Japanese video game publisher Visual Arts, best known for works like Kanon, Air and Clannad (developed under the Key brand), launched their new brand Visual Arts Scripts on April 21. Following the announcement, the company also unveiled three new titles set to release down the line, with the first one, Sayagatari – Promise of the Cursed Blade –, coming in 2026 for PC (Steam, Windows). The other two titles, Tekkai Jousai no Haika and Honjou Rendoku to Ushinawareta Ikou (Naharasu) (official English titles TBA) are currently in development.
Sayagatari – Promise of the Cursed Blade – is a romance visual novel following the story of Toya, a sword fanatic cursed by a demonic blade with an insatiable urge for murder. However, Saya, a priestess who originally possessed the demonic sword, has the power to undo the curse – with her kisses. As the two use the cursed sword to fight demons that stand in their way, Saya and Toya spend more time together, and the meaning behind the “healing” kisses slowly starts to change. The scenario is written by up and coming writer Mii Yamaya, while the illustrations are by Riichu, known for The Vexations of a Shut-In Vampire Princess.
Tekkai Jousai no Haika, written by novelist Koji Dogu and illustrated by chibi, takes place 100 years after a fictional “great fire” which left a cluster of mysterious illegal structures now known as Tekkai Jousai (fortresses) burnt to crisps. Yuuma Kuze, an archeologist commissioned to investigate the place, discovers a girl named Haika among the ruins. Progressing through the story, you will have to uncover the mystery of the forest, investigate the “treasure for death” which Haika is looking for, and find out the truth about Haika herself.
Honjou Rendoku to Ushinawareta Ikou (Naharasu), written by scenario writer Shijima Shike, who also holds a master’s degree in philosophy, is a story set in July of the 44th year of the Showa Era, or 1696, when Apollo made its historical moon landing. With an elusive retro style of illustrations, handled by artist Yo-co, the story seems to venture into more philosophical territory. Amidst the space boom, the protagonist has a fateful encounter with a mysterious girl in Tokyo’s old bookstore district of Jimbocho. Oblivious to the present day, the girl single-mindedly searches for Wahnsinn, an elusive book by Friedrich Nietzsche whose very existence is being questioned.
Sayagatari – Promise of the Cursed Blade– is set to be released in 2026 for PC (Steam, Windows). Tekkai Jousai no Haika and Honjou Rendoku to Ushinawareta Ikou (Naharasu) are currently in development.
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