MAGES. has announced that it will release “Shikai,” a new adventure game with a scenario written by Ryo Yasumoto (known for *Steins;Gate Zero*), on February 25, 2027.
The Science Adventure Team Vents into the "Non-Scientific" Realm
This title is an occult suspense adventure created by the staff behind the science adventure series, including *STEINS;GATE* and *CHAOS;CHILD*. It explores a world of “supernatural phenomena” that science cannot explain.
The scenario is written by Ryo Yasumoto, whose representative works include *CHAOS;CHILD* and the game/TV anime *Steins;Gate 0*.The project planning and original concept are by Fumihiro Kitahara, who serves as art director for the Science Adventure series, while the music is composed by Tsuyoshi Abo, known for the *STEINS;GATE* and *Memories Off* series.
Additionally, Tatsuya Matsubara, the series’ producer, and scenario writer Naotaka Hayashi are listed as supervising the project.
There is an untold continuation to the ghost story “The House with the Red Roof.”
The story begins when an editor at an occult magazine receives a copy of the ghost story “The House with the Red Roof.”At first glance, the ghost story seemed like a run-of-the-mill tale about children testing their courage. However, the situation takes a dramatic turn when a girl appears and identifies herself, saying, “Actually, I’m one of the characters in that story, ‘The House with the Red Roof.’”
The appearance of a “person involved” in a story that was thought to be purely fictional, and the incidents and terror that unfold as the investigation progresses. It is said that the mystery of the ghost story will be revealed when the intersecting perspectives finally converge.
The ghost story that sets the plot in motion, “The House with the Red Roof,” is real content that has been available on YouTube since 2024.
The game unfolds as real-world players who have read this ghost story become “infested by the supernatural,” meaning that the ghost story—which they initially encountered as entertainment on screen—draws not only the characters within the story but also the players themselves into its grasp. A video of Mariko Honda reading the story aloud is currently available on YouTube.
Unraveling the mystery from two perspectives: the editor’s and the supernatural’s
The game progresses from two perspectives.In “Observation Mode,” the main part of the game, you investigate the mystery of the ghost story from the perspective of the protagonist, magazine editor Shigeaki Nogawa. By observing the situation and selecting points of interest, you may uncover new information. Each piece of testimony and record gathered through your reporting serves as a clue to unraveling the full story behind the ghost tale.
As the story approaches midnight, a special mode called “SEEKER EYE” activates.The player becomes the eye of the supernatural, choosing which character associated with “The House with the Red Roof” to observe and peering into their private life. Hidden there are not only clues leading to the mystery but also secrets and inner conflicts that have never been shared with anyone.
Starring a stellar cast including Tomokazu Sugita
The characters are voiced by Tomokazu Sugita, Azusa Aoi, Rikako Aida, Ryotaro Okiayu, Mariko Honda, and others.Characters such as an editor of an occult magazine, a police officer, an exorcist, and those connected to “The House with the Red Roof” make appearances. You’ll unravel the mystery of this ghost story through the drama depicted from their perspectives and the eerie viewpoints you glimpse as a player.
Characters (Titles Omitted)
Shigeaki Nogawa (CV: Tomokazu Sugita) The protagonist
of this game. A 37-year-old editor for the occult magazine “Supernatural Idola” whose hobby is work and whose only friend is cigarettes.He’s a bit of a curmudgeon who tends to suffer from insomnia and grumbles a lot, but once he gets down to work, he becomes engrossed and tackles his tasks with enthusiasm. While he used to hold a neutral stance toward the occult, his involvement with *The House with the Red Roof* completely transforms his worldview.
Mei Miyoshi (CV: Azusa Aoi)
A 23-year-old rookie editor at “Supernatural Idola” who serves as Nogawa’s assistant. Although she’s a scaredy-cat and nervous around ghosts, she somehow ended up assigned to an occult magazine.Although she’s a bit of a show-off and lacks caution, her strong communication skills make her a valuable asset to Nogawa.
Akane Orihara (CV: Rikako Aida)
A 20-year-old who claims to be “A-chan,” the girl who appears in *The House with the Red Roof*. Though thoughtful and kind-hearted, she has a strong will and is surprisingly proactive. She is searching for “S-san,” the narrator of *The House with the Red Roof*.
Taizan Ichinomiya (CV: Ryutaro Okiayu) A junior of
Nogawa’s from college, he is a burly man born into a priestly family who runs an exorcism business.Although his rugged appearance and cheeky Osaka dialect make him seem shady, he is a respected figure in those circles. Due to certain circumstances, Nogawa ends up relying on his abilities.
Kei Matoba (CV: Mariko Honda)
A 33-year-old female detective assigned to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department’s First Investigative Division, she is an old acquaintance of Nogawa. Known as the “Iron Mask” for her cool demeanor and strong sense of justice, she cannot tolerate wrongdoing.Because she detests the occult, she treats Nogawa coldly.
Shinichi Matsunaga: A
20-year-old childhood friend of Akane Orihara. He is a character in *The House with the Red Roof* and also serves as the narrator, “Mr. S.” He has lost contact with Akane since elementary school.
The dual theme songs by Kanako Ito and Masatoshi Ono, along with the opening movie, have been released
There are two theme songs. Kanako Ito sings “REDRUM,” which heralds the beginning of the supernatural events in the opening movie, while Masatoshi Ono sings “IN DELETE,” a song that seems to scream out the madness of the chain of supernatural occurrences.
The music was produced by ZIZZ STUDIO, which has composed numerous tracks for the Science Adventure series.
“REDRUM” Vocals: Kanako Ito / Lyrics: Katsuo Kawazumi / Composition & Arrangement: Toshimichi Isoe
“IN DELETE” — Vocals: Masatoshi Ono / Lyrics: Ikuko Ebata / Composition & Arrangement: Toshimichi Isoe
Kanako Ito is known for her game theme songs for titles such as *STEINS;GATE* and *Higurashi: When They Cry*, while Masatoshi Ono has also been active as the vocalist for the heavy metal band GALNERYUS since 2009.
The opening movie released today, set to the song “REDRUM,” depicts the supernatural phenomena seeping from an abandoned building and the characters who become entangled in them.
Pre-orders began today, October 30. The standard edition package features an original illustration by Tomonori Fukuda, who handled the character designs for *ROBOTICS;NOTES*.
Both the physical and digital versions are available in multiple editions. The Limited Edition physical package includes a special outer box and the standard edition package, plus the following bonus items:
Visual Art Book “Supernatural Idola and the View of the Supernatural”: A visual book designed to resemble the occult magazine “Supernatural Idola” featured
in the game.It includes a “Supernatural Idola” special edition—featuring photo spreads from “that project” orchestrated by the protagonist’s assistant, Mei Miyoshi, along with unpublished ghost stories and an original short story by Ryo Yasumoto, who wrote the scenario—as well as a setting artbook that delves deeper into the characters and background art.Combining these two elements into one volume, this book offers a deeper glimpse into the world of *Nozokai*.The deluxe edition of the original soundtrack DVD-ROM, “‘Red Tones’ Nozokai OST,” features the music
composed by Tsuyoshi Abo that enriches the work, along with full versions of the theme songs performed by Kanako Ito and Masatoshi Ono.It contains a total of 41 tracks, including background music, in MP3 and FLAC formats. [MP3 192 kbps / 48 kHz, FLAC 96 kHz / 24-bit] *The MP3
and FLAC files are of the same tracks.
In addition, store-specific purchase bonuses have been announced at various retailers, including Animate, Amazon.co.jp, AmiAmi, ebten (Famitsu DX Pack), GEO, Gamers, Sofmap, Rakuten Books, and WonderGOO. Please check the official website for details on each bonus.
*Nozokai* is scheduled for release on February 25, 2027, for Nintendo Switch 2, Switch, and PS5.The Standard Edition and Digital Edition are priced at 6,380 yen, while the Limited Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition are priced at 9,680 yen. Please note that the Nintendo Switch 2 version will be sold as a physical key card package, while the Switch version will be available exclusively as a digital download.
