New Castlevania is a multiplayer mobile game

Konami announced this week that a new Castlevania game is currently in development for iOS devices. Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls will be the same side-scrolling action game that fans of the series are familiar with, but will also include both cooperative and competitive multiplayer modes, as well as a four-player boss rush mode and in-game music player.

According to the game’s website, the story will follow a new character named Genya Arikado, a secret agent, and his assistant Lucy, a magician who works for a research organization. Grimoire of Souls will feature original Castlevania characters as well, including Alucard, Simon, Charlotte, Shanoa and Maria.

The game “invites” players to bring in their friends for either four player co-op or competitive sessions, against both large and small enemies. In addition, item pick-ups seem to be taking place over the course of the game, which could suggest that it’s set on a free-to-play basis, with the possibility of microtransactions.

Story

The future where Earl Dracula completely disappeared. It seemed like eternal peace had come to the world.

However, with a letter that arrived under Araki Gensui, an end was going to be struck in the peaceful era.

“The Count of Dracula where the magic book went awry revived” In order to ascertain the meaning of the word written in the letter, Mr. Arima visited the sender of the letter….

SYSTEM

An exhilarating battle where you can enjoy combat with up to 4 people! Strengthen your favorite characters and challenge your mighty enemies to stand!

The site also introduces some characters new to the franchise, including Aruma Genta, who stands as “the main character of this work,” along with his support Lucy. “You can use charming characters of successive devil castle, centering on two people,” the site notes, hinting at the co-op aspect of the game.

While Konami’s art style for the game looks to have its heart in the right place, some fans may be disappointed it’s not more of a Symphony of the Night style adventure — or maybe even something that caters more to the old-school nature of the series.

Konami did not announce a release date for Castlevania: Grimoire of Souls but the company will hold a closed beta test (in Japan) in the coming months.

Check out some Screenshots: