Atlus, normally known for its Japanese RPGs, has announced a free-to-play steampunk MMO in the form of Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent. However, while Atlus describes the game as "steampunk", it seems to have more in common graphically with Final Fantasy VII than Arcanum.

Beta applications are already open, so make your way over to http://neosteam.atlusonline.com/ if you want to sign up. The full press release announcing the game can be found after the jump.

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Atlus Online, a daily destination for community-focused gaming and interactive entertainment, today announced Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent as the first game to kickoff its portal. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is the only massively multi-player online role-playing game (MMORPG) of its kind, set in the uniquely creative genre of “steampunk,” where 19th century steam-based technology meets fantasy inventions.

“With an engaging, steampunk-inspired storyline and aesthetic, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a fresh take on the standard ‘fantasy’ MMO game genre,” said Shinichi Suzuki, president and CEO, Atlus. “Atlus Online is excited to bring this popular game in its new incarnation to a wide range of players around the world. Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent is a great first entertainment experience to lay the foundation of the unparalleled content and unmatched social interaction planned for the Atlus Online portal.”

Developed by JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will be given the same style and caliber of localization that Atlus has been known for over the years. This fresh version of the game will be published by Atlus Online for players in North America, South America, and anywhere else in the world, except Europe. In addition to the thorough localization, Atlus Online’s Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent will feature an engaging story influenced by the distinctive steampunk genre.

Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent transports players to a world where two nations battle over a precious resource called Neo Steam. From the onset, customization is key to each player’s experience, where they can choose which nation to join and select from a number of specialized classes. As players battle to expand their nation’s resources and protect their borders from invasion, they must learn to harness the Neo Steam technology to upgrade their equipment, learn new abilities, and progress in their chosen class. Each player in Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent also begins with the aid of a pet of their choosing. Pets act as guides as players travel the world, and they even assist in battle with various abilities, such as healing or thievery. A pet’s ability list and appearance can be customized to suit the player’s preferences. Adding to the immersive aspect of the steampunk fantasy world, the game also features various forms of steam-based machines and vehicles for faster in-game traveling.

More information about Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent’s beta and launch dates will be released by Atlus Online in the near future. Gamers and Atlus fans eager to join the Atlus Online community and be among the first to receive more information on the game can visit the only official website for Atlus Online’s Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, neosteam.atlusonline.com.