Apothecary Diaries: First Console Game Announced by Koei Tecmo

Prepare your poison testers, because the rear palace is harboring a new crop of deadly secrets. Koei Tecmo has officially announced The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, marking the popular anime and light novel franchise's very first foray into console gaming.

The upcoming title features a completely original story conceptualized by series author Hyuganatsu, Koei Tecmo confirmed. Taking on the role of the brilliantly eccentric apothecary Maomao, players will delve into a web of conspiracies surrounding the "Five Mysteries" and "Five Curses" currently terrorizing the rear palace, the pleasure district, and the capital city.

If you spent your teenage years obsessing over gothic court intrigue or shouting "Objection!" at your screen, this is basically the ultimate crossover of your dreams. The gameplay loop leans heavily into investigation, tasking players with gathering evidence, crafting herbal medicine, presenting theories, and solving complex mysteries. It is highly anticipated to appeal to fans of the Ace Attorney series, swapping modern courtroom drama for the shadowy, candlelit corridors of the imperial court. Maomao will have to use every ounce of her botanical knowledge and sharp wit to unmask the False Imperial Brother before his plots destroy the entire empire.

An official release window of early 2027 has been announced, with target platforms including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam).

The details

• Developer/Publisher: Koei Tecmo
• Story: An original narrative by series author Hyuganatsu focusing on the Five Mysteries and Five Curses
• Gameplay: Investigation, herbal medicine crafting, evidence gathering, and theory presentation
• Availability: The game is set to launch in early 2027 on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, and PC (Steam).

I am officially ready to spend hours analyzing suspicious tea leaves and looking over my shoulder in the dark. Hopefully, Maomao's poison immunity is as strong as our excitement.