Update:
The English-language press release for The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother has now been obtained.
As noted earlier today, the game will launch worldwide on 18th March.
Besides the standard release, a Digital Deluxe Edition will be available, featuring “a Formal costume pack for Maomao and Jinshi, a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and a Fashion accessory pack for Maomao the Cat”.
Anyone who buys the game physically or digitally before 31st March will receive the ‘Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack’ free of charge. Pre-orders will also include the ‘Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack’.
So there are plenty of bonuses for those planning to play on day one. The English trailer and a few new screenshots are included below.
Original Story: According to a new Japanese trailer, the light novel, manga and anime sensation The Apothecary Diaries is coming to PS5 on 18th March.
While still awaiting the English press release – and set to update once Koei Tecmo sends it through – a new trailer confirms that characters Jinshi and Maomao the Cat will be playable at certain points in the campaign, alongside the protagonist herself.
The trailer showcases the title’s various gameplay elements, including potion crafting minigames, exploration and interrogation. As anime-inspired tie-ins go, this looks surprisingly high quality.
At Tokyo Game Show earlier this year, I spoke to developer Gust and Toho about the title, and the full interview can be read through here. Given the developer’s background, you may not be surprised to learn this project began as ‘Atelier Maomao’.
On a personal level, this is among my most anticipated 2027 games, and while the start of next year looks intensely busy, I will definitely set aside time to enjoy this original story, conceived by author Hyunganatsu.
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