With video games, you always learn something new, like the meaning of the Japanese word Isekai. In the Land of the Rising Sun, this term refers to stories about people being transported to parallel worlds, often fantastical but sometimes dark and filled with horrors. A perfect example is Crimson Moon, described as an isekai survival horror RPG with a uniquely unsettling atmosphere that only Japanese works seem to master.
Developed by indie Spear Soft, this RPG puts You in the role of Ken, a high school student who is abruptly thrust into a nightmarish world under the glow of a crimson moon. Tasked with rescuing his sister, Ken must navigate perilous dungeons, uncover cryptic clues, and confront horrific aberrations in battles where every decision could mean life or death. The game’s exploration-heavy design ensures players are constantly on edge, scavenging for precious items while dodging lurking threats in the dark corners of the dungeon.
The combat in Crimson Moon employs a classic turn-based system with high-stakes decisions at its core. Players must weigh the risks of battling monsters for valuable resources versus fleeing and preserving their dwindling supplies. The unique Fear System adds a survival psychological layer, as an escalating “fear gauge” weakens characters when maxed, leaving them vulnerable unless mitigated with rare talismans or dungeon spring water.
As Ken progresses, the integration of nanomachines unlocks powerful skills fueled by energy that builds during combat, providing a critical edge in tough encounters. Crimson Moon is available now on PC via Steam. Below an overview, screens and trailer.
About This Game
Ken, a high school student, is suddenly swallowed into another world, and he decides to take desperate action to rescue his younger sister.
In this strange world illuminated by the red moon, a terrible tragedy unfolds….
A tense search and a battle to the death await you.
For those who love the survival horror of yesteryear, this is a gem of a game experience.
[Search]
This is the main element of the game.
Explore every nook and cranny of the dungeon to find clues that will lead you to the next step in order to open up the blood path.
Battles deplete your HP and weapons, so collect items in the dungeon.
However, the dungeon is filled with danger. ……
Terrifying aberrations roam the dungeon and you must overcome them.
Once you encounter an enemy, it is not easy to escape.
[Combat]
.
Combat is a turn-based battle system.
So you will be faced with the choice of defeating the enemy and obtaining items, or running away to save wear and tear.
Even if you choose to run away, it does not mean that you will be able to escape for sure. ……
Encountering enemies in this game is a big risk in itself.
[Fear System]
.
In the fear system, which is a distinctive system, there is a “fear gauge”.
When the fear gauge reaches its maximum, allies are put into a state of fear.
When this happens, defenses are greatly reduced for several turns,
The battle becomes overwhelmingly disadvantageous.
Before or after this happens, the fear must be eliminated.
To do this, you need an item called a “talisman.
The talisman can be used during or outside of battle and will completely eliminate the fear.
Fear can also be eliminated by using the “spring water” in the dungeon.
Note that the fear gauge is also raised when you encounter “terrible events” in the dungeon.
[Nanomachines]
.
As the game progresses, the protagonist obtains an ability called a nanomachine.
Once this ability is released, the protagonist will be able to use special skills in battle.
The use of skills consumes Energy.
Energy is zero at the beginning of the battle and increases with the passage of turns.
This ability will be most effective when dealing with tough enemies.
