Netmarble is set to launch its latest subculture-focused collection RPG, 'Monster Taming: Star Dive', on the 15th. As the long-awaited successor to the 2013 hit 'Monster Taming', expectations have been high since its reveal. The game boasts high-fidelity visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 and centres its gameplay on a 3-character real-time tag combat system.

The core mechanic revolves around the 'Monster Ring' system, allowing players to capture and synthesise creatures. While it pulls at the nostalgic heartstrings of the original, the game has been rebuilt from the ground up for modern sensibilities. We’ve taken a look under the hood to see if it can eclipse its predecessor's legacy and redefine the mobile action RPG space.

The story follows 'Cloud', an eccentric but curious apprentice adventurer, and 'Verna', a powerhouse girl with a low tolerance for injustice. Both belong to the Monster Tamers guild and find themselves caught in a grand adventure while investigating mysterious phenomena. Accompanied by 'Yaongi', a cat-like mystical creature, they venture into unknown territories to uncover the secrets of the world.

The roster of companions is just as eclectic. From the charming Nine-Tailed Fox priestess 'Mina' to the honour-bound, diminutive knight 'Ophelia', and the eccentric alchemist 'Francis' who has a penchant for love potions, the cast is diverse. We also have 'Esde', a maid who wields a broom as a weapon; 'Plea', a dragon-knight who struggles with communication; and 'Reina', a powerhouse who appears simple-minded but turns fierce when protecting her allies.

The world of Bellana is composed of three major continents. You’ll start your journey in the Kingdom of Solimena on the central continent before heading to the Far East, a region with an oriental flair, and the desolate Dead Lands. The game will also feature the Elven realm of 'Serenia Forest' and regions inspired by Korean culture like 'Sura' and 'Naksan'.

Combat is designed to be accessible yet punchy. You’ll assemble a party of three, each fulfilling roles like tank, healer, or attacker. Tackling massive foes requires more than just raw power; you must manage elemental affinities. When a boss is groggy, you can summon 'Yaongi' to bind them, setting the stage for a coordinated all-out assault.

The flow of battle relies heavily on evasion and tagging. Time your dodge perfectly when an enemy flashes yellow, and you’ll trigger a powerful counterattack. Red-telegraphed attacks, however, cannot be countered and require quick repositioning. Swapping characters mid-fight triggers unique skills and leaves the previous character on the field for a brief assist, making constant rotation the key to victory.

Boss encounters are far from your standard auto-battler fare. Take the 'Dueoksini', for example—once its health drops below half, it summons clones, and you’ll need to meet specific conditions to hit the real target. With breakable parts and structural weaknesses to exploit, manual precision is heavily rewarded, though the game includes features to keep mobile controls feeling intuitive.

Monsters are unique beings infused with magic stones. Even if they fall in battle, they persist as long as their 'Monster Ring' remains intact. You can collect these rings to tame them, and summon them back to their original forms to assist in combat.

Beyond fighting, monsters serve as a core progression system, as they can be equipped to characters for special buffs. Rare 'mutant' variants with unique abilities can also appear. For those who love the grind, the roguelike 'Rift' endgame content offers the perfect playground to hunt for rare Monster Rings.

The monetization for characters and artifacts is designed to be player-friendly. Rather than relying on murky, pure-RNG systems, the developer has opted for a guaranteed 'pity' mechanic. By studying the market and lowering the overall acquisition threshold, they aim to make it easier for players to assemble their dream team without breaking the bank.