“Set in an alternate reality where Kyoto is the capital of Japan, Kyoto Xanadu players take on monsters and mysteries coming from the great labyrinth known as Xanadu,” reads the announcement. “As a student, players will challenge the labyrinth and grow through their battles within Xanadu while also deepening bonds with various people during your daily life. Uncover the truth hidden both in the labyrinth and Kyoto itself.”
Here are the first details:
■ About
A juvenile non-ordinary life begins in the capital.
Set in an alternate modern-day Japan where Kyoto is the capital, the story follows boys and girls who have awakened as “Chosen Ones,” as they journey through the alternate world known as Xanadu.
Explore Xanadu in 2D action, making use of a wide variety of attacks, shooting actions, and attribute-based (elemental) mechanics. Then head into thrilling 3D action battles, featuring abilities such as “Soul Accel,” which significantly enhances the player’s power, and “Issen,” a decisive, one-hit counter unleashed after a perfectly-timed guard. This game adopts a unique battle system made up of two action styles.
During the school and daily-life parts, players can strengthen various stats in classes through card decks, build relationships with fellow students both inside and outside the academy, and explore the city of Kyoto, which is packed with gourmet food spots, play spots, and special events.
After a certain incident, a boy named Rei Kamiya gains the power to fight Greed.
What strange fate awaits Rei as he transfers to Hirasaka Academy and sets out to conquer Xanadu in its entirety…?
A new challenge from Nihon Falcom—stay tuned for further updates on Kyoto Xanadu!
■ Story
Japan—the capital city, Kyoto.
There, a young boy carrying a bag was running through the elegant red-light district at night.
Rei Kamiya.
It was Rei, on the run from the yakuza after stealing a large sum of money from the underworld for a certain goal, when he was suddenly swallowed by an alternate world that appeared in the middle of the city—and attacked by creatures.
“Someone’s waiting for me… I don’t have time to die in a place like this!!”
The moment the image of someone precious crossed his mind, Rei let out a scream as his body was enveloped in light. Before he knew it, that light had taken the form of two katanas, clenched in his hands.
“…Somehow, I understand. What this is for—and how to wield it.”
Wielding the power awakened within him, Rei barely managed to escape his predicament, but lost consciousness immediately after defeating the enormous creature.
When Rei awoke, he found himself in a room within an unfamiliar, old-fashioned estate.
Guided by a young maid, Rei was led to a room where a mysterious masked woman who called herself the “head of the house” awaited him.
“Let us make a deal.”
The head of the house somehow knew about the alternate world and Greed Rei had encountered, as well as the strange phenomenon that had occurred within him, and presented him with a peculiar proposal.
That proposal was a transfer to Hirasaka Academy, a school said to accept only those who had awakened as “Chosen Ones.”
■ Characters
Rei Kamiya (voiced by Hiiro Ishibashi)
Age: 17
Soul Device: Uchigatana and wakizashi types
A 17-year-old high school student attending Hirasaka Academy after a certain incident. Though still youthful, he has an easygoing demeanor as if he can see through everything, and for better or worse, manipulates those around him while moving at his own pace.
On his first day, he boldly declares he will “conquer the entirety of Hirasaka Xanadu,” earning ridicule from his classmates. But it is not just an act—he skillfully recruits talented students as allies, sometimes by persuasion, sometimes by cunning, using them as stepping stones on his path to the top.
Fuka Rukudo (voiced by Coco Hayashi)
Age: 17
Soul Device: Naginata types
A second-year student at Hirasaka Academy, sharing a class with Rei. She is a traditional Japanese beauty with straight black hair, who is quiet and overly sincere.
As the eldest daughter of Kyoto’s prestigious Rikudo family, she possesses exceptional abilities. However, due to her complicated feelings toward her older brother Masayuki, the student council president and someone of overwhelming influence, she suppresses herself and lives a low-profile life at the academy.
Because of this, those around her have labeled her a “failure,” and while she has accepted it, Rei’s transfer brings about a significant change.
Kazuki Nakiri (voiced by Ryouta Suzuki)
Age: 18
Soul Device: Battleax types
A feared, lone-wolf-type delinquent at Hirasaka Academy.
He battles in the labyrinth to let off his ferocious, destructive impulses, but when it comes to protecting his younger sister Sena, he will not hesitate to use violence, even against other humans.
Though he comes across as reckless, he is intelligent and often chooses the strategic when running through the labyrinth.
Sena Nakiri (voiced by Sayumi Suzushiro)
Age: 18
Soul Device: Mace and shield types
Kazuki’s twin sister, a senpai with a friendly demeanor and strong feminine charm.
She often acts like an older sister toward Rei, but when it comes to romance, she tends to jump to the wrong conclusions and sometimes ends up sabotaging herself.
Due to an incident in middle school, she seems wary of getting closer to others than necessary, and is burdened with some complications involving Kazuki that affect her school life.
Rurui (voiced by Aoi Koga)
Age: ???
Soul Device: ???
A mysterious girl Rei encounters in the labyrinth. She speaks in a unique, hesitant manner and has a striking presence. Though she appears to be around 10 years old, her true age is unknown.
She is elusive and sometimes shows up at Rei’s house out of nowhere, or suddenly joins the team while exploring the great labyrinth.
She has no grasp of ordinary social conventions, and her thoughts are difficult to read, but she possesses a hearty appetite and will eat just about anything.
■ Game Cycle
In Kyoto Xanadu, the story unfolds as you explore the real world of Kyoto, Japan and strengthen your abilities, while also exploring and battling in Xanadu, an alternate world overrun by monsters. As the story progresses, characters other than Rei will join your party and become playable.
■ Exploring Kyoto
In the real world, you can explore Hirasaka Academy, the school attended by the protagonist Rei, as well as various locations throughout Kyoto.
At Hirasaka Academy, you can strengthen various stats through classes and interact with the other students. While exploring Kyoto, you can enjoy shopping and activities in each area, and you may even encounter unexpected characters along the way.
Additionally, you can chat with characters connected to Rei and build or strengthen your deck of “Action Cards,” which are essential for classes.
■ 2D and 3D Battles
In Hirasaka Xanadu, a labyrinth stretching beneath the academy, players aim to conquer a vast, otherworldly maze through 2D and 3D action gameplay.
In 2D gameplay, you explore a labyrinth divided into multiple layers, solving and activating various mechanics based on the element of your equipped Guardians. Use your specialized weapon, the Soul Device, to perform a variety of actions and ranged attacks, and employ special skills like Soul Accel to enhance your power while defeating the Greed that loiter about to move forward.
When facing certain formidable foes or passing through Gates, the screen shifts from 2D to 3D gameplay. In 3D battles, players cooperate with companions while unleashing flashy attacks, including Issens—one-hit counters triggered by perfectly timed guards—and each character’s unique special moves.
Watch today’s Nintendo Direct segment below. View the first screenshots at the gallery. Visit the official website here.
