Koei Tecmo announces Apothecary Diaries mystery game

Koei Tecmo, developer Gust, and TOHO Games have announced 'The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother', the first console video game adaptation of the popular series. Announced during a Nintendo Direct, the mystery adventure game is scheduled for release in early 2027.

The game features a completely original story developed under the supervision of the series' author, Hyuganatsu. Players will control the protagonist Maomao as she investigates the 'Five Mysteries' and 'Five Curses'—a series of strange phenomena and conspiracies affecting the imperial palace, the capital, and the pleasure district. The plot involves a mysterious masked man claiming to be the 'false imperial brother' and a hidden history that could threaten the imperial court.

Gameplay mechanics include exploration, gathering evidence, and organizing information in a notebook to make deductions. Players can also collect ingredients to craft various medicines, a system reminiscent of Gust's 'Atelier' series. The title will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.