LINE GAME and Koei Tecmo have announced Line: Monster Rancher, a new title in the long-running series for mobile devices. The game is scheduled to launch in Japan in 2022, but no information regarding an international release is available at this time.

Monster Rancher is a monster raising and simulation game series that first launched in 1997. The early games were noteworthy for their interesting system for unlocking monsters. Players could insert any CD into their PlayStation and it would generate a monster in the game for the player to use. There was even an anime series that ran in Japan and a handful of other countries in the late 90’s and early 2000’s, and a remaster of the first two games released on the Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Steam just last year.

While not much information has been made available, it does sound like the game will retain the core experience fans have come to expect. Players take on the role of a rookie monster breeder as they raise, train, and battle their monsters with the goal of becoming the number 1 monster breeder.

The press release boasts a return of the classic Monster Rancher gameplay where players will train and raise their own unique monsters as they see fit. Classic monsters from Monster Rancher 1 and 2 are set to appear, along with a brand-new type of monster coming to the game. Plus, there will be new features like being able to send monsters on expeditions and the ability to form teams and partake in competitive matches.

They are also teasing a new way to acquire monsters that only LINE can provide with more details planned to be revealed at a later date. While details are scarce, the return of classic Monster Rancher gameplay with competitive online battles could make this a game worth keeping an eye on as we wait for any news regarding an international release.