Written by. Ryuki Ishii based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-04-04 17:22 JST)

Indie game publisher PLAYISM has announced the release date for the remake of Ib, a popular Japanese 2D horror game that was originally released in 2012. It’s coming out for PC (Steam) on April 11, but the game will only support Japanese at launch. According to the publisher, “other language versions are ongoing under the supervision of the developer, kouri. At the moment, English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional) and Korean versions are scheduled.”

* Disclosure: The publisher PLAYISM is part of Active Gaming Media, which is also the owner of this website.

One day, the protagonist Ib and her parents visit a museum that is holding a Guertena Exhibit for an artist of the same name. Ib walks around looking at the various paintings but comes to realize that she is all alone. Not just her parents, but everyone in the gallery is gone.

The strange museum that Ib has found herself lost in is filled with all sorts of obstacles, and players will discover items and solve puzzles as they explore and advance the story. She will meet a peculiar cast of characters along the way as well. There are seven endings in total, and “the ending you experience will depend on the actions and choices that you make while making your way through the strange gallery.”

The developer kouri is overhauling the graphics for the remake, redesigning existing artwork displayed at the museum, and also adding new ones. Although they intend to make other changes and adjustments, the developer aims to retain the concept of the original game, which is to make it a game “that even non-gamers can enjoy.”

The remake version will include Smooth Mode, which allows players to “spot small items more easily and view the many pieces of artwork in greater detail.” In addition, the game will feature a new conversation system that will allow “companions to offer hints and engage in conversation.”