Japanese indie developer Hyokan Studios has officially released Knight Case Files, a retro-inspired dark fantasy visual novel where players follow Wilhelm, a rookie knight in service of the Phoenix Kingdom, as he unravels and confronts a necromantic conspiracy. This intriguing story is brought to life with partial voice acting in Japanese and lush visuals.
Unlike most stories, reaching a bad ending does not signify failure, but instead gives players a glimpse into the perspective of the story’s mastermind. Using the information found behind the bad endings, you must put together what you learn to finally put a case coloured by the past and obsession to rest. Depending on your choices, there are four different endings to the case, with over 10,000 words to pore over.
Characters
- Wilhelm (VA: Jyugo Hayashi): A slightly detached modern young man. He’s constantly troubled by Licht, his unreasonable boss. He’s easily startled and afraid of things like ghosts. He mastered swordplay while testing swords against dead bodies, earning him the nickname Corpse Killer.
- Topherf (VA: Sekiri/Mimic=Wonderbox ): A genius alchemist who can switch between a feminine and masculine form as easily as changing clothes. Because they believe in the best of everyone, they don’t understand malice. Their genius makes it difficult to understand the perspectives of ordinary people, who can sometimes resent them for it. They owe Wilhelm a debt of gratitude and harbour affection for him, though he is unaware of this. They also hide many secrets that will come to light throughout this case.
- Schatten (VA: Takumi Saeki): A playboy with a penchant for blonds, regardless of gender. He died recently, but with the help of Licht was reborn as a Phoenix. He’s blessed with the ability to see the future, and by using his precognitive dreams he seeks to steer the future in the best possible direction. He cares about Licht, but as family. Licht, however, views him as a lover and is obsessed with Schatten’s blood.
- Licht (VA: Mituaki Aizawa): Wilhelm’s superior in the knighthood. He’s obsessed with battle and loves to fight to the death against worthy foes. He drinks blood as an expression of his love and affection. These obsessions have centred on the now-immortal Schatten, seeking his blood and a deadly embrace. The reason for his bloodthirsty nature comes to light in the case, when necromancy becomes involved.
- Margarethe (VA: Maria Noda): The daughter of the Duke of Dirk, presumed dead. Through forces unknown, she has shed her sick and feeble body and is reborn as a mobile doll. She sympathises with the one who gave her new life in this body, and so works to achieve the revenge they long for. She has the innocent cruelty of a child and the talent for intrigue of a true villain.
Knight Case Files is now available on Steam. Learn more the game via its official X account.
