#renzu

■ Project Name: Curse

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date: 2025

Genre: RPG

Curse is a dark dungeon RPG centered around the concept of curses. The player takes on the role of an adventurer tasked with saving a town plagued by a curse, while exploring dungeons filled with hidden treasures. However, within the dungeons, curses can suddenly befall the player due to enemy attacks, treasure chest traps, or certain locations. Curses are not just a disadvantage—if brought back to town and purified, they can be used to strengthen the player. Players will need to decide how long they can endure the curse as they press forward. The gameplay system follows the traditional command battle RPG format, with turn-based battles that split the party into a vanguard and rearguard. The player’s party will consist of a variety of classes, with the following five revealed so far: Fighter, Barbarian, Archer, Paladin, and Sorcerer. Additional classes are expected to be revealed in the future.

■ Project Name: Gobble

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2025

Genre: Side-Scrolling Action

Gobble is a side-scrolling action game that originated from Nippon Ichi Software’s annual internal competition, the “Nippon Ichi Project Festival.” The game was conceived by an employee in their second year at Nippon Ichi Software, who is now serving as the project’s development manager. Past contests have resulted in the creation of titles like htoL#NiQ: The Firefly Diary, Yomawari: Night Alone, and The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince. The game is set in a world that should have found peace after the defeat of the Demon King. The protagonist, a young boy, encounters a talking “sickle” during a sudden monster attack. The brash sickle and the boy, who is searching for his missing family, form a duo, and a quirky, dark adventure begins. The key mechanic in the game is “predation.” By consuming defeated enemies, the sickle can steal their abilities. The game stands out with its distinctive use of American comic-style events and cartoon-like animations. Players should also pay attention to the visuals featured throughout the game, during moments like attacking or defeating enemies, or when events occur.

■ Project Name: Kyouran

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2026

Genre: Action RPG

Kyouran is an action RPG developed by the main staff behind the Disgaea series. One of its distinctive traits is the deep character development and side activities that you would not typically expect from an action RPG, including Disgaea-style features like level caps of 9999 and dealing over 100 million damage.

The game’s key staff includes:

Development Manager: Shunsuke Minowa (Disgaea 7: Vows of the Virtueless, Bar Stella Abyss)

Character Designer: Takehito Harada (Disgaea series, Labyrinth of Refrain: Coven of Dusk)

Composer: Tenpei Sato (Disgaea series, Phantom Brave, Rhapsody series)

The game is set in a vast world where various monsters vie for dominance. The mercenary protagonist uses their weapons and special skills of choice to clear out monsters, before taking on a giant boss at the end of each stage. Outside of character development, the game has various other elements reminiscent of the Disgaea series, such as the ability to befriend monsters and fight alongside them in battle, and using monsters as weapons.

■ Project Name: Renzu

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date: Summer 2025

Genre: Horror Adventure

Renzu is a horror adventure game that portrays “curses as pure fear.” The protagonist is a reporter for an occult magazine who collects and writes about terrifying urban legends and rumors. One day, after hearing a rumor about a death curse, the protagonist heads to a haunted location, where they encounter a terrifying phenomenon and become cursed. As the countdown to death begins, the player must search for clues to solve the curse’s mystery. The curse grows stronger as the investigation progresses. Will the player be able to escape the looming death curse that gets closer with every passing moment? By gathering information about the curse from readers and heading to haunted sites, the player will take spirit photographs, which will reveal what happened at these locations in the past, and gradually unveil the mystery of the curse.

■ Project Name: Shinigami Hime

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Switch

Release Date: 2026

Genre: Action Adventure

The third installment in the series following The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince and The Cruel King and the Great Hero, themed around a picture book-like world that even adults can enjoy. The game’s key staff includes: Character Design: Sayaka Oda (The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince, The Cruel King and the Great Hero)Planning and Scenario: Kento Jobana (Bar Stella Abyss, Process of Elimination)Like the previous two games, the main characters are a monster and a human. The game features Sayaka Oda’s signature hand-drawn graphics and portrays a darker, more unusual world compared to previous titles. It focuses on young girls suffering from trauma, whose altered picture book worlds are housed within a strange library. To return from picture book worlds to the human world, the player must collect “memory fragments” scattered throughout the picture book. This is done by using the powers of a goat monster, which can eat and destroy the picture book world, and a girl who can alter the paper-made backgrounds within the book’s world.

Watch the full archive of the Nippon Ichi Software UNTITLED// event below.

Nippon Ichi Software UNTITLED//

■ Specifications

Title: Lens

Genre: Horror Adventure

Platforms: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Switch

Release Date (Japan): August 28, 2025

Players: One

Price: 7,200 yen (7,920 yen after tax)

Developer: Orgesta

CERO: Pending

Official Website: nippon1.jp

Official Hashtag: #連呪

Copyright: ©2025 Nippon Ichi Software, Inc.

■ About the Game

“You have been cursed.” Lens is a horror adventure game in which the protagonist, afflicted by a mysterious “curse,” must uncover its origins in order to survive. A series of unexplained disappearances in S City; strange messages and videos; a camera app capable of capturing spirits; and signs of a curse that only you can see… After being cursed by a seemingly trivial incident, the protagonist investigates haunted locations that may hold clues, inching closer to the terrifying truth behind the curse gradually consuming them.

■ Story

Hayato Tsukumo, a writer for the occult magazine Aghastia, hears an intriguing rumor during his daily reporting: people are mysteriously disappearing one after another in S City. What the missing individuals have in common is that they had all visited haunted locations—and received strange messages on their smartphones. Though intrigued, Tsukumo is in the middle of covering another story. But then, he too receives a mysterious message and video on his phone. Unable to resist his curiosity, Tsukumo watches the video—and suddenly, a bloodstained camera app installs itself on his phone. Then comes a chilling new message. “You have been cursed.” A woman’s voice whispers suddenly in his ear… “Find… my… precious…” And then, Tsukumo loses consciousness. Since that nightmare, Tsukumo’s daily life has been completely upended. Black marks only he can see begin to appear, and his physical condition worsens by the day. He can feel the curse slowly draining his life away each day… But he refuses to stand around, waiting to die. He resolves to break the curse—and survive! Determined to thoroughly investigate the rumors behind the disappearances, Tsukumo begins to uncover the horrifying truth hidden within the curse…

■ Characters

Tsukumo Hayato

A writer for the occult magazine Aghastia and the protagonist of this story. Lately, he has been enthusiastically covering urban legends and rumors in an effort to compete with a rapidly rising rival magazine—but ends up getting cursed himself.

Hikari Saotome

Tsukumo’s senior. She handles article planning in the editorial department of the occult magazine Aghastia. Reliable and grounded, she holds a high regard for Tsukumo’s initiative.

Shinichirou Nitta

Tsukumo’s junior since their university days, and a rookie writer at the occult magazine Aghastia. Friendly and outgoing, while he may not be very knowledgeable in the world of the occult, he is well-versed in folklore.

Takehiko Umimura

Caretaker of “S Cemetery,” a popular topic among paranormal enthusiasts. Since he was recently injured and hospitalized, S Cemetery has been left in a state of neglect.

Tsuyoshi Oomizo

A salaryman often away on business trips. He is searching for his wife Kanae, who disappeared while he was away on an extended trip.

■ Uncover the Secrets Hidden in the Darkness

The protagonist, Tsukumo, explores various haunted locations in search of clues that might help break the curse that has befallen him. His only tools are a flashlight to cut through the darkness, and a cursed camera app capable of capturing spirits. Use these to search for strange phenomena within these haunted sites and investigate anything that feels off. —While investigating, you might end up seeing more than just clues to breaking your curse…

Various paranormal phenomena occur at haunted locations. If you hear a strange moaning sound, try launching the camera app. Through the cursed camera, you can capture the image of a spirit lurking in the darkness. By photographing these supernatural events, you will move one step closer to uncovering the truth behind the curse. —Sometimes, strange phenomena blocking your path forward will will need to be dealt with…

■ Spirit Videos: Clues to Breaking the Curse

By successfully capturing specific spirits at haunted locations, you will unlock a “Spirit Video.” The information recorded in these videos may provide valuable clues for breaking the curse. —Discover more Spirit Videos and gather information about the curse.

■ The “Curse of Death” Approaches at Every Moment

The protagonist’s mind and body are slowly being consumed by a curse. Failing to capture a spirit on camera at a haunted location, or spending too much time investigating, will cause the curse to progress. —As the curse worsens, more paranormal phenomena will attack the protagonist. It may be a chance to uncover crucial clues, but…

When the curse worsens, the protagonist will only have a little time left. Recklessly continuing the investigation will cause him to be completely consumed by the curse—killing him.

■ Haunted Locations that Hold the Secrets to the Curse

Relying on rumors circulating in town and reactions to articles in Aghastia, the protagonist visits various haunted locations with dark histories. By investigating each site and uncovering clues related to the curse, the path to the next destination will open.

S Cemetery

A large cemetery deep in the mountains, far from the city. Since the beginning of the year, it has suddenly become a hot topic among paranormal enthusiasts.

Abandoned House

The home where the Oomizo couple lived until just a few months ago. Though it has been well maintained, the homeowner Oomizo says it is in a state that is “completely unlivable.”

Shrine

An abandoned shrine deep in the mountains, no longer in use. You head there based on information sent to the Aghastia editorial department.

■ First-Print Limited Edition and Nippon1.jp Shop Limited Edition

Limited Edition – 9,980 yen (10,978 yen with tax)

A physical copy of the game

Soundtrack CD

Visual book (A5, full color, 32 pages including cover)

Special box

Nippon1.jp Shop Limited Edition – 14,000 yen (15,400 yen with tax)

A physical copy of the game

Soundtrack CD

Visual book (A5, full color, 32 pages including cover)

Special box

Five post cards

Acrylic board

Amulet-style acrylic keychain

damn, gaining that status was not something he expected from Freeza at all. despite the two getting very, veeeery close, Freeza did not seem to understand quite fully his tease joke about rebelling against him. though, Renzu did realize how much importance and value his lover had for loyalty, and could not pass such actions as a joke in any way. and fighting him really was a goddamn challenge, did Freeza truly felt betrayed? Renzu sure hoped not. after all, the two were sharing a lot of intimacy till that happened, as well. but hearing Freeza telling him that he is the one to take over his title, could not at any way, pull out from the horned warrior anything else but an extremely confused and mostly shocked expression. might suppose that this reaction was to break Freeza's any possible heavy feeling about betrayal, as he added and stated how he will grow stronger and get his throne back. yes, and his voice and tone were assuring that the golden, short, yet with no doubt, powerful fellow race member was not kidding about making Renzu an emperor. oh, and he sure did made him feel like one. with these thoughts, he did not notice how he walked right into Cooler. quite literally smashing his face against that huge brat's armor.

"excuse me" Renzu tried very much to keep his voice calm and serious. but maybe he overdid it trying too hard to hide any clues of his..inappropriate thoughts.

Cooler let out something similar to a groan, but more of a sound to compare to an old fridge door opening that sounds like a wild monster that will eat you instead of you trying to fetch for a snack. yes, that's about right. and yes, describing as so in his head sure did reminded Renzu he can use his new status just a little to mess with Freeza's brother.  Cooler, however, rolled words out of his groan

"just because Freeza gave up on his throne-" he quietly ranted a sentence in between his words; "-that i deserved to have anyways-" and continued "doesn't mean that you’re going to stay up there, you're not the strongest. there will be ones to fight over your place"  

it was obvious to Renzu that Cooler just tried to bother and tease the emperor from jealously of his high position. yet, his words did made him think about it more. it has been quite a while since the former ruler passed him his role, and since then haven't even once tried to attempt to claim it back. even though, Renzu had no doubt that his boyfriend trained hard and got stronger. especially after beginning to appreciate the kindness from the ones on the ship without feeling strange about discovering the truth of respect existing beyond fear. a lesson the horned warrior was proud to teach. he even started changing his attitude toward his minions, even reducing the times he yelled at Dodoria to shut his mouth! that was one hell of a progress, that with no doubt, was gained with effort. but now thinking about it again, he did wonder what was the reason Freeza seemed to avoid fighting him..?

"ye-" after an awkward pause, the attempt to respond to Cooler's words was cut off by the sound of clicking footsteps. he stepped back a few more from the former emperor's tall-ass brother. who also backed up for a moment, then moved back to his original stand with a 'hmph'. again with the fridge noises. Freeza strutted in the hallway and came into sight of both clan members that were standing still, as if they were waiting for him. and well, they did, didn't they..?

"o-ya. what are you looking at, you two?" Freeza stopped nearby, a frown weakened by slightly covered eyelids and a raised a muscle above his eye. a grumpy, skeptical glare was drown on the two's priceless faces.

Renzu glanced at the one standing next to him, and with a spark in his might, back at Freeza. "hes trying to challenge me to a fight over the emperor title" the tips of his lips still stretched upwards when he spoke, even though he did try not to laugh or smirk. but the two did not seem to notice and the following yell of the two voices synched was more than enough to confirm that

*"WHAT?!"*

perfect

Cooler glared at the short, horned sneaky fella, twitching the corners of his mouth. the emperor that was still, trying very hard not to let out a laugh and burst his plan, that went more amusing than he thought it would.

"BROTHER, WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS?" the younger sibling shouted, with quite a frustration to add to the shock and confusion in his voice. his shoulders tighten closer to his head, and eyes squint to a wishing-to-be violent stare, that just looked funny at this whole scene.

"I DID NOT MEAN IT LIKE THAT! THIS MORON CANT EVEN UNDERSTAND OUR LANGUAGE ANYMORE" Cooler realized he was stuck in a sticky situation, but was way too far into protecting his pride as one with mighty strength, and did not want it to seem as he tries to excuse away from a fight offer, so he quickly scrapped the impulsive, shocked, loud response: "T-the new emperor seems to think there is truly no one stronger than him now, and it a need to prove him wrong, brother!" his eyes suddenly looked much more serious to bold the intentions of his own interest that he tried to sneak into the conversation.

Renzu's perspective on this poor acting saw it more as a ridiculous amusement. but yes, he was pleased with how well and fast this developed into what he wished for. but not for long as a new surprise struck his expectations -

opening his mouth to speak out, then shutting it with his teeth. Freeza led this quick transition just to introduce his next sentences

"Brother, you never had any respect for the ones above you in order. you don't want to become a thorn in his side just like the saiyans were, you’re an irreplaceable moron. the new emperor has proved his power taking both of us down and there is no need for him to repeat kicking you for your foolish behavior" his tone sounded so much different than before. it was quieter, yet somehow through the soft tint of it, still managed to sound attacking. a face that desperately tried to wear a frown over something he wanted to keep away. again.

and well, you can't keep too many secrets from your ruler, can you? especially this individual. it was weird to see someone with such a conceited personality to keep an attitude like this one. of course, he did change his path of heart brick by brick. but nothing would make him act like this in front of his rivalry sibling. something was off.

Cooler looked like the confusion and shock broke his ability to react, and all three just stood there still in awkward silence for a number of seconds. one of the soldiers passed by them, and noticing three most powerful figures on the ship in one place, a drop of sweat rolled down her face. Renzu glanced over at the fighter, and with eye contact made, he showed an awkward smile that did not make it much easier for his dear army member. she stopped her walk harshly, bowed down, her eyes widen as if she realized she has done something wrong, she straighten her posture and saluted instead. "g-good to see you! emperors, admiral!" waiting for just one more second and continued her way increasing the pace of her walk.

"emperors" Freeza and Renzu repeated with a whisper, at the same time. "..admiral" Cooler blinked and then smirked. "loyal army you have in charge there, emperor" he raised his head in half-nodding gesture and turned his back to leave. for once, even with such laughable behavior, Cooler actually acted mature from the moment this interaction between them just began.

and there, the two were left to stand alone with the words of that female warrior echoing in their heads. despite it being very distracting, Renzu shook that out his head to speak finally speak his mind about this behavior from his boyfriend.

"why do you keep avoiding a fight against me?" his words spoken with clear stubbornness to receive an answer, yet in a gentle voice. the former ruler caught off guard by this question. and maybe it is in his character no not give a single fuck about anyone else but his own, but as mentioned before, he sure did started to convert into a nice nature (Dodoria would approve of it).  but mostly it has developed in getting to know closer this certain fellow race member.

"i doubt you would lose to me with your new refreshed powers. why aren't you even trying to grasp back over your respected title?"

"Renzu, shut up." he was flicking his tail rapidly behind his back.

there was another pause, that Renzu could now allow, but before he got to part his lips, they were already sealed  by the pressure of another pair. again, unexpected. again, accepting over the fact that this one is sure full of surprises. again, returning the kiss.

and after the two broke the short make-out session, Freeza finally said something close enough to an answer: "you are progressing surprisingly well as an emperor. it would be a shame to kick you out even if my power level rose above your pointy head"