It’s been about 15 years since *The 3rd Birthday* came out on the PSP. Opinions on the game split sharply, but we really enjoyed it. As for the future of the *Parasite Eve* franchise? It seems Square Enix has other plans for now. But, in a twist, a developer from China is stepping up.
Meet IceSitruuna, a team from Chongqing, who just announced *Parasite Mutant* for PS5. Set to release in 2026, this game feels like a spiritual successor to the original *Parasite Eve* series.
Here’s the premise: *Parasite Mutant* is a science-fiction horror RPG. Players take on the role of Nova, a psionic agent sent to explore an eerie, abandoned island city crawling with terrifying creatures. The game’s narrative promises to turn her life upside down.
In an interesting twist, the developers are bringing back the Active Time Chains battle system. This means you can move your character around during combat, but you’ll need to wait for the gauge to fill before attacking, reminiscent of the original game’s Active Time Bar.
Visually, *Parasite Mutant* will feature a “semi-realistic” anime art style, complete with a CRT filter to evoke that nostalgic late ’90s vibe. And yes, players will have outfits to unlock and even a New Game + feature.
Many fans are excited about this direction, even if they hoped for a return of Aya Brea. A recent poll showed that 70% of respondents would welcome a new installment in the franchise, even if it’s not directly connected to the original story. This shows a strong community interest in continuing the ghostly adventures that *Parasite Eve* started.
While we wait for 2026, it might be worth noting how nostalgia plays a crucial role in gaming. According to a survey by the Entertainment Software Association, 73% of gamers enjoy playing titles from their childhood. This trend highlights a growing demand for remakes and sequels that tap into past memories.
*Parasite Mutant* could do just that. It promises a fresh look at familiar themes while engaging a new generation of gamers. We’re excited to see how it unfolds.
For more details on the game, check out [Gematsu](https://www.gematsu.com/2025/09/parasite-eve-inspired-sci-fi-horror-rpg-parasite-mutant-announced-for-ps5-pc).
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IceSitruuna, PS5, Parasite Mutant, Announcements
