The South Korean development team Narrowdeep has released a new demo for *Judge Shepherd* on Steam.
In this demo, the puzzle elements and narrative pacing have been adjusted, and Simplified Chinese and Japanese language support have been added. New Japanese voice acting has also been recorded, allowing players to immerse themselves even more deeply in the world of the Inquisition.
Uncover the truth behind a heresy case in a remote village where faith is wavering
This title is a mystery and thriller visual novel.
The story is set in a theocratic nation known as Vkrum. Players take on the role of Inquisitor Shepherd and travel to “Hoshi,” a remote village plagued by unsettling rumors, to investigate an escalating heresy case. As the investigation progresses, a desperate truth hidden behind the villagers’ lies begins to emerge.
Depending on the choices you make in this hostile village, the protagonist, Shepherd, can become either a ruthless Inquisitor or a traitor pursuing forbidden truths.In the village, you’ll meet characters such as Linari, a cheerful freelance tour guide and souvenir craftsman, and Cruz, a boisterous middle-aged man who runs the café “The Unfalling Sun.”
Linarī seems to know far too much about Hoshī and its residents, and Cruz possesses a burly build uncharacteristic of a café owner.
“Guilty” or “Not Guilty”—a single verdict changes the outcome
The game consists of deductive reasoning through dialogue, evidence collection at crime scenes, and branching storylines.Carefully examine crime scenes to gather physical evidence, and when your investigation hits a dead end, use the protagonist’s special ability, “Shin Powder,” to sharpen your senses and uncover hidden clues. The clues you find can also serve as weapons to break down the psychological defenses of suspects.
In the interrogation segments, where you confront suspects based on the information and evidence you’ve gathered, you must see through deceptions and lies, clear the names of the innocent, and expose the true culprit lurking behind the scenes. At the end of each interrogation, you must deliver the final verdict: “Guilty” or “Not Guilty.”That decision not only directly determines the characters’ lives or deaths but also triggers a chain reaction—much like the butterfly effect—leading the story to vastly different endings.
Game*Spark has also published a hands-on report on this title, which was showcased at “BitSummit PUNCH.” It covers the early story developments and the feel of investigations using “Shin Powder Magenta,” which sharpens your sense of smell and taste, so be sure to check it out.
Exhibiting at WePlay 2026 in Shanghai! You can play the demo at the venue
The game is also set to be showcased at WePlay 2026, taking place on November 21 and 22 in Hall 2.2 of the Shanghai National Exhibition and Convention Center. In addition to trying out the demo at the venue, attendees who participate in designated events will receive original promotional items.
*Judge Shepherd* is scheduled for release on PC (Steam) in 2027. The latest demo, featuring Japanese text and voice support, is currently available on Steam.
