The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is the first console game based on the anime and light novel series The Apothecary Diaries. Gust and TOHO Games tell a new story under the supervision of series writer Hyuganatsu.

Maomao investigates a series of puzzling incidents surrounding the so-called Five Mysteries and Five Curses, while Jinshi and other familiar characters are drawn into the events.

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother releases on March 18, 2027. The mystery adventure launches simultaneously for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Versions are confirmed for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Maomao combines observations, interviews and medical knowledge to solve the Five Mysteries and Five Curses. At the locations, she searches for clues, collects ingredients and makes medicines. In her notebook, she organizes statements and evidence that she must present with her conclusions. Wrong answers can reduce the trust of the person she questions.

Some sections also let Jinshi and Maomao be playable as a cat. Thanks to his position at court, Jinshi gets statements that are not directly accessible to Maomao. As a cat, she can reach higher spots and eavesdrop on conversations. While mixing medicine, other characters can temporarily be controlled. Alongside the investigations, missions and medicine deliveries open additional stories with other characters.

Maomao is at the center of a standalone story at the imperial court. The investigations lead her from the inner palace into the city, where mysterious incidents become known as the Five Curses. New characters include court official Yanxi, traveling actor Guanyu and Chenhan from the pleasure district. The new characters were designed by series writer Hyuganatsu.

The game offers Japanese voice acting and English text. Steam also lists Japanese as well as Simplified and Traditional Chinese on-screen text.