Kigetsu no Yoru | Review, Rating & Is It a Masterpiece or Worst Game? [Switch]

Is Kogetsu no Yoru a masterpiece—or a total dud? Japanese time-leap survival horror ADV “Kogetsu no Yoru” is scheduled to release on January 29, 2026. An insular village in the early Showa era, deaths that repeat, and a tragedy you can’t escape. As a Nintendo Switch horror adventure, it has been drawing major attention even before launch. At the same time, there are also worried voices—is it too scary? and does it have enough content? In this article, based on official information, genre characteristics, and trends from past titles, we’ll thoroughly predict whether Kogetsu no Yoru will be a god-tier game or a trash-tier game. If you’re on the fence about buying it, or you love horror ADVs, be sure to read to the end.

What Is Kogetsu no Yoru?

Kogetsu no Yoru is a Japanese time-leap survival horror adventure game for Nintendo Switch scheduled to release on January 29, 2026. The story follows a high school student who wanders from the modern day into an isolated farming village in the early Showa era, and unravels the truth behind a mass murder case known as the “Thirty-Person Slaying.” Rather than relying solely on horror presentation, its biggest feature is a dense story experience built around death and a time loop.

A Japanese Horror ADV Set in an Early Showa Village

Kogetsu no Yoru is set in an early Showa-era Japanese rural village cut off from the outside world. Dim mountain paths, weathered houses, and a stagnant atmosphere—elements of Japanese-style horror that feel like a primal landscape for Japanese players are woven throughout. Unlike modern horror that leans on flashy jump scares, it mainly focuses on psychological dread that slowly closes in.

A Time-Leap System Where Death = Reset

The game’s defining trait is its time-leap element that rewinds the protagonist into the past upon death. Players use information gained through dying and the results of past choices to inch closer to the correct route. With this structure, it doesn’t end as a simple bad ending—even failure is built into the story.

Survival Elements and Story-Driven Game Design

Kogetsu no Yoru doesn’t push action to the forefront. It’s an adventure game that emphasizes exploration, choices, and conversations. Within limited actions and branching options, what information you obtain and who you trust can drastically change the story. That means even players who aren’t great with horror can still enjoy it as a story-theory ADV—a notable plus. Overall, Kogetsu no Yoru strongly appeals to fans of Japanese horror, time loops, and theory-driven storytelling. On the other hand, players seeking flashy spectacle or爽快 action may find it divisive. That uniqueness itself is likely why people argue whether it’ll be god-tier or trash-tier. ■ Links 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Kogetsu no Yoru 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Kogetsu no Yoru

Kogetsu no Yoru: Release Date, List Price, Platforms, Genre, and Publisher

Kogetsu no Yoru is rare for a Japanese horror ADV in that its basic details have been clearly revealed on the official site even before release. Here we整理 the key points—release date, price, platforms, genre, and publisher—that matter when deciding whether to buy.

Release Date and Sales Format

The official release date is Thursday, January 29, 2026. Releasing in winter is fitting for horror, and it feels like the perfect timing for a title you sit down with at night. It’s planned to support both a physical package version and a digital download version.

List Price and Value Assessment

The list price is 4,800 yen (5,280 yen incl. tax). It’s not full-price, but it’s also set higher than typical indie pricing—suggesting a focus on scenario volume and immersion. How dense the story experience is relative to the price will be a major factor in whether it earns “god-tier” status.

Platform: Nintendo Switch Only

The only supported platform is Nintendo Switch. It also supports Switch Lite, so handheld play is possible. Given the genre, the most immersive setup is likely TV mode in a dark room with headphones.

Genre and Publisher Info

The genre is time-leap survival horror adventure. Development and publishing are handled by Edia Co., Ltd., a company that has previously released story-focused titles. That makes it reasonable to期待 strong effort in text volume, worldbuilding, and character portrayal. From this information, Kogetsu no Yoru looks like a carefully made title aimed at core horror ADV fans. If you understand its price, platform, and genre before buying, it’s a game you’re less likely to feel disappointed by.

■ Links 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Kogetsu no Yoru 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Kogetsu no Yoru

The Good Points of Kogetsu no Yoru

The reason Kogetsu no Yoru has strong odds of being rated god-tier is that it isn’t “just scary”—it’s designed with the story experience itself at the center. Here are the strengths we can infer from pre-release information.

A Powerful Combo: Japanese Horror × Time Loop

The biggest draw is the fusion of Japanese horror and a time-leap concept. An early Showa village that evokes Japan’s rural roots, paired with an inescapable death loop, can create deep immersion both in fear and in theorycrafting. A structure where foreshadowing you can’t fully grasp on the first pass becomes clearer through death and repeated attempts is hugely appealing for story-first players.

High Expectations for Text and Worldbuilding

This is an ADV that creates fear through writing, dialogue, and pacing, rather than relying on flashy action or spectacle. Looking at Edia’s past tendencies, there’s some confidence to be had in scenario density. It’s the kind of title built to make players think and decode what’s going on.

Accessible Even if You’re Bad at Action

Because it’s centered on choices and exploration, there should be fewer moments where you get stuck due to操作 or reflex-based difficulty. Even if the horror is intense, the reduced “I failed because of controls” stress is a plus. It’s a strong design for beginners to horror ADVs who want to focus on the story. Taken together, for users who love Japanese horror, theory-driven ADVs, and heavy story, Kogetsu no Yoru has plenty of qualities that put it in “god-tier candidate” territory.

The Bad Points of Kogetsu no Yoru

While Kogetsu no Yoru has many appealing elements, it may also be a love-it-or-hate-it game due to its genre traits and design philosophy. Here are the key concerns we can anticipate based on pre-release info.

The Pacing Might Feel Slow

As a story-first adventure game, it’s likely structured around long stretches of reading. For players who want fast pacing or flashy moments, it may feel slow. Especially early on, where worldbuilding tends to dominate, those expecting immediate scares could feel a gap.

Not for Players Who Want Action

Even though it carries the “survival horror” label, the action elements seem restrained. If you’re expecting the thrill of combat or intense chase scenes, you may find it lacking. It’s important to understand this is primarily an ADV about “reading,” “choosing,” and “thinking.”

Concerns About Length and Repeat Play

Time-loop stories often assume multiple runs. That can mean seeing the same scenes repeatedly, bringing a risk of it feeling like busywork. How branching-rich it is—and how robust features like skipping or logs are—could heavily impact overall評価. So while Kogetsu no Yoru may not be for everyone, it could still be within acceptable range for players who understand the genre. Knowing what kind of gameplay it is beforehand is the best way to avoid labeling it trash-tier later.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kogetsu no Yoru

Kogetsu no Yoru has been highly anticipated, and a variety of questions and concerns have been circulating on social media and forums. Here are answers to the most common questions, based on what we know so far.

Can I play it if I’m bad with horror?

Kogetsu no Yoru is expected to be a Japanese horror ADV that emphasizes psychological unease and eeriness over startling shocks. That suggests it may be relatively approachable for people who dislike sudden loud sounds or jump scares. That said, the atmosphere and premise are heavy, so it won’t be “not scary at all.”

How long is the playtime to clear?

No official clear time has been announced. However, given the nature of a time-leap ADV, it’s likely designed around multiple playthroughs. Even if a single run is short, including full ending collection, it’s reasonable to expect 10+ hours.

Are the controls difficult?

Rather than demanding操作, this game is likely to hinge on decision-making and exploration. There should be fewer scenes requiring reflexes or complex inputs, making it a title that even ADV beginners can play with confidence.

Is there a multi-ending system?

Given the time-loop premise, it’s highly likely multiple endings are prepared. Different choices and actions branching the story—and reaching different endings as you approach the truth—is exactly what players would expect from this kind of structure. With those points in mind, Kogetsu no Yoru seems best suited for people who like horror ADVs and theory-driven stories. If you understand its特徴 beforehand, you’re more likely to have a satisfying experience.

Best Settings, Play Environment, and Accessories to Enjoy Kogetsu no Yoru

Kogetsu no Yoru is a Japanese horror ADV where評価 will hinge heavily on direction and immersion. With a few tweaks to your setup, you can significantly enhance the quality of the scares and the story experience. Here are recommended settings, environment tips, and accessories.

TV Mode + A Dark Room Is Ideal

This is a game where darkness and deliberate pacing matter. If possible, play in TV mode with the room darkened so you can focus on the screen. Handheld is fine too, but subtle background detail and shadows will likely feel more immersive on a big screen.

Headphones/Earbuds Are Basically Required

Environmental audio and tiny sounds are likely to be the core of the fear. So headphones or earbuds are almost essential. Being able to perceive direction and distance adds a layer of恐怖 and presence that you can’t get from visuals alone.

Check Control and Text Display Settings

If it becomes a long play, adjusting text speed and auto-advance settings early will matter. And if repeat play is expected, checking for read-text skipping and a log feature can reduce stress. With the right environment, Kogetsu no Yoru can become more than a game—it can turn into an experiential horror title. If you want to maximize immersion, keep these points in mind.

If You Like Kogetsu no Yoru, Don’t Miss These: Related Works & Recommended God-Tier Games

If Kogetsu no Yoru caught your interest, you’ll likely mesh well with Japanese horror, theory-heavy adventures, and loop-based narratives. Here are carefully selected real related works and recommended god-tier games for the audience Kogetsu no Yoru seems tailored for.

Recommended for Fans of Japanese Horror ADVs

NG and the Death Mark series are highly rated horror ADVs built around Japanese怪異 and urban legends. Their heavy text and branching choices overlap with Kogetsu no Yoru’s appeal. Strongly recommended for users who value psychological fear and story over flashy action.

Story-First Titles with Loop/Theory Appeal

Raging Loop is a classic ADV that masterfully combines an insular village society with a looping structure. Its design—stacking choices to get closer to the truth—offers an experience very close to Kogetsu no Yoru’s time-leap element.

God-Tier Picks for Those Who Want Atmosphere and Immersion

Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water is known for Japanese horror direction and a heavy story. While it has action elements, its strength in fear presentation and immersion overlaps with the audience likely to enjoy Kogetsu no Yoru. If you like these games, there’s a high chance Kogetsu no Yoru will hit for you. While waiting for release, playing these classics is also a good move.

■ Links 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for NG 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for NG 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Death Mark 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Death Mark 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Raging Loop 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Raging Loop 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Fatal Frame: Maiden of Black Water

Kogetsu no Yoru vs. Raging Loop: Which Should You Buy?

Because they share Japanese horror, an insular village society, and a theory-driven focus, Kogetsu no Yoru is often compared to the classic ADV Raging Loop. Here’s a clear breakdown of how they differ and who each game fits best.

Differences in Story and Themes

Kogetsu no Yoru centers on a mass murder case in an early Showa village, repeatedly looping through death and time to reach the truth. Raging Loop, meanwhile, focuses on suspicion and psychological warfare inspired by the Werewolf game. In terms of fear, Kogetsu no Yoru leans toward dark, creeping Japanese horror, while Raging Loop emphasizes tension through dialogue and choices.

Gameplay and Pacing Comparison

Raging Loop is known for fast pacing and highly praised systems that make repeat runs comfortable. Kogetsu no Yoru is expected to prioritize atmosphere, direction, and immersion, so its pacing may be more relaxed. If you want to move quickly through the story, choose Raging Loop; if you want to sink into fear and worldbuilding, Kogetsu no Yoru is likely the better fit.

Final Recommendation: Which Should You Buy?

If you haven’t played Raging Loop yet and want a highly polished theory-driven ADV, start there. If you’re drawn to Japanese horror, a Showa-retro worldview, and the unpredictability of a new IP, then Kogetsu no Yoru is a very strong option.

■ Links 🔗 Amazon: View Amazon search results for Raging Loop 🔗 Rakuten: View Rakuten search results for Raging Loop

Expectations and Worries From Social Media About Kogetsu no Yoru

Ahead of release, Kogetsu no Yoru has been quietly gaining attention among Japanese horror ADV fans, especially on X (formerly Twitter). Here, we summarize the overall trends in what people seem excited or worried about right now.

What People Are Excited About

The most common期待 is for the Japanese horror × time-loop premise. The early Showa village setting in particular gets positive reactions as something that feels atmosphere-forward. And because it’s a text-driven ADV, many are saying it looks like it’ll deliver a story worth theorizing over.

• The combo of Japanese horror and time looping seems like it’ll hit
• As a Raging Loop fan, I’m really interested
• If it’s atmosphere-focused, it feels like a god-tier candidate

What People Are Worried About

On the other side, concerns集中 around content volume and pacing. Given it’s an ADV, some worry about whether it offers enough value for the price, and others fear repeat runs may make it feel like work. There are also people unsure how scary it will actually be.

• If it requires too many loops, I’m worried I’ll get bored
• If it’s text-heavy, pacing might be an issue
• I can’t tell how scary it’s going to be

Overall, Kogetsu no Yoru seems to have higher期待 among users who understand the genre, while more casual players are cautious. Depending on post-launch reviews, it could quickly swing toward a god-tier reputation.

So, Is Kogetsu no Yoru God-Tier or Trash-Tier? (Conclusion)

Based on everything covered so far, we can give a holistic判断: is Kogetsu no Yoru god-tier, or is it trash-tier? It isn’t a game made for everyone, but for the right audience, it looks like a sharp, distinctive horror ADV with strong hooks.

Five Evaluation Parameters

Category	Score	Reason
Story	90 pts	Japanese horror and time looping fit extremely well, with a structure that sparks theorycrafting
Scare Direction	85 pts	Expected to prioritize psychological fear over flashy shocks
Controls	80 pts	ADV-focused design that’s approachable for most players
Content Volume	75 pts	Likely loop-based structure may split opinions
Originality	88 pts	A unique worldview: early Showa × isolated village × looping tragedy

Overall Score: 83/100 From this score, the conclusion is: Kogetsu no Yoru looks like a good game leaning toward god-tier. For fans of Japanese horror ADVs and theory-driven stories, it should absolutely be on the shortlist. On the other hand, for users who prioritize pace and爽快 feel, there’s a chance it could be labeled trash-tier.