Lead

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother has been revealed as a mystery-adventure game starring Maomao. The game is set to launch in early 2027 for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, and Steam, according to Anitrendz.

A trailer shows Maomao exploring, gathering ingredients, crafting medicine, and investigating. Koei Tecmo’s Gust brand and TOHO Games are involved with the project.

Context Background

The game follows Maomao as two sets of mysteries cause trouble across the rear palace, the red-light district, and the streets of the capital. One thread involves the Five Mysteries in the rear palace, while another centers on the Five Curses affecting the capital.

The Five Curses investigation leads Maomao toward the titular False Imperial Brother, a masked individual described as a self-identified imperial younger brother and vigilante seeking to right the wrongs of the court. Players control Maomao as she uses her knowledge and intelligence to investigate the conspiracies and uncover the truth behind him.

How the Investigating Actually Works

The Steam page describes a negotiation system in which players choose what information to present to involved parties. Building enough trust can provide important leads, while incorrect answers reduce credibility. Repeated mistakes can lead to a dead end.

Investigation is also tied to medicine-making. Maomao can prepare remedies for key witnesses and use information she has gathered to gain an advantage in negotiations with potential culprits. The crafting minigame changes in difficulty based on the quality and variety of collected ingredients. An automated option is also available for players who want to craft high-quality herbal remedies more quickly.

Guanyu and the Capital’s Second Mystery

Guanyu, a traveling actor voiced by Yohei Azakami, is among the figures Maomao encounters. According to the Steam page, he gradually draws the apothecary into the real drama of his life. His story unfolds alongside Maomao’s investigations into the Five Mysteries and the Five Curses.

Where and When

No specific release date has been announced beyond the early 2027 window. The game has been announced for four platforms.

Platform Status Nintendo Switch Confirmed Nintendo Switch 2 Confirmed PlayStation 5 Confirmed Steam (PC) Confirmed

The post Maomao Takes on Five Mysteries in The Apothecary Diaries Game appeared first on The Escapist.