A haunting tale of necromancy, obsession, and the weight of history is about to unfold. Knight Case Files, a retro-inspired dark fantasy visual novel created by solo developer Hyokan Studios, is officially launching on Steam on November 27, 2025. With its deep storytelling, unique “bad ending” mechanic, and richly crafted world, this mystery-driven adventure is shaping up to be one of the year’s most intriguing indie releases.
A Dark Fantasy Mystery Rooted in History
Set in an alternate 19th-century kingdom, Knight Case Files follows Wilhelm, a rookie knight of the Phoenix Kingdom. What begins as a simple assignment quickly spirals into a supernatural investigation tied to necromantic rituals, ancient grudges, and the murky aftermath of a centuries-old war.
Hyokan Studios promises a visual novel that blends intricate narrative design with partial voice acting and atmospheric retro aesthetics—bringing its dark fantasy world to life with stunning depth.
Bad Endings That Reveal the Truth
One of the game’s standout features is its innovative approach to failure. In Knight Case Files, a wrong decision doesn’t simply end the game—it opens a window into the mastermind’s perspective, offering new insights that feed back into the main narrative.
These “bad endings” are essential pieces of the puzzle, spanning over 10,000 words of additional lore and uncoverable secrets. By studying these alternate futures, players can unlock the elusive “golden ending” and fully understand the characters’ motivations.
With four possible conclusions, every choice carries weight, and every failure becomes a new clue.
A World Forged by Fire and Immortality
The story takes place in a world shaped by two ancient bloodlines:
- The Phoenix Clan, blessed and cursed with resurrection every 500 years
- The Serpent Clan, who achieved immortality through forbidden alchemy and unethical experiments
Their violent history continues to echo through the kingdom, casting long shadows over the present events. This rich lore envelops the mystery at the heart of Knight Case Files, giving players a layered narrative filled with tension, tragedy, and the consequences of power.
A Cast With Depth and Dilemmas
Inspired by classic fairy tales, Knight Case Files showcases a diverse cast of characters whose motivations and histories slowly unravel as you progress. From a newly reborn immortal and the Phoenix enthralled by him, to a cunning gender-bending alchemist, to a cruelly curious girl discovering freedom for the first time—the game’s storytelling promises emotional nuance and evolving relationships.
Bonus tips, unlockable scenes, and expressive voice acting enrich each character, ensuring the world feels alive long after the credits roll.
A Solo Developer’s Passion Project
Behind the project is Shierin, the solo creative force at Hyokan Studios. Their meticulous world-building and dedication shape every line of dialogue, character expression, and plot twist. Knight Case Files stands as a testament to the potential of single-developer storytelling in the visual novel genre.
Game Details
Title: Knight Case Files
Genre: Dark Fantasy Visual Novel
Players: 1
Platform: Steam
Release Date: November 27, 2025
Price: ¥2,380 / $14.99 USD
Developer: Hyokan Studios
Publisher: Kaguya Project
Languages: English, Japanese
Steam Page: Knight Case Files on Steam
