Kemuri Reveals Yokai Hunting Gameplay With Unique Apparel System
UNSEEN, the international studio led by acclaimed developer Nakamura Ikumi — known for her work on The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo — has officially unveiled its debut title Kemuri. The action game was revealed with new gameplay details showcasing a distinctive concept that blends Japanese folklore with modern anime aesthetics. Players take on the role of a yokai hunter in a unique urban fantasy setting. The announcement has drawn considerable attention due to Nakamura’s creative vision and the studio’s ambition to merge traditional Japanese cultural elements with contemporary design and gameplay.
Kemuri’s core gameplay loop has been described as a search, fight, extract, and upgrade cycle, drawing comparisons to the popular anime Jujutsu Kaisen. Players use a unique hand gesture called the Fox Window to peer into the spirit world and locate hidden yokai. After defeating these supernatural creatures, players can equip them as Apparel — wearable abilities that dramatically transform the character’s appearance and combat style. This system ensures that each hunt feels distinct and offers meaningful progression as players collect and experiment with different yokai abilities.
The game is set in Kemuri City, described as the metropolis closest to the underworld. In this setting, the boundary between the living world and the spirit realm has blurred, making supernatural encounters an everyday occurrence. The vertical city is designed for fluid traversal, offering a parkour experience reminiscent of Spider-Man. Players will be able to run across rooftops and leap between buildings, adding a dynamic movement layer to the yokai hunting gameplay that emphasizes both speed and vertical exploration.
Kemuri is currently slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5 and PC platforms. The game will support both single-player campaign progression and online co-op for up to three players. This flexibility allows players to tackle the urban folklore alone or team up with friends for a shared hunting experience. With Nakamura Ikumi’s pedigree and the studio’s distinctive vision for blending Japanese folklore with modern action gaming, this is certainly a title worth keeping an eye on as development continues.
