{"id":73823,"date":"2026-10-15T22:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-15T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/?p=73823"},"modified":"2026-10-15T17:29:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-15T08:29:00","slug":"crymelight-is-a-heavily-story-driven-action-roguelike-exploring-the-messy-relationships-and-twisted-emotions-of-young-girls-we-talk-to-director-takumi-isobe-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/automaton-media.com\/en\/interviews\/crymelight-is-a-heavily-story-driven-action-roguelike-exploring-the-messy-relationships-and-twisted-emotions-of-young-girls-we-talk-to-director-takumi-isobe-2\/","title":{"rendered":"CRYMELIGHT is a heavily story-driven action roguelike exploring the messy relationships and twisted emotions of young girls. We talk to director Takumi Isobe"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

CRYMELIGHT<\/strong> is an upcoming roguelike action game from JRPG developer FuRyu. Within a dark Alice in Wonderland-inspired setting, the game follows a cast of young girls who have arrived in the afterlife, each carrying some kind of \u201csin\u201d they committed while still alive. Trapped in a prison called Wonderland, the girls must fight and confront their sins to free their souls. As the amnesiac protagonist Alice, you participate in the death game against the Queen of Hearts\u2019 royal army. By defeating enemies, Alice will be able to repent for her sins, allowing her to become more powerful. As the death game unfolds, Alice will also learn about the past lives of the other participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The game is set to launch on November 5, with a demo currently out on Steam<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During Tokyo Game Show 2026, ATOMATON sat down to talk to producer and director Takumi Isobe about how CRYMELIGHT came to be, what sets it apart from other roguelikes, and where it stands in FuRyu\u2019s \u201cCry\u201d series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2D graphics ensure none of the \u201ccuteness\u201d of the original characters designs is lost<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u2014To start us off, could you please introduce yourself?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Takumi Isobe:<\/strong>
I’m Takumi Isobe from FuRyu. I\u2019m the producer and director of CRYMELIGHT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014CRYMELIGHT is the third title in the series following Crystar and CRYMACHINA. Where does it stand within the series?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong>
In terms of how the three games relate to each other, CRYMELIGHT is a completely new title. I would like you to think of them as independent entries, like the numbered titles of the Final Fantasy series. While Crystar, CRYMACHINA, and CRYMELIGHT can arguably be considered part of the \u201cCRY\u201d series, they basically have no direct connections in terms of the story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That said, they do have some elements in common.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, the visual motif of girls shedding tears, as well as the theme of characters trying to move on forward as they are confronted pain and hardship. Those aspects are also present in CRYMELIGHT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, CRYMELIGHT explores these shared themes from a different angle. I think it\u2019s a kind of game that will make those who have played previous titles recognize its signature \u201cCRY\u201d series feel, while also being a good entry point for first-time players as a new standalone title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, there are many elements that I think will bring smiles to the faces of those experienced with the series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014How much freedom do you have when creating a game?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong>
In general, it depends on my role, as well as the title itself. When it comes to CRYMELIGHT, I\u2019d say I was able to make it with a fair amount of freedom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But even then, it doesn\u2019t mean that I can just put whatever I want into the game. CRYMELIGHT is a part of the \u201cCRY\u201d series, so I had to consider what its players like and what they\u2019re looking for. That\u2019s why I\u2019ve incorporated plenty of what fans of the series want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In that sense, I think I\u2019ve managed to make a game that reflects both our distinct style and the uniqueness of CRYMELIGHT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I serve as both producer and director, but I\u2019ve had the opportunity to tackle areas even beyond that scope, to the finest details. I actually wrote the lyrics for the opening theme, \u201cLove and Guilt,\u201d and I\u2019ve also taken on some work that\u2019s similar to art direction as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of direction and visual design, I\u2019ve also had opportunities to create storyboards myself. I pay very close attention to many details, and I\u2019m constantly conscious of things like \u201cI want to depict this scene in this way,\u201d \u201cI want to make this screen more beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, I think CRYMELIGHT is a title that is filled with my own personal tastes and attention to detail, not just from the production perspective, but also when it comes to direction and visual design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Crystar and CRYMACHINA both used 3D graphics. Why did you opt for 2D graphics for CRYMELIGHT?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The main reason is that I thought 2D was the best way to properly convey the cuteness and charm of our characters to players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The character designs are initially created in 2D by the artists. Of course, 3D graphics have their own advantages, and they are generally easier to work with when it comes to production efficiency and creating action scenes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, when we try to turn the cute and detailed expressions of 2D characters into 3D models as-is, they inevitably end up looking slightly different from the originals. And we didn\u2019t want to keep even the slightest differences in the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We wanted to ensure that the girls\u2019 cuteness, fragility, and subtlety of expressions were properly conveyed to players. That\u2019s why we made the bold decision to keep everything in 2D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Additionally, in the game\u2019s story sections, we\u2019ve made the characters move more extensively than ever before. The game doesn\u2019t just display dialogue between static sprites, and including the facial expressions, gestures, and timings of their motions, the characters really move as if you\u2019re watching an anime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the other hand, using 2D graphics sometimes makes it difficult to achieve a three-dimensional look and dynamic camera work. That\u2019s why we focused on creating shots that are only possible to express in 2D.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The backgrounds and levels, the shot compositions of the story parts, and even the Crime Cards are made to evoke a sense of beauty and be perceived as a single piece of art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ve also personally decided on the visual direction of each scene to the smallest details. They\u2019re cute, beautiful, but somehow unsettling. I think that, by making it 2D, we were able to thoroughly express CRYMELIGHT\u2019s unique atmosphere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A story depicting the messy, complex relationships of young girls<\/strong><\/h1>\n\n\n\n

\u2014How did development on CRYMELIGHT begin?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The biggest factor was the feedback from our players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who have played Crystar and CRYMACHINA have highly praised the story, characters and worldbuilding of the games. Reading through the feedback made me realize that there are still stories to tell and gameplay to explore within the \u201cCRY\u201d series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I am a fan of the series myself, and I wanted to tell even deeper stories about girls who have to confront their own pain and desires while shedding tears. And I didn\u2019t want the series to end, I wanted it to continue in a new form if possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, instead of simply repeating what we\u2019ve done in past titles, I wanted to incorporate themes and gameplay that would be unique to this title. So, while honoring the spirit of the \u201cCRY\u201d series, I wanted to create a title that would serve as the new entry point, which is how the CRYMELIGHT project came about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Why did you choose Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland as the motif for CRYMELIGHT?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong>

From the very start, CRYMELIGHT was developed as a story-driven title.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like I\u2019ve mentioned, Crystar and CRYMACHINA were highly praised for their story, characters and worldbuilding, so our primary goal for CRYMELIGHT was also to create a title that tells a compelling story.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland was chosen as the game\u2019s theme very early in development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A major reason for this was \u201cAlice\u201d herself. To me, Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland is a story about a pure, innocent girl who gets lost within a strange world she can\u2019t understand. That kind of structure was a perfect fit for the story of CRYMELIGHT\u2019s Alice, who has lost her memories, and has to confront her own sins and the truth of the world while wandering through Wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Therefore, we told our scenario writer Naoki Hisaya that we wanted to create a game inspired by Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, he wrote the story, and we built the game\u2019s mechanics on top of it. So, I believe this title began with the story and worldbuilding, upon which we layered the roguelite action elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u2014Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland has inspired many games. What would you say makes CRYMELIGHT\u2019s take on the theme unique?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Isobe:<\/strong>
I think what sets CRYMELIGHT apart from other works is how it layers the girl\u2019s real emotions and sins onto the cute and fantastical world of Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Judging just by appearance, \u201cWonderland\u201d as a setting is a cute, fantastical and mysterious world. However, the girls within it are not just character archetypes. Each of them carry their own sins, regrets, and feelings they could never share with anyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They made mistakes because they cared for someone, they hurt people because they wanted to save them, and their love and desires grew twisted. I think the depictions of such human emotions are what makes CRYMELIGHT unique.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While the game is inspired by Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland, it doesn\u2019t simply depict a cute and strange world, but also depicts the depths of pain and twisted feelings lurking beneath its surface. I believe that\u2019s what sets it apart from other Alice-themed works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In terms of visuals, we\u2019ve also been very conscious of this philosophy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, Cheshire is visually very fantasy-like, resembling the actual Cheshire Cat from Alice\u2019s Adventures in Wonderland. However, if you look closely, there\u2019s something resembling a blood transfusion bag coming outside of her pocket, with a tube running from it as if she is receiving a blood transfusion. This design reflects her past of being admitted to a hospital while she was still alive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At first glance, she\u2019s cute. But if you look closely, you\u2019ll be able to sense her past and the pain she\u2019s burdened with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I think the fact that both the \u201ccuteness\u201d and the \u201cpain\u201d are shown at the same time on the screen is something unique to CRYMELIGHT, and something I personally particularly paid attention to when creating the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u22f1 \u30c1\u30a7\u30b7\u30e3 (cv\u9996\u85e4\u5fd7\u5948)\ud83e\udd40\u22f0

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\u30ef\u30f3\u30c0\u30fc\u30e9\u30f3\u30c9\u306b\u3066\u884c\u308f\u308c\u308b\u30b3\u30ed\u30b7\u30a2\u30a4\u306e\u53c2\u52a0\u8005\u306e\u4e00\u4eba\u3002

\u300c\u3082\u3046\u4e00\u5ea6\u30c8\u30e2\u30c0\u30c1\u306b\u4f1a\u3044\u305f\u3044\u300d\u3068\u3044\u3046\u9858\u3044\u306e\u305f\u3081\u3001\u6226\u3044\u306b\u53c2\u52a0\u3059\u308b\u3002\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/erizGMpbOK<\/a><\/p>— \u30af\u30e9\u30a4\u30e0\u30e9\u30a4\u30c8\uff0fCRYMELIGHT \ud83d\udd1c\u3010TGS09-C63\u3011 (@_Project_Alice) April 29, 2026<\/a><\/blockquote>