During the Nintendo Direct, Falcom announced the next entry in the Xanadu series, Kyoto Xanadu.
The protagonist Rei joins Hirasaka Academy, a school for gifted students, with the goal of conquering the labyrinth of Xanadu. Xanadu is believed to be the locale that gave rise to Another World, which invites monstrosities. Players can anticipate 2D exploration and 3D action combat.
Note that the following details are based on translations from the Japanese website and may not be 100% accurate:
The story begins in Kyoto, still the capital of Japan, 1,200 years after the capital’s relocation. It’s within this nightlife-filled entertainment district that the game’s protagonist, Rei Kamiya, makes his first escape.
Rei is introduced while fleeing through Kyoto’s streets after stealing a large sum of money from the criminal underworld. Cornered by pursuing yakuza, his escape is cut short when a mysterious otherworld suddenly manifests in the middle of the city.
Pulled into this abnormal space, Rei is attacked by creatures known as Greed. Then, a certain power awakens within him, manifesting as twin blades.
After winning the battle, he awakens inside a mansion, where he is brought before a masked woman who introduces herself as the head of the household. She already knows about the otherworld, the monsters, and the power Rei has awakened. She offers him a deal: transfer into Hirasaka Academy, a school that only those deemed “Qualified” can attend.
Kyoto Xanadu alternates between two main gameplay pillars. In the real world, players explore Kyoto, attend classes at Hirasaka Academy to strengthen abilities, and interact with characters through chat and deck-building systems tied to action cards used in daily activities.
The other half of the experience takes place inside the Labyrinth. Here, players explore dungeon floors using 2D and 3D action gameplay. Combat revolves around Soul-Devices, combining melee attacks, ranged strikes, and special abilities. Each floor introduces different gimmicks tied to Guardian attributes.
Kyoro Xanadu will be released for Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation, and PC via Steam in Summer 2026.
We will keep you all updated on further information.
Tokyo Xanadu is an action title originally developed for the PlayStation Vita. The game later received an enhanced PS4 edition called eX+, adding more story and gameplay content. The story further explores the other wielders besides the protagonist; new dungeons are available, and it’s possible to play as the White Shroud.
Check out our review.
AloJapan.com