In an opening movie shared today, publisher JAST USA has announced the 2023 release window for the English version of visual novel Tokyo Necro, developed by Nitroplus. The game will launch on Steam, GOG, and JAST USA’s online store later this year, with a physical release also in the works, according to a statement posted to the official JAST USA website.
Tokyo Necro was first released for Japanese PC systems in 2016, and the initial announcement regarding its English localization was made as a part of the JAST USA panel held at Anime Expo last year. Though initially slated for a 2022 release, for reasons undisclosed JAST USA would end up delaying the Western launch of Tokyo Necro to this year instead.
In the Tokyo Necro opening movie shared by JAST USA today, fans have been introduced to the game’s frenetic setting, a futuristic Tokyo under constant attack by the living dead. Forces of terror brought back to life by mysterious Necromancers, these hordes attack the city mercilessly, wreaking havoc and fear.
Enter Tokyo Necro’s dual protagonists, Kibanohara Ethica and Nagaoka Souun. Skilled melee fighters with an arsenal of abilities, Ethica and Souun use their strengths to take out the undead, and their efforts are recognized city-wide. All is going relatively well, and then while on a mission one day, Souun happens to happen upon an amnesiac young girl named Hogyo Iria who appears to be in desperate need of protection. Where the plot goes from here will all depend on choices made by the player throughout the game.
Fans may recognize the characters Kibanohara Ethica and Hoyou Iria from the fighting game Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel, which was released worldwide for PlayStation 4, PS3, and PC via Steam in 2016. Additionally, many may be familiar with the visual novel’s scriptwriter Shimokura Vio, whose previous works include the horror romance visual novel You And Me And Her: A Love Story, also developed by Nitroplus and published by JAST USA.
Recent additions to JAST USA’s library include Slow Damage from Dramatical Murder developer Nitro+CHIRAL, and the 2006 cult classic visual novel Gore Screaming Show by Black Cyc. At the time of print, Tokyo Necro is available for pre-order through JAST USA’s online store for the promotional price of $33.11.