If you ever fell for the Radiants the first time around, Illusion Connect: Re is your invitation back into the fold. This free-to-play gacha RPG reunites you with a roster of over 130 Live2D-animated heroines for real-time tactical battles against the Nightmares, blending strategy-card combat, idle progression, and slice-of-life bonding into one polished mobile package on iOS and Android.
At a Glance
- Release Date: Released
- Genre: Gacha RPG / Real-time Strategy
- Platform: iOS, Android, Apple Mac (M1 or later), Windows
- Cost: Free-to-Play (in-app purchases from $0.99 USD to $99.99 USD)
- Developer/Publisher: SUGARGAME NETWORK LIMITED
- Store Link: Get Illusion Connect: Re on the App Store → | Get it on Google Play →
The Story / Concept
Illusion Connect: Re is a reimagined return to a beloved gacha world, picking up the threads of an adventure many players thought had ended for good. You step back into the role of a commander leading the Radiants — a cast of beautifully illustrated heroines — against the encroaching darkness of the Nightmares. The pitch is equal parts nostalgia and fresh start: familiar faces, new encounters, and a story that moves forward rather than simply replaying the past.
What sets the experience apart from the typical auto-battler is its emphasis on presence. Every one of the 130-plus characters is brought to life with expressive Live2D animation and voiced by a genuinely stacked lineup of Japanese talent, including Ai Kayano, Yui Ishikawa, Saori Hayami, Aoi Yūki, and Natsuki Hanae. The result is a roster that feels less like a spreadsheet of stats and more like a cast you actually want to spend time with.
Core Gameplay Features
1. Lead Real-time Battles
Combat is built around dynamic, real-time skirmishes where positioning and timing carry as much weight as raw power.
- Direct your heroes on the fly and shift formations mid-battle
- Combine character strengths and passive skills to break through tougher Nightmares
- Manage summon costs on the field — a card-summoning layer adds a tactical puzzle on top of the action
2. Build Your Dream Team
The heart of any gacha game is its collection, and Re leans hard into variety.
- Recruit from a roster of 130+ heroines, each with unique abilities and battle roles
- Experiment with synergies between damage dealers, supports, and tanks
- Discover distinct personalities through fully voiced character interactions
3. Forge Bonds & Decorate Your Home
Between fights, the game slows down into a cozy companion sim.
- Spend time with your companions to deepen relationships and unlock new abilities
- Decorate a personal home base with furniture and wallpapers
- Use idle mechanics to gather EXP, gold, and currencies even while you’re away
Who Is This For?
Illusion Connect: Re is squarely aimed at fans of waifu-collector gacha RPGs who enjoy strategy-card combat with a strong audio-visual presentation — think players who love games like Azur Lane, Arknights, or the original Illusion Connect. It’s a generous fit for mobile-first players, since reviewers note it runs well without draining batteries or overheating devices. If you prefer pure twitch action with no idle systems or stamina gates, this gentler, collection-driven loop may feel slower-paced — but for anyone who loves building a dream team and watching it grow, the entry price (free) is hard to beat.
Pro Tip
Push through the first five chapters early. Several players note that clearing chapter five is what unlocks your daily mission systems — the engine that keeps a gacha account progressing long-term. Knock those story stages out first, then settle into your daily routine with the full set of rewards flowing.
