The recently-announced Atlus Online is approaching the free-to-play market via a lesser-used fantasy genre.

The company announced on Monday Neo Steam: The Shattered Continent, an MMO in the "steampunk" genre,  which combines 19th-century steam-based tech with futuristic elements.

The game is developed by Korea's JoyImpact and licensed by HanbitSoft, and released in the country last year. Atlus Online said it will publish the game in North and South America and "anywhere else in the world."

Gameplay will incorporate customization, pets and steam-based mounts, among other aspects. The website for the title is http://neosteam.atlusonline.com.

This isn't the first time that Atlus has ventured into the steampunk genre. In 2006, the company published Irem's Steambot Chronicles (a.k.a. Bumpy Trot) in North America.

Atlus has made a name for itself by bringing Japanese console games to the West, carefully localizing titles for a loyal audience. This new online division is a departure for the publisher.

"...What we're looking to do is bring over games that would make sense to an Atlus fan," said Jamie Ortiz, head of business operations for Atlus Online in a recent phone interview. The firm plans to implement a "hybrid subscription model that is supported by multiple payment options," but the core game will be free-to-play.

Beta and launch dates will be announced "in the near future."