As a gamer, I am always on the lookout for studios that bring unique elements of their culture into their games. It adds a certain charm and authenticity that sets them apart from the rest. One such studio that has caught my attention is Wiggin Industries, based in Barcelona. Their upcoming indie JRPG called Bestiario is making waves on Kickstarter, and I can’t help but be fascinated by its blend of traditional JRPG gameplay and Spanish culture.
Wiggin Industries took inspiration from Atlus’s Persona series in creating Bestiario, but they didn’t stop there. They went a step further and rooted the entire game in Spanish culture. The story is set in Spain, following a pandemic, where the player character joins a diverse group of hunters on a mission to solve a supernatural mystery and save the world from an emerging threat.
What sets Bestiario apart is its unique blend of Spanish mythology and traditional JRPG elements. Throughout the 30-40 hour campaign, players will encounter beasts from mainstream fantasy as well as monsters from Spanish mythology. From witches and gnomes to fairies and angels, the game is a treasure trove of fascinating creatures.
One aspect that I find particularly exciting is the opportunity to explore different places in Spain and Europe within the game. Wiggin Industries promises that players will unravel mysteries and discover captivating stories in locations such as La Puerta del Sol in Madrid and the mountains of Asturias. These lesser-known folktales and mythical creatures, including ojancanos, urcos, and scornaus, add an extra layer of depth to the game’s world.
Spanish culture permeates every aspect of Bestiario. The game’s comic-style aesthetic pays homage to Spanish artist Alfonso Azpiri, creating a visually striking experience. Even the soundtrack is inspired by classical Spanish artists like Manuel de Falla, Joaquín Rodrigo, and Isaac Albéniz, adding a touch of elegance to the overall atmosphere.
While Persona undeniably serves as the primary influence for Bestiario, Wiggin Industries doesn’t shy away from acknowledging other timeless classics of the JRPG genre. The game is filled with references to beloved titles like The Legend of Zelda, Grandia, Final Fantasy, The Legend of Dragoon, and Mega Man Legends. These nods to the past pay homage to the games that have shaped the genre and further cement Bestiario’s position within it.
Bestiario caters to the appetite of JRPG fans who crave a game that pays homage to the genre’s best while still maintaining its own unique identity. By infusing Spanish culture into every aspect of the game, Wiggin Industries has created an experience that is both familiar and refreshing. It offers a fresh perspective on the genre, giving players the chance to immerse themselves in a world rich in Spanish mythology and folklore.
The Kickstarter campaign for Bestiario is currently underway, and it has already generated significant buzz. The game is set to be released on PC, PS5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch in both digital and physical formats in December 2026, as per the estimated delivery date. With its captivating blend of traditional JRPG gameplay and Spanish culture, Bestiario has the potential to become a standout title in the indie gaming scene.
Wiggin Industries’ Bestiario is an indie JRPG that successfully infuses Spanish culture into its gameplay, setting it apart from the rest. By drawing inspiration from Atlus’s Persona series and incorporating Spanish mythology, folklore, and aesthetics, the game offers a fresh and captivating experience for gamers. With its Kickstarter campaign gaining momentum, it’s clear that there is a demand for a JRPG that pays tribute to the genre while forging its own path. Bestiario is poised to deliver on that demand and become a must-play title for fans of JRPGs and Spanish culture alike.
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