Maomao's first case as a video game lead finally has a shape. Koei Tecmo America and developer Gust have released a new gameplay trailer for The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, the first-ever console game adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries, showing investigation, ingredient gathering and evidence presentation in action. The footage moves between the rear palace, the pleasure district and the capital as Maomao pieces the cases together.
Watch the gameplay trailer here:
The game tells an exclusive new story supervised by series author Hyuganatsu. Players follow Maomao as she attempts to unravel the secrets of the Five Mysteries and solve the Five Curses, two chains of strange phenomena and conspiracies causing chaos across the rear palace, the pleasure district and the streets of the capital.
Along the way, Maomao will encounter a familiar cast of characters alongside brand-new faces conceived by Hyuganatsu. The newcomers include Yanxi, a high-ranking official in the rear palace's Bureau of Court Etiquette known for her accurate fortune-telling skills; Guanyu, a travelling actor; and Chenhan, a regular patron of the Verdigris House who has been targeted by baseless accusations and cannot defend himself effectively.
Maomao will also interact with characters by fulfilling quests and delivering requested items, such as medicine. Helping them increases her trust with each character, unlocking special side stories that reveal more about the cast.
While players will mainly play as Maomao, they will sometimes explore the rear palace as Jinshi and as Maomao (Cat), reaching information that human Maomao cannot. Playing as Jinshi lets players use his position within the rear palace to obtain statements from people who would not speak to Maomao.
Maomao (Cat), meanwhile, can reach high places to find clues, eavesdrop on conversations and retrieve pieces of evidence. Medicine-making sequences also hand control to the Quack Doctor and Luomen, and which character is chosen affects the difficulty of the mini-games.
Players who meet specific conditions in each chapter will earn Completion Stamps. Collecting every stamp unlocks a special illustration.
The game will be available in standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition bundles the base game with a Formal costume pack for Maomao and Jinshi, a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and a Fashion accessory pack for Maomao (Cat).
Anyone who pre-orders a digital copy by March 17 will receive the Apothecary's Tasteful Accessory Pack as a bonus. The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is in development at Gust, in collaboration with TOHO, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam, and launches on March 18, 2027.
Source: Koei Tecmo America
