Japanese developer Frontwing and plastic model manufacturer Good Smile Company recently announced Valkyrie Tune: Synthesis of Souls, a bishojo visual novel scheduled to release for PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch in Summer 2026. The project is headed by Akihiro Ishihara, who also directed the Idolm@ster series and worked as a producer on Umamusume: Pretty Derby. AUTOMATON recently had the opportunity to have a chat with producer Ishihara about Valkyrie Tune’s international release and what overseas users can expect from it.
Valkyrie Tune: Synthesis of Souls is a visual novel expanding on the universe of Good Smile Company’s original plastic model series of the same name. The story follows a faceless amnesiac Rei, who wakes up in the Domed City of Initium after a long cryogenic sleep, and is greeted by a cast of six beautiful members of TUNED (Tactical Unit for Neutralization and Enhanced Defense) – warriors who can wield “harmonic weapons.” Living together and deepening his bond with the six heroines (who call him the Messiah for some reason), Rei will gradually uncover the shocking secrets of the mysterious world he woke up in.
Ishihara describes Valkyrie Tune as a sci-fi romantic suspense story that “draws players in through distinctly Japanese signifiers: bishojo, music, and battles,” while simultaneously asking universal questions about humanity and emotions,
As the title is set to release simultaneously across all regions, with Japanese, English, Chinese and Korean language support, we asked Ishihara if the decision to promote the game globally had any influence on its core themes or characters.
“Even with overseas expansion in mind, we wouldn’t deliberately ‘water down’ the game’s Japanese expression. Rather, I believe this game can offer a fresh experience to overseas players precisely because it is based on Japanese aesthetics and character presentation,” Ishihara explained.
The producer adds that, because of Valkyrie Tune’s evergreen story themes, the visual novel will hit the sweet spot of “all players who are interested in ethical and philosophical subjects, regardless of where they are from. Especially those who like heavily story-driven games and value emotional connection between with the characters. This is a game made for gamers.”
“The goal of this work is to deliver an experience of ‘interacting with emotions,” crossing language and cultural barriers. I would be happy if the time spent with the girls would leave the players with something to remember inside of their hearts,” Ishihara said.
Valkyrie Tune: Synthesis of Souls is set to release in July 2026, for PC (Steam) and Nintendo Switch. A free Steam demo is coming on March 16.
