When Hinako’s ballet career comes to an end after a tragic accident, she closes her heart off from the rest of the world. However, her life changes when she meets her new best friends, the magical Shijou twins – Yuzu, who is adored by her classmates for her cheerful and warm personality, and Lime, who is more logical and selfish.

The twin sisters bestow Hinako with the power of a Reflector, a champion who can manipulate a mysterious parallel dimension known as The Common. Hinako can freely move and shape this mystical realm’s beauty with her imagination, but she soon understands the very real perils that await her and her friends. As Hinako learns to treasure her companions and creates new bonds with those around her, she gains new strength to help her fight in The Common.

With the player embedded in the role of high-school student-turned-magical-Reflector, Hinako Shirai, Blue Reflection combines impressive battles with extensive simulation elements; including making new friends or hanging out with old ones, surfing the school’s online social network, joining after-school clubs, or spending some much-needed alone time!

Relationships are a key part of the game, and the closer Hinako gets with her friends the stronger their Bond becomes. This is extremely important, as Hinako will have to rely on their support when she fights the devastating Sephira. These friendships can be cultivated further via individual Bond Episodes, which take place on the school premises after class ends, or Date Events, which occur in locations such as the movie theatre, the culture festival, the general store etc., each of which represent a particular character’s unique and quirky personality. Socializing in this way will open up a selection of options for Hinako, including Essential Missions, which progress the narrative; Important Missions, which focus on character interaction; and Common Exploration. Successfully completing a mission forges a stronger link with particular characters, and grants experience which unlocks powerful new abilities.

Outside of personal contact, players can also choose to return home and relax before another challenging day. There, they can spend time around the house and learn more about Hinako’s past, as well as browse in the popular FreeSpace! App, an indispensable tool for connecting with friends and planning activities which has become commonplace at Hoshinomiya Girl’s School.

A selection of digital bonuses is available to prospective players who pre-order Blue Reflection from Amazon, Best Buy, EB Games and GameStop. These include the School Swimsuit and Rorona style costumes – the latter being the outfit of Rorolina Frixell from Atelier Rorona – and a “FreeSpace!” theme to change the look of their social networking app, a key in-game feature used to stay in touch with companions outside of school. Those purchasing the game on the PS4 will also receive an exclusive Original Custom Theme.

More information on the game’s narrative, compelling characters and key mechanics will be revealed in the coming months.