The world of The Apothecary Diaries is expanding into a brand-new mystery adventure game. Titled Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Itsuwari no Koutei (The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother), the game is set to release in early 2027.
What Is The Apothecary Diaries?
Based on the light novel series by Hyuuga Natsu, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young pharmacist working as a poison taster in the imperial court. Her sharp mind and medical knowledge lead her to solve a series of mysterious incidents.
The TV anime began airing in October 2023 and quickly became a hit for its intricate mysteries and exotic setting. A third season and the franchise’s first theatrical film are already confirmed for 2026, along with a live-action drama starring Ashida Mana.
First Console Game for the Franchise
This new title marks the first console game adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries. The original story is supervised by series creator Hyuuga Natsu, with development handled by TOHO Games, the studio behind the Atelier series, which has shipped over 8 million copies worldwide, and numerous other RPGs.
Story: Five Mysteries and a Masked Imperial Brother
Set shortly after Maomao begins working as a lady-in-waiting, the rear palace is plagued by a series of strange events known as the “Five Mysteries.” A faceless eunuch, a storehouse that weeps at night, and clothes that turn red overnight are just a few of the unsettling occurrences. Jinshi, the palace administrator, unilaterally orders Maomao to investigate. Using her knowledge of medicine and sharp observational skills, she gathers evidence, prepares remedies, and negotiates to solve each case.
During a visit home, Maomao encounters a traveling performer named Ganyu. After prescribing medicine for him, she becomes drawn into the troubles he carries.
Later, after the Zi clan’s rebellion is quelled, rumors of the “Five Curses” spread through the capital, and an incident finally occurs. At the scene, Maomao catches sight of a masked figure claiming to be the imperial brother.
Jinshi denies any involvement, but the city grows increasingly restless. A mysterious group emerges in support of the masked imperial brother, and the capital descends into chaos. What is the true identity of the masked brother? How do the Five Mysteries and the Five Curses connect? A grand tale involving forbidden history begins.
Gameplay: A Cycle of Investigation and Deduction
The game revolves around a cycle of exploration, evidence collection, medicine preparation, information organization, and deduction. Each phase influences the others, and players must use items created through medicine preparation and the results of negotiations to solve difficult cases through logical reasoning.
Creator Comment
Hyuuga Natsu shared her excitement about the game’s announcement: “I’m truly happy that my original concept has been fleshed out to this extent.”
Product Information
| Title | Kusuriya no Hitorigoto: Itsuwari no Koutei |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Steam |
| Genre | Mystery Adventure |
| Release | Early 2027 |
| Players | 1 |
| CERO | Pending |
© Hyuuga Natsu, Imagica Infos / “The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee
© 2026 Movie “The Apothecary Diaries” Production Committee © Hyuuga Natsu, Imagica Infos
© Koei Tecmo Games / TOHO CO., LTD.
