Gust and Koei Tecmo announce PS5 game The Apothecary Diaries

Gust and Koei Tecmo announced The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother for PlayStation 5, scheduled for release in early 2027. The title will also launch on Nintendo Switch and PC. Koei Tecmo describes the game as the franchise’s first dedicated console adaptation.

Gust is developing the game and Koei Tecmo is publishing it. The project includes a new story written by Hyuganatsu, the author of the original light novels. An announcement trailer is available and a PlayStation Store page is live; players can add the title to their wishlists. No price or exact release date has been disclosed.

Publisher materials describe the game as an adventure that combines crafting and investigation. The description states, “Craft herbal medicine and utilize cunning deduction to uncover the truths behind the Five Mysteries and Five Curses, two chains of strange phenomena and conspiracies causing chaos throughout the rear palace, pleasure district, and streets of the capital.” The player character, apothecary Maomao, must use her knowledge and reasoning to solve these cases and address the titular False Imperial Brother.

Details released so far identify investigation and item crafting as core mechanics and indicate the narrative will link mysteries across multiple city locations. Announcement materials note the title offers an original storyline by the light novel author rather than a direct retelling of the anime.

Koei Tecmo and Gust have not released information on gameplay length, combat mechanics, save systems or progression. Further details, including price and a precise launch date, are expected in future updates from the publisher.

The Apothecary Diaries began as a light novel series and later received an anime adaptation. The new game is the franchise’s first dedicated release for home consoles.