Japanese Archives

BetaBeacon

June 17, 2026

Kings Do Not Fall – Coming Soon to Android on Google Play !

Players take control of King Alden in the game "Kings Do Not Fall" as he fights through six levels against monsters like goblins, orcs, and the undead. The game features classic arcade-inspired visuals, fast-paced side-scrolling combat, and the ability to unlock achievements and compete on a leaderboard.

AppWizard

June 15, 2026

SNES Exclusive Trilogy Officially Getting New Re-Release This Month

A trilogy of SNES-exclusive titles will be released on PC via Steam on June 29, featuring Dokapon Kingdom IV: The Legendary Heroes, Dokapon 3-2-1: Arashi o Yobu Yuujou, and Dokapon Gaiden: Flame no Audition. This collection will only support the Japanese language and is the first time it will be available outside Japan. The games will include enhancements such as save/load functionality, a rewind feature, and adjustable game speeds. The Steam page does not currently provide a price or details on compatibility with the Steam Deck. Another SNES title, Soccer Kid, will launch on June 18.

Winsage

June 14, 2026

When Windows 7 Arrived in Japan, It Came Printed on Toilet Paper

On October 22, 2009, Japan launched Windows 7, accompanied by a unique promotional item: a roll of toilet paper featuring Windows 7 branding and details about its enhancements. This marketing strategy was similar to the previous promotion for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. The toilet paper included messages about Windows 7's speed, security, and compatibility improvements, with sections detailing faster startup times, enhanced memory management, a streamlined user interface, and security features like the Action Center and BitLocker To Go. Networking capabilities were improved with HomeGroup, and Windows Media Center expanded its functionality. The design of the promotional toilet paper allowed users to revisit key points easily, and some versions mimicked Windows software boxes. This initiative was driven by local retailers, reflecting Japan's trend of quirky promotions in the electronics retail sector.

AppWizard

June 14, 2026

FromSoftware boss Hidetaka Miyazaki references ‘yet to be announced’ games while commenting on controversy at parent company Kadokawa

Hidetaka Miyazaki, head of FromSoftware, indicated that several unannounced projects are in development. He expressed general satisfaction with the development environment provided by Kadokawa, FromSoftware's parent company, highlighting the studio's creative freedom. Meanwhile, Kadokawa is experiencing changes, as the hedge fund Oasis Management has acquired a majority stake and is advocating for significant changes, including the removal of the current CEO. Despite corporate turbulence, anticipation for FromSoftware's future projects remains high.

AppWizard

June 12, 2026

Retro Arcade Shop Simulator Brings the Neon 80s to PC

The Retro Arcade Shop Simulator, developed by Alt Tab Game, will debut on PC with a demo available on June 11. The full version is expected in 2026/2027, with a console release in 2027. The game allows players to build and manage their own retro arcade, featuring 28 types of entertainment options and interactive machines. The demo includes four progression levels, six types of attractions, and customization options for layout and decor. Players can manage a cafeteria and hire staff. The minimum system requirements for the PC demo include Windows 10 (64-bit), Intel Core i3-14100F or AMD Ryzen 5 5560U, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 or AMD Radeon RX 5600, and 8 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 11, 2026

Wash and Polish Rides! Car Wash Simulator Gets a PC Demo

A free demo of Car Wash Simulator is now available on PC, with the full version set to launch in 2026 for PC and later for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is developed by Majestic Twelve and published by Wildlands Interactive and Ultimate Games S.A. It features intricate car-cleaning mechanics, business management, and reputation-building strategies. Players can wash cars, upgrade equipment, and make strategic decisions that affect their reputation. The demo, available on Steam starting June 10, showcases key gameplay mechanics. The game supports multiple languages and is designed for a single player. Minimum system requirements for the demo include Windows 10 64-bit, Intel Core i5-7600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1600 CPU, 8 GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 6600 GPU, and 10 GB of available SSD space.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

We’re finally getting a Vanillaware game on PC – Muramasa: Revenant Blades, an expanded 4K edition of the gorgeous Japanese action RPG

Vanillaware is set to release an expanded 4K version of their 2009 hack-and-slash title, Muramasa: The Demon Blade, now titled Muramasa: Revenant Blades. This edition will include enhancements from the PS Vita port, Muramasa: Rebirth, and additional content from the Genroku Legends add-on, featuring a DLC where players take on the role of a farmer battling against his landlord. The game will offer a variety of fighting styles from its ensemble cast and is expected to include some racy content, such as hot spring bathing scenes and revealing outfits. The release is scheduled for next year.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

‘The curse of MIXED is broken:’ Suda51 & Swery65’s Hotel Barcelona claws its way to ‘Mostly Positive’ on Steam after Hail Mary patch and scrubbing AI assets

Hotel Barcelona has changed its user review status on Steam from "Mixed" to "Mostly Positive" following updates from developer White Owls Inc. that addressed concerns about the game's use of generative AI. The game features a collaboration between Japanese creators Goichi "Suda51" Suda and Hidetaka "Swery65" Suehiro. Players initially criticized the game for "trying too hard," especially after discovering AI-generated assets. CULT Games issued an apology for this. The positive shift in reviews is attributed to the "Under New Management" patch released in March, which included significant changes such as enemy balance adjustments and the addition of five free skins. Hotel Barcelona is available on Steam, with a demo for players to try the new balance changes.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Legendary JRPG studio’s 23-year shun of the PC has ended: the next Vanillaware game will come to Steam

Vanillaware has announced its latest project, Muramasa: Revenant Blades, during a recent Nintendo Direct. This action RPG is a revamped version of Muramasa: The Demon Blade, originally released in 2009 for the Wii, and will be available on Steam in 2027. The game aims to evoke nostalgia with a clean level structure, challenging boss encounters, and a melodic soundtrack. It will include the Genroku Legends expansion, new combat and weapon systems, enhanced visuals with 4K support, and additional gameplay modes.

AppWizard

June 10, 2026

Shueisha Games and poncle announce Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton for PS5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC

Publisher Shueisha Games, in collaboration with developer poncle, is set to release a multiplayer survival game titled Jujutsu Kaisen Rumble: Survivaton in 2026. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Switch 2, and PC via Steam. Players will engage in competition using characters from the Jujutsu Kaisen series, facing off against Cursed Spirits and other players, with the goal of being the last one standing. The game supports up to eight players online and includes a single-player mode. Players can earn points through battles, activate "Rule Additions" at 100 points, and participate in one-versus-one duels. There will be over 20 characters to choose from, each with unique skills, and players can unlock new fighters by meeting specific conditions. Special moves from the series can be used strategically, and players can level up in real-time during matches, adapting their skills and builds as they progress.