The Secret of Varonis

The Secret of Varonis is a retro-inspired Japanese role-playing game (JRPG) modeled after early handheld RPGs from the late 1980s and early 1990s. Drawing clear influence from the SaGa (Final Fantasy Legend) series, it replicates the visual style and mechanical design of early Game Boy titles while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements. The game combines turn-based combat, overworld navigation, and dungeon exploration, with a focus on strategic party customization and progression.

Set across five distinct worlds connected by the sealed city of Varonis, the game follows four village youths and their robotic companion as they search for two missing warriors. Once a site of innovation and discovery, the city was abandoned after a portal within it unleashed powerful technology—and dangerous monsters. The story gradually reveals the truth behind the portal and the fate of those who sought to unlock its secrets.

Players build a party from four races, each with distinct growth systems. Humans improve through item use and equipment; Espers grow by gaining experience in battle; Robots are fully modular and built from gear; and Monsters evolve by transforming, gaining new abilities from enemies. Combat is turn-based and encounter-driven, but players can toggle field battles to limit interruptions. There are over 500 weapons, items, and abilities to discover.