Set in rural 1930s Japan, Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story is a third-person survival horror game that immerses players in a world filled with yokai and supernatural occurrences. The story follows Haruka, a young demon hunter in training, who embarks on a journey to rescue her teacher, Shiro, after he is transformed into a frog by a mysterious snake-like demon. As Haruka delves deeper into the haunted Azuma Manor, she confronts various spirits and uncovers dark secrets lurking within its walls.
Developed by Gudouan and published by Rainy Frog, Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story combines elements of classic survival horror with point-and-click adventure mechanics. Players navigate the manor’s eerie corridors, solve puzzles, and engage in combat using traditional weapons such as a naginata, magatama, and a mirror that releases a deadly aura. The game offers both “Origin” and “Modern” control modes, catering to players who appreciate tank controls and those preferring more contemporary schemes.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story is a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players control Haruka as she traverses the manor, encountering various yokai and supernatural entities. The point and click elements allow players to examine objects and interact with the environment to uncover hidden items and clues. Combat is strategic, requiring players to manage resources and choose the appropriate weapon to defeat different types of enemies. The game also features fixed camera angles, reminiscent of early survival horror titles, adding to the atmospheric tension.
Visuals & Style
The game’s visual style is inspired by the aesthetics of early PlayStation era survival horror games. The fixed camera angles and pre-rendered backgrounds create a nostalgic atmosphere, while the character models and animations reflect the limitations of the time. Despite these constraints, the game effectively captures the eerie ambiance of the manor, with detailed environments and haunting sound design that enhance the sense of dread and mystery.
Importance in Survival Horror History
Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story stands out as a modern homage to the classic survival horror genre. Its blend of traditional gameplay mechanics with a unique cultural setting offers a fresh perspective within the genre. The game’s dedication to recreating the feel of early survival horror titles, combined with its incorporation of Japanese folklore, provides players with an experience that is both familiar and novel.
Reception vs Historical Value
Upon release, Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story received mixed reviews. Critics praised its atmospheric design and nostalgic elements but noted issues with controls and pacing. Some reviewers appreciated the game’s attempt to merge survival horror with point and click adventure mechanics, while others felt that the execution was lacking. Despite these criticisms, the game has garnered a dedicated following among fans of the genre, who appreciate its unique approach and cultural setting.
Availability & Collectibility
Kwaidan: Azuma Manor Story is available on multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC. The game has been released in both standard and limited editions, with the latter featuring exclusive content such as art books and soundtracks. Its niche appeal and limited physical releases have made it a collector’s item for enthusiasts of survival horror games and Japanese folklore.
Get it on:
Nintendo: Kwaidan ～Azuma manor story～ for Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Official Site
Steam: Kwaidan ～Azuma manor story～ on Steam
PSN: Kwaidan ～Azuma manor story～
Trailer: