Ancient Japanese literature-themed 3D dungeon RPG Hyakki Castle announced for PC

Japanese publisher Happinet and developer Asakusa Studios have announced Hyakki Castle, a stylized 3D dungeon RPG coming to PC via Steam this winter.

Hyakki Castle is set in a haunted castle, where players will confront and battle creatures from ancient Japanese literature and be treated to Ukiyo-e style graphics and ghost lore inspired by famous ancient Japaanese scrolls and artists.

Here’s an overview of the game, via Happinet:

About

Hyakki Castle is a real-time RPG in which players will explore a sinister fictional castle set in the 18th century – during the Edo Period, an infamous period in Japanese history known for economic growth, social order, foreign policies, healthy population and heightened enjoyment of arts and culture. The game’s giant castle is situated on Hyakki Island, where skilled criminals were exiled, but also rumored to be on the island were ghosts and demons. Borrowing from these ghost stories, Hyakki Castle creates an eerie and mysterious environment where the evil supernatural have been summoned by a shadowy figure and it’s up to the player to strategically make their way through the dark rooms and areas.

Players can choose to split their party up into a 2 party system, a feature not yet seen in real-time dungeon RPGs, allowing a player to select four characters and make one party with them, creating new strategic gameplay possibilities. For instance, one character can lure a monster while the other three lay in wait for an ambush—or the party can split to flank a monster or to solve a puzzle. Players can play as traditional Japanese classes such as Samurai, Ninja or Monk while also choosing from different races, such as Oni, Tengu or Nekomata, with each having their own special abilities.

The giant castle is mysterious and dark, and full of smart traps and dangerous boss monsters, as well as spooky ghosts and ghouls taken from ancient Japanese literature, creating a unique experience for roleplaying fans as they enter the eerie “Fantastical World” of ancient Japan. A slew of creepy monsters, such as the supernatural “Yokai” of ancient Japanese literature, await players inside the castle. Be warned!

Key Features

• Real-time RPG Action: Become a Samurai or a Ninja, create a party, and venture forth to do battle, solve puzzles, defeat bosses, and explore a mysterious castle to defeat its Lord!
• Unique Japanese Heritage: Instead of generic fantasy creatures, clash with vivid monsters and supernatural creatures from Japanese literature.
• Twice the Possibilities: Split your party of up to four players for unparalleled strategy and party options.
• Explore a Monstrous Castle: The enormous castle is filled with cunning traps—some of which can only be solved by dividing your party—and tough boss monsters, testing player instincts and judgement.
• Explore Japanese Character Classes and Races: Choose to play as a Samurai, Ninja or Monk with three distinct races on tap to add diverse skillsets to your party.
• Unique Soundtrack: The game features traditional Japanese music and ambient sound creating an environment of mystery, suspense and fear to the gameplay experience.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the game’s official website here.

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