If you’re among the many eagerly anticipating the upcoming Vanillaware and Atlus title, Unicorn Overlord, you’re not alone. However, you may have noticed that this highly anticipated tactical RPG is only set to release on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch—pretty much every gaming console available. Unfortunately, the PC is conspicuously absent from that list. As a long-time advocate of PC gaming, I’ve been perplexed by the decision to exclude PC users from experiencing Unicorn Overlord, and now we have some answers.
Thanks to Destructoid’s efforts in reaching out to Vanillaware and Atlus, we’ve learned that the ball is firmly in Vanillaware’s court. Atlus producer Akiyasu Yamamoto has stated that while Atlus would like to bring the game to PC, a contractual agreement with Vanillaware prohibits it. As a result, there are currently no plans for a PC release of Unicorn Overlord.
This isn’t the response many fans, myself included, were hoping for, but it’s the reality we face. What frustrates me is that this explanation feels akin to a parent dismissing a child’s request. Imagine a child asking, “Dad, can I have a cookie?” to which the response is simply, “No.” Followed by, “Why?” and the answer being, “Because I said so.”
Vanillaware has provided no reasoning for its reluctance to bring its games to PC. When I refer to PC gaming, it’s worth noting that Unicorn Overlord isn’t the only title from Vanillaware that hasn’t made its way to this platform. Other titles such as Dragon’s Crown, Dragon’s Crown Pro, Odin Sphere, Odin Sphere Leifthrasir, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, and Muramasa: The Demon Blade have also been absent from PC.
What strikes me odd about this all is Unicorn Overlord is a Tactical RPG, which is a genre that while has enjoyed some success on consoles, has made its home on the PC platform. Yet, despite this, Unicorn Overlord, at least for now (and maybe never), will see a PC release. And honestly, that is just bad business. Vanillaware, for whatever reason, will drop this gem onto every other gaming platform but exclude the PC, as well as the vast amount of money that goes with it. Thousands of PC gamers have expressed their displeasure over this decision and would instantly materialize money to satisfy Atlus and Vanillaware if the decision was reversed. But as it stands now, it’s almost like the company doesn’t like money.
Maybe Vanillaware is afraid of the PC modding scene that would do things to the crafted masterpiece they have developed. Perhaps it is afraid of the game being pirated and apparently missed the memo that the Switch isn’t immune to pirating. Perhaps it’s a cultural thing. Who knows at this point? While the company isn’t likely to tell anyone, I’d love to know the reasoning behind this all.
Regardless, we’re at an impasse, and Unicorn Overlord just isn’t coming to the PC, which is unfortunate. So, if you want to play it on March 8, 2024, pick up the title on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch.
Oh, I’m still going to be playing the game. I’d be an idiot to say I wouldn’t be. But I’d rather be playing it on my ROG Ally instead of doing so on my Switch, so I can play it on the go. Regardless, I’m sitting here, waiting for my Unicorn Overlord Collector’s Edition to be delivered.
