Koei Tecmo has announced a new game based on The Apothecary Diaries series titled The False Imperial Brother, launching in early 2027.
Koei Tecmo has officially revealed a new gaming project, The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, during the recent Nintendo Direct livestream. Scheduled for release in early 2027, this title will be available on multiple platforms including the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. The announcement was made public on September 9, 2026, as reported by Anime News Network.
In this upcoming game, players will step into the shoes of the main character, Maomao, as she navigates through an intriguing world filled with mysteries to solve. Players will utilize Maomao’s skills in exploration and compounding to uncover secrets, making for an immersive experience that aligns closely with the themes from the original light novel series.
The The Apothecary Diaries (Japanese title: Kusuriya no Hitorigoto) light novel series, created by Hyuganatsu with illustrations by Touko Shino, began serialization in October 2011 on the Shōsetsuka ni Narō website. In 2014, Shufunotomo commenced publication of the novels in print format. The series has since expanded to include a manga adaptation, which started in May 2017, and is being published in English by Square Enix Manga & Books. Following its successful initiation, the series also inspired a television anime that premiered its first season in October 2023.
The anime adaptation has received a positive reception, airing for two consecutive cours, with a second season set to premiere in January 2025. Fans can also look forward to the third season, which will air on October 2, 2026. An upcoming anime film titled Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Bōhi no Hihō (The Apothecary Diaries: The Deceased Empress' Treasure) will feature a brand-new narrative and is scheduled to be released in theaters on December 11, 2026. Furthermore, Amazon Prime Video is producing a live-action series adaptation expected to stream worldwide in 2028.
With multiple adaptations and projects stemming from The Apothecary Diaries’ rich narrative universe, The False Imperial Brother game presents an exciting opportunity for both long-time fans and newcomers to engage with Maomao's adventures in an interactive format. This game is anticipated to broaden the franchise's appeal by integrating elements familiar to fans from the light novels and anime, thus providing a deeper exploration of its richly constructed world.
As fans eagerly await more details surrounding The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, the anticipation is expected to grow alongside the franchise's existing titles. The success of the game could lead to additional developments in future adaptations, expanding the universe of The Apothecary Diaries even further, while maintaining engagement through its animated series and film releases.
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