What the hell, Nintendo?! You can’t just flash two seconds of a new Apothecary Diaries video game in my face and just move on like that’s not the most exciting game announced after Metroid Ravenous.
Despite that stunning lack of respect for one of the best anime series of the last five years, Koei Tecmo had the full trailer for The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother ready and waiting on YouTube:
Apothecary Diaries the series follows Mao Mao, a humble apothecary who is pressed into service as a poison taster in for the Imperial harem. Throughout the series, she uses her prolific pharmaceutical knowledge to solve various mysteries and murders most foul. Think House, MD if it was set in ancient Imperial China and Dr. House was a petit young woman with a fanatical obsession with poisoning herself…which I guess is just House’s typical workday. The Dr. Wilson in this metaphor is Master Jinshi, an imperial eunuch with a big, froggy secret who aids Mao Mao in her investigations while harboring an obvious crush. Damn, this really is House, MD.
The False Imperial Brother features an original story planned by the series’ creator, Hyuganatsu, in which Mao Mao and Jinshi tackle “The Five Mysteries of the Rear Palace.” It seems like the game will be an Ace Attorney-like, which is welcome news since Capcom still won’t share any updates on the next Phoenix Wright game. Mao Mao and Jinshi will investigate crime scenes, conduct interviews, and present their best guess of what happened only it’ll be in front of the emperor and not a judge. There’s also exploration, gathering, and crafting mechanics too.
Apothecary Diaries was the singular show that broke my long anime hiatus. It’s the only new show I watch regularly and I’m geeked that season three starts next month. Though the game isn’t coming out until early 2027 on PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Steam, I’m excited to spend more time in the imperial palace.