journey in 2026!