“We began with the idea of ‘how do we create a roguelite monster tamer?'” saidTupi: The Legend of Arariboialead programmer Rafael Calmon. From this simple question came a richly designed RPG featuring grid-based combat, monster recruitment and fusion, Social Links, and more.Tupi,which wasshown off atGamescom LATAM 2025, drew inspiration from theShin Megami TenseiandPersonagames but brought a unique roguelite spin to the familiar spirit recruitment and fusion mechanics.
In a conversation with Game Rant, Calmon and game director Leon Zigoni explained howShin Megami TenseiinspiredTupi’scharacter design and gameplay mechanics.Shin Megami Tenseibrought awareness to players of mythological and cultural figures from all over the world, inspiring Mito Games to do the same with Brazil’s rich history and mythology. Gameplay-wise, protagonist Arariboia can recruit monsters and fuse them into brand-new spirits — but the game’s roguelite nature lets him choose between multiple options instead of being limited to a single outcome.
TupiFeatures Spirit Fusion - But Players Get To Choose The Outcome
In thePersonagames, players can visit theVelvet Roomto fuse their accumulated Personas into new and powerful combinations — with some rare Personas only available via fusion.Tupi: The Legend of Arariboiafeatures a similar fusion mechanic, but with a twist, as described by Calmon:
“Our system should feel very familiar to those who have played the SMT series. You take 2 or more creatures from your team as fusion materials and acquire a new one based on what you used. The difference is that ours is a roguelite RPG. As such, rather than a fixed, singular resulting creature, you get 3 options from which you may choose 1 to add to your team. But it is not completely random.”
Some elements of the classicPersonafusion systemare apparent inTupi,such as the resulting spirit sometimes getting an experience boost or featuring skills based on its components. However,Tupialso features a unique Rank system, with fusion being the best method of acquiring spirits of a higher Rank. Calmon also hinted that the team will be expanding on Fusion in future updates, such as adding “secret combinations of creatures that result in a specific creature, some of which may only be found that way.”
Shin Megami Tensei’sInfluence Can Be Felt Throughout The Game
WhileShin Megami Tensei’smost direct influence onTupi: The Legend of Arariboiais definitely the creature recruitment and fusion system, it is far from the only one. As Arariboia restores his village, he can formSocial Linkswith a number of NPCs, including key figures from Brazilian legend and mythology. As in theShin Megami TenseiandPersonagames, these Social Links allow Arariboia to progressively build relationships with his allies and friends.
In addition, boss fights inTupi: The Legend of Arariboiaare reminiscent ofShin Megami Tensei’sbossesin that players are encouraged to seek out and prioritize the enemy’s weaknesses. “Aim for weaknesses,” said Calmon. “Breaking an enemy can immediately turn the tables on a fight. Not only is their turn heavily delayed, but they become weak to all types of damage.” But, Calmon cautioned, players should be careful - bosses have powerful abilities called Omens that can break their entire team at once, or perhaps do something even worse.
Tupiis a unique creation set apart by its proud Brazilian identity, but it also honors itsShin Megami Tenseiinspiration in both plot, character design, and gameplay mechanics. Just as theShin Megami Tenseiseries introduced players tomythological heroes, villains, tricksters, and morefrom all around the world,Tupiwill educate its players about many figures from the history and legends of Brazil.
Tupi: The Legend of Arariboiais currently in development with a free demo available on Steam.
