Koei Tecmo announces Apothecary Diaries video game for March 2027

Koei Tecmo and developer Gust, in collaboration with TOHO Games, have announced that the first console game adaptation of the popular franchise, ‘The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother’, will launch on March 18, 2027. The title is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.

The mystery-adventure features an original story conceived by series author Hyuganatsu. Players primarily follow the protagonist Maomao as she investigates the ‘Five Mysteries’ and ‘Five Curses’ through evidence gathering, medicine preparation, and deduction. Gameplay also allows players to control Jinshi to gain high-level testimony, or Maomao in cat form to eavesdrop and find clues in hard-to-reach places.

New characters introduced in the game include Yanxi, a high-ranking official; Guanyu, a traveling actor; and Chenhan, a patron of the Verdigris House. The game will offer a Digital Deluxe Edition featuring various costume and accessory packs. For Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, physical versions are planned, though the Switch 2 version will be released as a ‘Game-Key Card’ and the standard Switch version is noted to be a Japan-only release.