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Publisher ShiraVN and developer DMM Games will release an international edition of supernatural horror visual novel Iwaihime for PC via Steam and Johren on October 23. It will support English, Japanese, and Chinese (Simplified and Chinese) language options. A demo is available now via Steam.

Written by Ryukishi07, the creator of the When They Cry series, Iwaihime first launched for PC in January 2016 in Japan. An updated version, which was partially rewritten and contained additional scenario and CG images, was released as Iwaihime: Matsuri for PlayStation 4 and PS Vita in July 2017 in Japan. The international edition of Iwaihime includes the scenario adjustments and CG improvements Iwaihime: Matsuri.

Here is an overview of the game, via ShiraVN:

About

“I envy you the privilege of dying. Curse your powerlessness, and leave us.”

From the pen of hit writer Ryukishi07, the creator of Higurashi and the rest of the When They Cry series, comes a story on the theme of “curses.” Characters brought to life with delicate skill by manga artist and illustrator Kazuharu Kina are set against atmospheric backgrounds from the fantastic mind of environment artist Mocha. This supernatural horror visual novel—a tale of sin, retribution, and penance—will soon be available for the first time outside Japan.

This new international release includes scenario adjustments and CG improvements from the prior console re-releases, bringing to PC the writer’s preferred rendition of the tale.

Story

Each generation, the sons of the Susuhara family strike out on their own when they reach the right age.

Self-reliantly they refine their minds and their bodies, until at last they become men. Suzumu has prepared for this day for a long time, learning the skills that he will need.

Living alone, he attends Susuda Prefectural High School. He should have joined as a freshman, and not as a transfer—but he was delayed.

His days are not only easy but pleasant. In his Class 2-A, everyone is having fun.

But there’s her. Toe Kurokami. She’s… certainly a wonder. How else to describe her?

She never lets go of the Japanese doll that she hugs constantly to her chest. There are whispers that its hair grows when nobody is looking. That it’s cursed. It’s no wonder they whisper. That’s one creepy doll.

That Suzumu’s path crosses hers could be fate…

…could be? Not “could be.” It’s fate.

Characters

Suzumu Susuhara (voiced by Makoto Furukawa) – The protagonist. Leaving home to improve himself and learn independence, he moves into an apartment owned by the family of his distant relative Tsubakiko. “…I can’t just pretend that I don’t see you suffering.”

Toe Kurokami (voiced by Chinatsu Akasaki) – The only daughter of Iwaimoto Shrine. Her eyes are often vacant and unfocused, and her teachers and classmates alike treat her with a careful distance. “…Stay back… You’re corrupted… You can’t understand me…”

Tsubakiko Harumiya (voiced by Mariko Honda) – A distant relative and classmate of Suzumu’s. Their last meeting was so long ago—before elementary school—that the two barely remember each other. Her dream for the future is to be a beautiful bride. “Well, I’m a girl, you know. I work hard every day to be cute as a cute little button!”

Kanae Minobe (voiced by Yuka Otsubo) – Technically a year above the others, although she doesn’t give off that impression at all. She’s laid-back, soft-mannered, and not much for hard work, but she’ll invest effort where she expects returns. “I just wanna have an easy life. Oh, boy… Anybody know how to get rich quick?”

Riria Nunokawa (voiced by Sarah Emi Bridcutt) – A year younger than the rest, she moonlights as an active member of the idol unit Flower High School. She can come off as somewhat chilly, but she goes out of her way to give back to her fans. “I wouldn’t be a high school idol if I couldn’t balance school life and work.”

Mayu Hinagata (voiced by Ryoko Tanaka) – The school nurse and health teacher. A kindly elder-sister type—with razor-sharp deductive reasoning skills that make her something of a magician with words. Playing advisor to the LCSC’s club activities, she keeps the proceedings nice and mellow. “Do community service → Wow, the LCSC is amazing! → So who’s their advisor? → I get showered with love!”

Natsuya Atsuta (voiced by Yuki Tai) – Suzumu’s classmate and greatest friend. Since a certain event, he respects Suzumu greatly. A hothead who loves to say “great!” “That’s the great Susuhara for you!”

Watch the opening movie below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

“Iwaihime” English & Chinese port announced!

With a concept from Junya Tamano, and developed by DMM Games, Ryukishi’s lesser known written visual novel, “Iwaihime” will receive an English and Chinese release from ShiraVN!

The supernatural series was directed by Tomoyuki Hondo, with character designs by Kina Kazuharu, and backgrounds and CG effects from Mocha.

John Hooper, a fan of Ryukishi since “Higurashi”, acts as the localization director and chief translator.

A free-to-play demo is available on Steam, and the final release is accessible October 23rd!

“Iwaihime” character designer Kina Kazuharu hopes you’ll take the opportunity to play!

ShiraVN translates: “’An illustration of a girl with long black hair was laid down on the planning-room table. That's how it began. You could say ‘Iwaihime’ was born thanks to Kina-sensei's drawings! The characters & event CGs are wonderful. If you're unsure—pick it up for the art?’ - Ryukishi07.”

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