Famitsu has recently divulged some information on the story and characters of upcoming 3DS title Shin Megami Tensei IV. The game is set in the fictional nation of East Mikado in 1492, which seems to be based on medieval Europe despite the name and having samurai instead of knights. The nation is surrounded by high walls, with higher walls that protect the castle of King Ahaziah Mikado. The samurai of East Mikado secretly fight demons, but they can negotiate with and summon demons as allies.

The protagonist is the black-haired 18-year-old young man on the left. He has a dream in which he discovers that his choices will affect the world. Soon after, he undertakes the Gauntlet Ritual to become a samurai. The guy in the center is Issachar, the main character's childhood friend who acts like an older brother to him. He also wants to become a samurai. The older man on the right is Hope, the leader of the samurai who will do anything to protect the nation.

Shin Megami Tensei IV will be released some time next year in Japan. It has not been announced for North America or PAL regions. More screenshots can be found here.