Release Date & Three Launch Editions!

13 Jan 2025Developer post

Source: Steam Community (opens in a new tab)

Pre-Orders on PS5 Begin Today!

Rice Games Inc is ecstatic to start 2025 with a huge announcement—Pre-orders for Shujinkou, a brand new JRPG IP and the first title in the Shujinkou Trilogy, start today on the PlayStation® Store (PS5) 13:00 PST / 16:00 EST / 21:00 UTC. Shujinkou comes in three different editions:

Base Edition - $59.99 (Americas) / €59.99 (Europe)
Deluxe Edition - $69.99 (Americas / €69.99 (Europe)
Super Deluxe Edition - $79.99 (Americas) / €79.99 (Europe)

Pre-Order Launch Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kFYUyVRKRY

The new launch trailer, which was released on PlayStation's official YouTube channel, introduces Shujinkou's three main characters (Shu, Jin, and Kou) and the game's core mechanics—the first half covers collecting Kanakae Orbs for usage in the turn-based combat system, enemy negotiations (Koushou), equipment forging, skills in battle (Arawasu), Kakusei, and general labyrinth exploration. Afterwards, an introduction to the 200 side-quests (Youkyuu), the six partners of the Fuu Lobby, and the Akagi Decoration functionality is featured. The last portion of the trailer covers exclusive content pre-ordering customers will be able to receive, as well as a brief introduction to the extra products included in the Shujinkou Deluxe Edition and Shujinkou Super Deluxe Edition.

Important: Near the end of the trailer, an * is applied to the line: "Become the main protagonist, and learn* one of the hardest languages in the world (Japanese) while you're at it": *Learning functionalities are implemented through a series of optional gameplay mechanics and systems. Shujinkou™ is not specifically a language-learning tool, and can be fully enjoyed as a traditional JRPG.
Shujinkou (主人公) means "main protagonist" or "hero" in Japanese.

Release Date Announced

Rice Games Inc is also excited to announce that Shujinkou is digitally releasing on PS5, PS4, and PC (Steam) on February 13th, 2025. All three editions are being released on all three platforms.
A port for Nintendo Switch is currently in development and more news is expected later in 2025.
Physical copies are under consideration and more news regarding that is expected later in 2025.

Brief summary of each of the products included in Shujinkou's different editions
Shujinkou ($59.99 / €59.99): This is the base game. Experience the first title in the Shujinkou Trilogy—an 80-hour story campaign with over 150 hours of gameplay content, featuring dozens of new friends and foes in the brand new IP.

Shujinkou Digital Artbook: 35 wide-pages filled with hundreds of sketches and designs featuring characters, enemies, UI, typography, labyrinth maps, and more.
Shujinkou Select Soundtrack: 22 selected songs (75 minutes) from the 158-track Shujinkou Original Soundtrack consolidated into its own unique music player.
Akuma Quests DLC (standalone: $8.99 / €8.99): Six brand new demon-inspired costumes and storylines with the Fuu Lobby partners! Enjoy new scenarios, enemies, illustrations, decorations, trophies, and more for 10-15 hours of gameplay. NOTE: Purchasing the Super Deluxe Edition allows you to obtain this DLC for 44% off.
Swimsuit Quests DLC (standalone: $8.99 / €8.99): Six brand new swimsuits and storylines with the Fuu Lobby partners! Enjoy new scenarios, enemies, illustrations, decorations, trophies, and more for 10-15 hours of gameplay. NOTE: Purchasing the Super Deluxe Edition allows you to obtain this DLC for 44% off.

Select Soundtrack - 11 minute preview trailer on YouTube

Watch on YouTube

Shujinkou's Key Features

Experience an 80-hour story—the campaign is primarily split into two major arcs.
Explore 16 handcrafted labyrinths, each filled with dozens of challenges.
Learn all hiragana, katakana, and hundreds of kanji through the Kanakae system.
Learn over 100 types of grammar corresponding from JLPT's N5 to N3 standards and listen to over 700 vocal lines each from native Japanese
Fight over 300 enemies with unique names using hiragana, katakana, and kanji.
Learn over 180 Arawasu skills for usage in battle, the field, and as bonuses.
Bond with six passionate partners and experience 42 story quests & 120 short events.
View over 80 special 4K illustrations throughout the main story and partner content.
Play six minigames that review various aspects of Japanese—there's fishing too!
Enjoy a seven-hour, 158-track soundtrack featuring over a dozen musical genres.

Game Review Keys for Shujinkou

Rice Games Inc is looking into sending game review copies later this month in time for Shujinkou's full release on February 13th 2025. If you would like to directly receive a review copy (we will be providing copies of the Super Deluxe Edition), please send an email to Rice Games Inc with the topic "Shujinkou Review Key Request for " where is set as PS5, PS4, or PC (Steam) to [email protected] - and a code will be supplied.

Shujinkou Demo is Currently Available

A demo is also currently available on Steam and PlayStation 5, featuring 15-20 hours of gameplay. Save data can be transfered to the full game only on the Steam version.

Age Ratings

ESRB Teen: Blood, Crude Humor, Language, Partial Nudity, Sexual Themes, Use of Drugs and Alcohol, Violence
PEGI 18: Use of Alcohol/Tobacco
USK 16: Alkohol, Drogen, Fantasy-Gewalt, Schreckmomente, Sexuelle Andeutungen
ACB M: Drug References, Mature Themes, Nudity, Sexual References, Violence