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Update []:
It seems like ages since we last had an update on Navinosuke: The Yo-Kai Buster, Kohachi Studios' revival of a long-abandoned GBA title for Nintendo Switch.
Originally scheduled to release in 2026, things have admittedly been a bit quiet over the last nine months, leading us to wonder what exactly is going on with the title behind the scenes.
It seems, though, that the project is still on the way, according to its developers, with Kohachi Studios' leader Shinano Ishiguro issuing a statement that the game will now launch on Steam, in addition to Switch, thanks to a collaboration with the Japanese entertainment company Happinet Corporation.
Unfortunately, as Ishiguro goes on to elaborate, this is a bit of a good news, bad news situation, as the extra development on the Steam version, combined with providing added languages (including English) and other improvements for both versions, has extended the development period, pushing the release date back to 2027.
This isn't the only news Ishiguro shared as part of this long-overdue update, as the development studio's leader has also shared that the latest build of the game will be playable at Tokyo Game Show, which takes place this month, from September 17th (Thu) to September 21st (Mon) at the Makuhari Messe.
Here are some updated screenshots of the game, showing the English localisation:
Original Story []: Kohachi Studio - the company set up by ex-SNK and Irem developers back in 2023 — has announced it is working on another project, in addition to the upcoming run 'n gunner Black Finger Jet.
According to the announcement that has been picked up by Japanese publications like gamespark.jp, this new game will be called Yokai Buster: Navinosuke and is a recreation of a Game Boy Advance title that was in development 20 years ago by members of the studio, but was never officially released.
The Metal Slug & R-Type artist Akio Oyabu will lead the development of the title, which is being developed for Nintendo Switch and will reportedly launch in early 2026.
Here's the description of the game's story:
“YOKAI BUSTER: NAVINOSUKE” tells the tale of a fearless onmyoji who rises to protect the ancient land of Zipangu from the menace of evil yokai. Turn countless yokai into loyal Shikigami and face off against the forces of darkness!
Right now, some of the yokai that will be able to featured in the game are available to view on the official website, with Zenko (Kitsune), Gashadokuro, Tengu, and other familiar spirits and creatures being listed. Each of these has its own designated attribute, as well as a set of skills it can use in battle.
Judging from the screenshots, the combat in the game seems to be turn-based, with the exploration looking like it will be presented from a traditional top-down view.
The game will reportedly receive support for both English and Japanese upon release. A Japanese/English trailer is available to view below.