Fear, despair, loss, anguish—and finally, hope.

The Demon Lurking in Osaka Castle – Episode 1 is a live-action horror visual novel set in a distorted version of Osaka Castle Park in Osaka, Japan.

Created independently by a game developer who previously worked as a director at a major Japanese game studio.

What begins as an ordinary night with a friend gradually turns into something impossible. As the familiar scenery of Osaka Castle Park begins to change, the two boys find themselves trapped in a place that looks familiar—but feels completely wrong.

This is a story about ordinary people caught in an extraordinary nightmare, trying to survive without losing their humor, their hope, or themselves.

EPISODIC FORMAT

This release contains the complete Episode 1 of The Demon Lurking in Osaka Castle.

Episode 1 concludes with a short preview of Episode 2.

Episode 2 is currently in development and is not included in this release.

GAME OVERVIEW

A high school student suddenly finds himself trapped in a distorted version of Osaka Castle Park.

Together with his friend, he searches for a way out while trying to understand what has happened to the park—and what kind of creatures may be lurking within it.

The game combines live-action footage, visual-novel storytelling, exploration, and player choices. Lighthearted conversations and everyday humor continue even as the situation becomes increasingly unsettling.

Episode 1 is the beginning of a larger story, following ordinary people who have no special powers, no weapons, and no idea what awaits them next.

FEATURES

• A live-action horror visual novel set in Osaka, Japan

• Real footage filmed on location in Osaka Castle Park

• A mixture of horror, supernatural mystery, and lighthearted character banter

• Player choices and branching story elements

• An ordinary protagonist with no special powers

• Approximately 30 minutes of gameplay in Episode 1

OSAKA CASTLE PARK, JAPAN

The Osaka Castle Park footage used in the game was filmed on location in the real Osaka Castle Park in Osaka, Japan.

Rather than recreating the location with 3D graphics, the game uses real footage to place its supernatural horror story inside a familiar, everyday environment.

For players who have visited Osaka, some locations may feel surprisingly familiar. For those who have never been to Japan, the game offers a glimpse of what it feels like to walk through Osaka Castle Park—before things begin to go terribly wrong.

The contrast between a real tourist destination and the unnatural events unfolding within it is an important part of the game's atmosphere.

DEVELOPER'S NOTE

This is a small, independently developed horror game that combines live-action footage, visual-novel storytelling, casual conversation, and supernatural horror.

Rather than keeping the story relentlessly dark, the characters continue joking, arguing, and talking like ordinary people even as their situation becomes increasingly terrifying.

The result is intentionally a little unusual. I hope you enjoy its distinctly Japanese setting, strange atmosphere, and the mystery surrounding Osaka Castle.

CONTROLS

• Advance text / confirm selections: Left-click, Enter, or Space

• Move the cursor: Mouse or touchpad

• Open the menu: Click the menu icon in the bottom-right corner

VIDEO & LIVE STREAMING GUIDELINES

You are free to upload videos or livestream any content included in the demo version of the game. Monetization through official features on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch is also permitted.

For the full version of the game, videos and livestreams are permitted only up to the end of the prologue. Please do not share or stream any story content beyond that point.

Please also avoid using major spoilers, including important story developments or endings, in video titles or thumbnails.

Original English Translation: Morgan Blake