Gamescom, Europe's largest video game showcase, has delivered a memorable trailer for Nekcom Entertainment's upcoming single-player RPG, Showa American Story. The game presents an alternate history where Japan has culturally colonized the United States in the 1980s. Players will step into the shoes of Choko, resurrected to embark on a cross-country road trip across a Japan-influenced America, battling zombies, monsters, and various human survivors.
The trailer draws comparisons to the Yakuza series and Lollipop Chainsaw, featuring a blend of visceral combat, including sword fights, brawls, and encounters with hordes of enemies. The gameplay shown includes classic Yakuza-esque fighting mechanics, with moments of both crowd control and more intimate, brutal encounters. A particular side quest appears to involve scouting locations for "pink films," a nod to Japanese softcore pornography. Players can also engage in minigames like hopscotch and arcade shooters.
One of the standout elements highlighted is the use of the American flag as a melee weapon. It can be wielded for sweeping crowd control or used in a rocket-powered finisher. The trailer emphasizes that the flag should not touch the ground, adding a humorous and patriotic undertone to the combat.
Showa American Story also seems poised to satirize American culture. Voice-over lines from the President in the trailer ponder if the current era, characterized by high consumer prices and a lack of futuristic advancements, is the "dream" America once was. This commentary appears to be a core theme, exploring the cultural landscape of this altered 1980s United States.
This is not the first look at Showa American Story, with earlier trailers and announcements dating back to January 2022 and November 2024. The game is slated for release on PC and PlayStation 5 sometime in 2026, though a firm release date has not yet been established.