Ethan Crossfield 
Konami used State of Play to unveil Rhapsody in Scarlet, a new action game centered on Ellie Myers, a magical singer battling spectacular creatures through the streets of 1920s New York. The reveal establishes a distinctive jazz-infused setting and a protagonist whose musical performance appears closely tied to her supernatural abilities, while leaving many details about the game still unknown.
What happened
Rhapsody in Scarlet appeared during a back-to-back Konami presentation at State of Play, following the company’s update on Rev Noir. Its reveal trailer introduces Ellie Myers as a magus confronting a danger powerful enough to threaten the wider world. The footage places that conflict in a stylized version of jazz-filled New York during the 1920s.
Ellie is shown firing enormous magical attacks that fill the screen as flashy monsters emerge around her. She also receives help from three magical beasts named Sköll, Balhut, and Thunderbird. The trailer is accompanied by a jazz song that appears to be performed by Ellie herself, reinforcing the connection between the game’s music, identity, and combat presentation.
Why it matters
Konami’s reveal gives Rhapsody in Scarlet a clear identity from its first public showing. Rather than presenting a conventional contemporary fantasy world, the game combines period New York, jazz, spellcasting, and oversized supernatural enemies into a visually specific premise. Ellie’s role as both singer and magical fighter could become the project’s central hook if the musical concept extends beyond the trailer’s presentation.
The footage also signals an action-focused experience built around dramatic abilities and companion creatures. However, the reveal does not establish how those systems work in play, how the beasts are controlled, or what form Ellie’s journey will take. For now, the project’s strongest confirmed features are its setting, protagonist, magical spectacle, and musical tone.
What to watch next
Konami said that more information would be shown during its Konami Press Start showcase on September 3 at 8:00 AM PT / 11:00 AM ET. That presentation is the next opportunity to learn whether the trailer’s large-scale attacks represent the core combat loop or a curated introduction to the game.
Players should also look for clarification on the game’s release plans, platforms, progression systems, and the roles of Sköll, Balhut, and Thunderbird. None of those details were confirmed in the initial reveal, so expectations should remain focused on the concept rather than a complete picture of the final product.
Key takeaways from the reveal
- Ellie Myers is the game’s central character and a magical singer known as a magus.
- The story is set in jazz-filled New York during the 1920s.
- The trailer shows large magical attacks against flashy monsters.
- Sköll, Balhut, and Thunderbird appear as magical allies.
- Konami planned to show more during its September 3 Press Start showcase.
Expert View
Rhapsody in Scarlet has one of the more immediately recognizable premises in Konami’s current lineup. The combination of jazz, historical New York, spellcasting, and beast companions gives the project a strong visual and tonal foundation without needing an elaborate explanation. The next showcase will be crucial, though: style can secure attention, but players will need to see how Ellie’s singing, magic, and allies translate into a satisfying game rather than remaining trailer-level spectacle.
