The popular anime and manga series, The Apothecary Diaries, is set to receive a PC game adaptation titled The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother. The game will feature Maomao, the series' sharp-witted alchemist protagonist, as she investigates new conspiracies within the imperial court.
Published by Koei Tecmo, the game tasks players with uncovering the truth behind the "Five Mysteries and Five Curses," phenomena causing unrest in the palace, pleasure district, and the capital city. During her investigation, Maomao encounters a mysterious masked individual known as the "imperial younger brother." This investigation promises to reveal a secret that could destabilize the imperial court.
The gameplay is described as a blend of open-ended clue gathering and dialogue puzzles. Players will explore the Palace and the surrounding city, interviewing characters and collecting ingredients for Maomao's potions. The game will culminate in a deduction phase where players present evidence to support their claims.
The story concept is credited to the manga author, Hyuganatsu, suggesting a narrative closely aligned with the source material. The visual direction appears to draw inspiration from the anime adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries. The game is scheduled for release in early 2027.
The Apothecary Diaries, originally a novel series by Hyuganatsu, follows Maomao, a young alchemist working as a servant in the imperial palace. Her exceptional analytical skills and knowledge of poisons and medicine lead her to solve various court mysteries and intrigues, often under the notice of the charming court administrator Jinshi.