Today, KOEI TECMO America and developer Gust in collaboration with TOHO Co, Ltd., announced The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will be releasing March 18, 2027. In the first-ever console game adaptation of the popular franchise The Apothecary Diaries, fans will meet new characters and have the chance to play as Jinshi and Maomao (Cat) as they delve deeper into the new exclusive story that awaits them. The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is currently in development for the Nintendo Switch™ 2, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, and PC via Steam®.
In The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, players follow Maomao as they attempt to unravel the secrets of the Five Mysteries and solve the Five Curses. As the story unfolds, Maomao will encounter a familiar cast of characters alongside brand-new faces, conceived by series author Hyuganatsu, including 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, targeted by baseless accusations and unable to defend himself effectively. In addition, Maomao will interact with characters by fulfilling quests and delivering requested items, such as medicine, which will increase her trust with each character, unlocking special side stories for fans to enjoy and discover more about their favorite characters.
Whilst players will mainly play as Maomao, they will also be able to sometimes explore the rear palace as Jinshi and Maomao (Cat), allowing them to obtain information that is inaccessible to human Maomao. For example, by taking control of Jinshi, players can use his position within the rear palace to obtain statements from people who would not speak to Maomao, whilst Maomao (Cat) can reach high places to find clues, eavesdrop on conversations, and retrieve pieces of evidence.
As the story unfolds, players will also be able to play as the Quack Doctor, and Luomen whilst concocting medicines, thereby affecting the difficulty of the associated mini-games. Finally, if fans fulfill certain conditions in each chapter, they will unlock Completion Stamps which, once all have been unlocked, will reward them with special illustrations.
Everyone who purchases a physical or digital copy of the game before March 31, 2027 will receive the “Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack” as an early purchase bonus. Please note that the content of the early purchase bonus is also included with the pre-order bonus (digital version only).
In addition to the standard edition, fans can pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition which features the base game, a Formal costume pack for Maomao and Jinshi, a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and a Fashion accessory pack for Maomao (Cat).
Everyone who pre-orders a digital copy of the game by March 17, 2027 will receive the “Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack” as a digital pre-order bonus. Please note that the content of the early purchase bonus is also included with the pre-order bonus.
For more information on The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, be sure to visit the official site, subscribe to the official KOEI TECMO America YouTube channel, like us on Facebook, and follow us on X, Instagram, and Discord.
