Ex-Capcom Veteran Game Devs Are Making A New Edo Haunted House Roguelike

You may not be familiar with the names Kenichi Iwao and Tatsuya Yoshikawa, but they’re well-known in their game developer circles as they’ve worked at some renowned game companies. Iwao worked on the first Resident Evil game and directed Parasite Eve II for Square Enix, while Yoshikawa did the artwork for Capcom’s Breath of Fire RPG series (notably parts 3, 4, and Dragon Quarter) and the Devil May Cry titles.

The two of them have formed a Japanese game studio called WODAN, and they’ve announced a new game in the works: a roguelike named Shinonome. The title is based on the concept of a haunted house from the Edo period, where you have to find the main exit in each maze you’re trapped in while fighting off demons with your wit and trickery. Your character Yono isn’t exactly equipped for head-to-head fighting, so you’ll have to find ways to trap demons or just avoid conflict, or get them to fight each other while you run to the nearest exit.

The title will be in Early Access on PC (Steam) on 11th November. This version will feature all three main game modes; user feedback will be most appreciated in improving the game further during this phase. The Early Access period will last two to four months.

Check out the game’s key features and trailer below:

• Japanese Horror – Enjoy a unique and terrifying experience as you explore the old Japanese house, which combines rustic beauty with darkness.
• Diverse Ways to Play – Draw them in and trap them. Set up a trick and run. Draw in their natural enemies…There are countless ways to take care of the ayakashi. This game finds its true beginning when you discover your own way to work through it.
• Highly Replayable – Overcome to finely detailed haunted house in “Harae.” Escape from a randomly generated haunted house as you work to preserve your tools and food to survive in “Misogi.” Explore the endless dungeons and towers taking short breaks at stores and kitchens inside them in “Gyou.” Each of the games three modes will keep you coming back for more.