On October 22, Furyu began distributing a demo version of *CrimeLight* for the Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5.
A roguelike action game featuring a poker system. The game’s world setting and story are also worth noting.
This roguelike action game features a poker system and a world inspired by “Alice in Wonderland.”
Set in “Wonderland,” a prison where the souls of the dead are held captive, the game follows Alice, a girl who has lost her memory, as she takes on a game where “only those who defeat the Queen, the ruler, can gain their freedom.”
This title is part of the “Cry” series, following in the footsteps of *CRYSTAR* and *CRYMACHINA*, both developed by Furyu. Naoki Hisaya serves as plot and story supervisor, Soreki composes the background music, and Yogisha handles character design.
During battles, the “Wonder Dimension”—a blue-purple space created by the death cries of defeated enemies—spreads across the ground. The more this space expands, the stronger Alice’s abilities become, and the faster her combat moves. Since the ease of expansion and the nature of the enhancements vary depending on the skills acquired, your combat style itself will evolve.
Furthermore, the game employs a poker-style build system where you arrange the playing-card-style skill cards—distributed upon clearing a stage—into “hands” from your five-card hand. The more complete your hand, the higher the effect level of your hand becomes, drastically altering both your single attacks and your overall combat style. The choice between collecting strong individual cards or aiming for a complete hand to boost your power all at once determines victory or defeat.
In Game*Spark’s hands-on report, we highlighted that the strategic back-and-forth of this poker system is at the heart of the game’s appeal.
The demo features the story, battles, and gameplay systems from the beginning of the main game through the end of Chapter 1. It offers 1.5 to 3 hours or more of gameplay and is identical to the official demo currently available on Steam.
Please note that this is a limited-time release available only until November 5, when the full game launches.
Key Features
Rogue-like Action: Conquer “Wonderland,” ruled by
the Queen, fend off enemies, and engage in a life-or-death battle against the Queen’s army.Wonder Dimension When you defeat
enemies, their death cries explode, spreading a blue-purple space called the “Wonder Dimension” across the ground. The more this space expands, the stronger your abilities become, and the faster your gameplay becomes.
Poker System: A poker-style build where you collect playing-card-style skill cards to form “hands” with your five-card deck. Upon clearing a stage, you’ll be dealt three cards and can choose one to add to your hand.Mode Selection
: Switch the camera angle from “close-up side view” to “wide-angle overhead view,” and toggle on/off on-screen information as needed.Confession System
: Confess the “sins” you’ve borne during the battle royale and transform them into power by transcending them. The tears shed after confession remain in your possession as enhancement items.Enhancement: Use the materials obtained through
confession to enhance your weapons and accessories. Even if time rewinds and you lose your hand, the progress you’ve made will remain.The Tea Party
guests gather to prepare for the next battle while chatting. You may also learn about their pasts or information regarding the enemies they’ve defeated.
Second Trailer and Survey Results Released
Additionally, to coincide with the release of the demo, the second trailer has been unveiled. Through actual gameplay footage, it introduces the game’s mechanics and play cycle, including diverse actions, builds using Crime Cards, and enhancements gained through Confession.
It also reveals that, in addition to the basic weapon “Anchor,” “Spears” and “Magic” will make an appearance—information that is new even to those who have played the demo.
Furthermore, Furyu released the results of a survey conducted among players of the official Steam demo and those who tried the game at Tokyo Game Show 2026 (survey period: September 20–27 at 11:59 PM).
Of the 71 responses, 94.4% rated the game as “fun” or higher, and 94.4% expressed a willingness to purchase it. On the other hand, players requested improvements in areas such as difficulty, healing methods, control guides, and visual clarity.
The direction for improvements to the full version based on this feedback, along with a letter from the producer, has been published on Steam News.
Additionally, the official demo itself has already been adjusted based on feedback received from the previously released “Battle Trial Version.”
A giveaway campaign to celebrate the demo’s release will begin on the official X account (@_Project_Alice) at 10:00 AM on October 22.Ten winners will be selected via lottery to receive original merchandise, including event-exclusive items such as the “Original Hologram Sticker illustrated by Ryodon Hashimoto” and the “Special! Thing to Attach to Umbrellas and Such,” which were distributed at the trial event.
In addition, a sale is currently underway to celebrate the 8th anniversary of the Nintendo Switch release of the first game in the series, *CRYSTAR*.You can purchase the game for 288 yen—a 95% discount, the biggest ever—or the edition that includes a digital art book for 500 yen, a 93% discount. The sale runs until 11:59 PM on November 9.
“CRYMELIGHT,” which was mentioned on the official X account as having a release window overlapping with “Grand Theft Auto VI,” is scheduled for release on November 5, 2026, for Nintendo Switch 2, PS5, and PC (Steam).
The PC (Steam) version is currently participating in the “Steam Next Fest,” where an official demo is also available.
