The Apothecary Diaries is expanding beyond anime and manga with its first console game, The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, writes Collider.
Koei Tecmo and Gust have announced the mystery adventure game, which will feature an original story developed with input from the franchise’s original creator, Hyuganatsu.
The game will bring Maomao’s investigative skills into an interactive setting. Players will follow the sharp-witted apothecary as she investigates a series of unusual incidents across the rear palace, pleasure district and capital city.
The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a knowledgeable apothecary whose understanding of medicine and poisons repeatedly draws her into mysteries within the imperial court. Her ability to notice details that others overlook often helps her uncover the truth behind seemingly unexplained incidents.
The story originally began as a light novel written by Hyuganatsu before receiving manga and anime adaptations. The series has built its appeal around palace intrigue, mystery and a slow-developing romantic storyline.
In The False Imperial Brother, Maomao begins investigating a series of incidents known as the “Five Mysteries” after starting work as a maidservant in the rear palace.
The cases include a mysterious faceless eunuch, a storehouse that reportedly cries out every night and garments that suddenly turn deep red. Jinshi asks Maomao to look into the incidents, relying on her medical knowledge, keen observation and ability to uncover hidden clues.
Her investigation later takes her to the pleasure district, where she meets a travelling actor named Guanyu. His personal problems draw Maomao into another mystery.
Following the defeat of the Shi clan’s rebellion, another group of strange incidents, known as the “Five Curses”, begins to affect people across the capital.
The investigation eventually brings Maomao face to face with a masked vigilante who claims to be the imperial younger brother. Jinshi, however, insists that the mysterious figure is not him.
Players will investigate the cases, collect evidence, develop theories and work towards solving the mysteries as the seemingly separate conspiracies begin to connect.
The game does not yet have an exact release date. However, The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is scheduled to arrive in early 2027.
It will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch and PC through Steam.
