Iwakura Aria will be available worldwide in 2025, and features beautiful artwork and an emotional story about two girls. We tell you what the Japanese decision game is all about.
The worldwide release of the new visual novel Iwakura Aria has now been officially confirmed.
Developed by MAGES, the game is already available as a preview on Steam, offering a unique journey filled with choices, friendship, and love.
Iwakura Aria was initially released in Japan on June 27, 2024, and will see its global launch on Steam and Switch in 2025.
Immerse Yourself in 1960s Japan
The story centers on the enigmatic Iwakura Aria, the daughter of the rich Iwakura family.
The war has ended, and Japan is slowly recovering from its aftermath. Within this world, you step into the shoes of young Ichiko, an orphan hired as a maid by the Iwakuras.
As the narrative unfolds, you’ll form a deep bond with Aria and uncover secrets about her family, the mansion, and herself.
Players can make various choices to steer the story in their desired direction, exploring numerous narrative paths.
However, the journey isn’t easy. Every decision leads to one of nine possible endings, with significant consequences for Ichiko.
Depending on how you play, you might even leap 33 years into the future, witnessing the far-reaching impact of your choices.
Set against the gritty backdrop of industrial Japan in 1966, the story weaves an emotional drama of friendship, love, and intrigue as the two girls grow closer during a mysterious journey brimming with secrets.
Iwakura Aria combines the dark suspense of Heavy Rain with the rich character development and emotional depth of Life is Strange.
While Japanese stylistic elements are masterfully integrated, the game leans heavily on text and still images, distinguishing it from its more action-oriented French counterparts.
Moreover, the interactive elements of this visual novel focus on thoughtful decision-making in a dialogue-driven narrative rather than action or quick reactions.
A visually stunning experience
Visually, Iwakura Aria is breathtaking, featuring detailed and lovingly crafted oil paintings, watercolors, and pencil sketches.
Illustrator Hyakunen and graphic designer Fumi Nakada have done an outstanding job of capturing the story’s mood.
The latest trailer perfectly encapsulates the mansion's eerie atmosphere, along with the intricate designs of the characters and settings.
Experience the dark tension and hidden secrets of the Iwakura family for yourself:
The experience is further elevated by a high-quality Japanese voice cast, including Chie Nakamura and Toshiyuki Morikawa. An English dub is also planned for the 2025 release.
What do you think of the trailer and are you looking forward to the visual novel? Let us know in the comments!
