Foxes double-jump, crows soar! Roguelike action “13Z -Thirteen Zodiac Chronicles-” play report: trials for the 13th zodiac [TGS2026]

From September 17 to 21, 2026, the “TOKYO GAME SHOW 2026” was held at Makuhari Messe.

In this article, we bring you a hands-on report on *13Z -Jūsanza Senki-*!

Foxes can double-jump, crows can glide! A cast of unique protagonists

*13Z -The Chronicles of the Thirteen Seats-* is an action roguelike game in which warriors striving to become the “thirteenth zodiac sign” face the “Zodiac Trials” as the balance of the world begins to crumble.

The village, which serves as your base, features beautiful scenery, including a giant tree surrounded by statues of the Twelve Zodiac Animals. The village is also home to facilities such as a weapons shop and a blacksmith’s, allowing you to gear up before taking on the “Zodiac Trials.”

In the tutorial located in a corner of the village, you can learn the basic controls. With few complex commands and intuitive controls that let you move your character naturally, even those unfamiliar with action games should be able to get the hang of it quickly.

In this game, you can choose one of three playable characters: the Fox, the Crow, or the Panda. You can switch characters mid-game, and each has significantly different movement patterns and combat styles. It looks like it’ll be fun to choose a character that matches your preferred playstyle.

During this hands-on session, I was able to try out the Fox and the Crow. While the Fox can perform agile maneuvers using a double jump, the Crow cannot double-jump but can glide through the air instead. Even in terms of movement alone, there are clear differences, and each character’s distinct personality really stood out.

It’s not just the protagonists whose personalities shine. The village where the demo takes place is home to the Guardians of the Chinese Zodiac, each with their own unique charm.

The Guardians of the Chinese Zodiac possess unique abilities; for example, talking to the “Horse Guardian” allowed me to change the time of day in the field. Since there were some Guardians I didn’t encounter during this demo, I’m looking forward to seeing them appear in future updates.

Another highlight is the extensive character customization. You can change everything from outfits to weapons like swords and even accessories. It’s great that you can still express your individuality even if you choose the same character in multiplayer.

Additionally, at the great tree in the center of the village, you can boost your stats, such as attack power and health. Be sure to prepare thoroughly before taking on the “Zodiac Trials.”

In the “Zodiac Trials,” you begin each stage under the protection (buff) of one of the Zodiac Guardians. It’s an action-roguelike structure where you earn rewards by completing missions or eliminating all enemies, allowing you to strengthen your forces as you advance to the next stage.

In combat, it’s exhilarating to read enemy attacks and execute well-timed parries, or wipe out swarming enemies all at once with powerful “Ultimate Techniques.” Despite the simple controls, I was able to fully enjoy the back-and-forth of offense and defense. Also, while it wasn’t included in this demo, I’m really looking forward to the voice acting that will be implemented for each character in the future!

"13Z -The Thirteen Seats Chronicles-" is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 on January 14, 2027, with the Steam version slated for release in the first quarter of 2027.

13Z –十三座戦記– -Switch2 【Amazon.co.jp限定】 オリジナルPC＆スマホ壁紙 配信
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13Z –十三座戦記– -PS5
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