VR Manga Mystery ‘Tokyo Chronos’ Launches on PSVR Today in the US

It’s been a year since Japanese studio MyDearest and LA-based studio Sekai Project successfully concluded their Kickstarter for Tokyo Chronos (2019), the VR mystery game told through the lens of a visual novel. Now, the studios are getting ready to launch the game on PSVR.

Tokyo Chronos is slated to land today, August 26th, on the PlayStation Store exclusively for PSVR. The game first launched on the PSVR platform in Japan on August 22nd. As far as we can tell, no official release date has been set for the international version. We’ve reached out to Sekai Project for clarification and will update this once we know more.

The game, which was led by Kazuma Miki, a producer behind VR-centric anime series Sword Art Online (2012), previously launched on Quest, Go, and PC VR headsets back in March. The game has since garnered a ‘Very Positive’ user rating on Steam, and a near five star-rating on the RiftQuest, and Go platforms respectively.

The game is centered around eight childhood friends trapped inside a strangely deserted Shibuya, where time has mysteriously come to stand still. The message, “I am dead. Who killed me?” appears along with the ominous statement: “To kill, or not to kill ─ YOU decide.”

Tokyo Chronos boasts 5,000 lines of voice-acted dialogue in Japanese to go along with English subtitles, making it ether an exercise in reading the visual novel or brushing up on your Japanese skills: something the ‘subs-over-dubs’ anime contingency should be just fine with. There are multiple pathways through the game, and multiple endings as well, the studios say.

At the time of this writing, there’s currently no pricing available for the US PlayStation Store version, although the Mexican store quotes a $50 US price tag. We should know more when Sony flips the switch later today.

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Tokyo Chronos’ Latest Trailer Features Protagonist Kyosuke Sakurai

Here at VRFocus, we’re big fans of all the weird and wonderful content that comes from Japan. Over the last year, one project that has kept our interest is MyDearest Inc.’s virtual reality (VR) mystery novel, Tokyo Chronos. First teased in the Spring, the studio then went on to launch a successful Kickstarter campaign in the summer, managing to raise over $90,000 USD. Now, as the launch approaches the team has released a new trailer showcasing the adventure’s protagonist, Kyosuke Sakurai.

Via the official Tokyo Chronos website the official overview of Kyosuke Sakurai reads:

  • “Protagonist. 16 year-old attending high school in Shibuya. When he wakes up, he finds himself in the “Chronos World”, an empty, deserted Shibuya where time has frozeHas a peaceful and caring personality. While the others become suspicious of one another, he tries his best to trust them. Back in his elementary school days, it seems that he was the leader of the 8 childhood friends, but…”

If you’ve been following VRFocus’ coverage of Tokyo Chronos you’ll know that the title doesn’t look like your average VR experience. It involves an eerie story where time has stopped and eight students suddenly wake up in the “Chronos World”, set in Shibuya, an empty, deserted district of Tokyo, Japan. As the story progresses each one seems to go missing, with players needing to solve the mystery of the “Chronos World” and hopefully find a way to save everyone if possible.

Tokyo Chronos

Tokyo Chronos is scheduled to launch on 20th March 2019 via Steam for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive users, with PC users now able to download a demo of the experience. MyDearest Inc. has also confirmed that the full title will be available for Oculus Go the same day, while PlayStation VR owners will have to wait until July.

MyDearest Inc. is working with Los Angeles based publisher and developer Sekai Project to bring Tokyo Chronos to a worldwide audience. VRFocus will continue its coverage of Tokyo Chronos, reporting back with any further updates or announcements.

Tokyo Chronos Free Demo now Available on Steam for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive

Japanese developer MyDearest Inc. held a successful Kickstarter campaign for its virtual reality (VR) novel Tokyo Chronos last summer, managing to raise over $90,000 USD from 970 backers. Now the studio has launched a Steam page for the title and with it a free demo for Oculus Rift and HTC Vive owners.

Tokyo Chronos

Tokyo Chronos is scheduled to launch on 20th March 2019, with PC users now able to download a teasing preview of the mystery novel experience – the full title will also support PlayStation VR and Oculus Go.

“This is an adventure game where the player truly gets transported to a brand new world, and will become infatuated with the numerous characters, plot twists and mysterious to solve throughout the game,” MyDearest Inc. explains. “With a world class staff and voice acting talent, this will be as close to living in an animation that you’ll get! We always strive to bring the greatest gaming entertainment from Japan to the world for all to enjoy.”

Featuring eight characters, Tokyo Chronos mixes VR entertainment with comic book aesthetics. The protagonist in the story is a 16-year old high school student called Kyosuke Sakurai. Sakurai and the other students suddenly wake up in the “Chronos World”, set in Shibuya, an empty, deserted district of Tokyo, Japan, where time has frozen. As events progress each of them disappears one by one, with the synopsis stating: “I am dead. Who killed me?”

Tokyo Chronos still

MyDearest Inc. is working with Los Angeles based publisher and developer Sekai Project who specialise in the localization of Japanese media and entertainment. Tokyo Chronos is being created by a veteran team of industry professionals including producer Kazuma Miki (Sword Art Online), scenario writer Kou Segawa, director Haruki Kashiwakura and character designer LAM.  The studio’s previous titles include Innocent Forest, another interactive VR novel.

Should any further details be released ahead of next month’s launch, VRFocus will let you know.

2nd Trailer Released for VR Visual Novel Tokyo Chronos

Having completed a successful Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for its virtual reality (VR) mystery novel Tokyo Chronos,  developer MyDearest Inc. has now released the second trailer for the project.

Tokyo Chronos

A mostly cinematic trailer showcasing all eight characters, there is a small sampling of what looks like in-game content with several of them conversing with the player.

In addition to the trailer, MyDearest Inc. has confirmed that the opening song for Tokyo Chronos, Unlimited’ is sung by vocalist Eir Aoi who’s famous for her work on songs from Sword Art Online, Fate/Zero and more.

After an initial teaser image was released in May, the studio launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise $75,000 USD to fund the creation of Tokyo Chronos. Managing to achieve $90,625 by the end the team have given a rough estimate that game keys will be sent out during February 2019.

Tokyo Chronos still

Tokyo, Japan-based MyDearest Inc. are specialists in VR entertainment, having released several titles including Innocent Forest, an interactive VR novel. The project is being developed by a veteran team of industry professionals which includes Sword Art Online producer Kazuma Miki.

Tokyo Chronos will feature eight characters who suddenly wake up in the “Chronos World”, an empty, deserted Shibuya where time has frozen. The protagonist in the story is a 16-year old high school student called Kyosuke Sakurai. As events progress each of them disappears one by one, with the synopsis stating: “I am dead. Who killed me?”

The title will support PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go and HTC Vive when it arrives. As VRFocus learns more about Tokyo Chronos we’ll let you know.

VR Visual Novel Tokyo Chronos Gets Funded On Kickstarter

The upcoming virtual reality (VR) visual novel title Tokyo Chronos has been successfully funded on Kickstarter. The title was asking for support to help raise $75,000 (USD) in funds in order to help bring the title to life. Now with the Kickstarter finished, the campaign has been able to raise over $90,000 from 970 backers.

Tokyo Chronos

Tokyo Chronos was first announced earlier this year back in May and the Kickstarter launched back in July. Since its reveal, the VR visual novel has gotten a lot of attention thanks to its unique visual style and premise. Tokyo Chronos is described as being a ‘VR Mystery adventure’ that involves a story where time has stopped and eight friends are now trapped inside. As each one seems to go missing over the course of the title, the player will need to uncover the mystery of what is happening and work to save the eight characters within the title.

With the Kickstarter campaign complete, the team behind Tokyo Chronos will not begin preparations for setting up the BackerKit to allow for the management and receiving of the physical goods that were promised to backers. The BackerKit will also allow backers a means to add items to their existing pledges to further their rewards and support of the title. This also includes the digital download keys for Tokyo Chronos once the title is released.

Tokyo Chronos

Tokyo Chronos is being created by a veteran team of industry professionals including producer  Kazuma Miki, scenario writer Kou Segawa, director Haruki Kashiwakura and character designer LAM. The title is being published by Sekai Project and has Tokyo Otaku Mode Inc as the promotion partner. The team have worked on several well-known properties such as Sword Art Online and CLANNAD.

Tokyo Chronos is planned to support the Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR and recently also announced support for Oculus Go. Now that the Kickstarter has ended the development team will be able to leverage the raised funds to help with the rest of the development and promotional process. VRFocus will be sure to bring you all the latest on the title moving forward so stay tuned for future updates.

Oculus Go Support Confirmed for Tokyo Chronos

Last week, Japanese virtual reality (VR) developer MyDearest and LA-based Sekai Project launched a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign for a virtual reality (VR) novel videogame called Tokyo Chronos. Being made for PlayStation VR, Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, the development team have now confirmed support for Oculus Go.

In an update on the campaign page Sekai Project state:

“Just wanted to update everyone on the campaign. After discussing with the developers, we’ve decided to also add Oculus Go digital download keys to the campaign!

“At the $30 tier up to the $75 tier, you will be able to choose between Steam, PSVR and now Oculus Go. At the $80 tier and above you will be able to get all three! Or if you wanted 2 Steam keys and 1 Oculus Go key. Technically you can choose there [sic] as well so we won’t stop you. Go crazy and get 3 Oculus Go keys!

“Since the campaign is already under way, we can’t alter the reward tiers to include Oculus Go, but we’ve marked each reward image to reflect the update so do not worry if you don’t see Oculus Go mentioned when you pledge to an eligible tier.”

Tokyo Chronos

The Tokyo Chronos campaign is looking to raise $75,000 USD by 20th August with the current amount sitting on $31,243.

Being created by a veteran team of industry professionals which includes Sword Art Online producer Kazuma Miki, Tokyo Chronos will feature eight characters (five of which have been revealed) who suddenly wake up in the “Chronos World”, an empty, deserted Shibuya where time has frozen. While four characters were unveiled at the start of the campaign the fifth is  Sai Kamiya (voiced by Romi Park).

As the campaign continues and Sekai Project reveal further characters and progress updates, VRFocus will keep you posted.

VR Mystery Novel Tokyo Chronos Beings Kickstarter Campaign

After a teasing reveal back in May, Japanese virtual reality (VR) developer MyDearest and LA-based Sekai Project have begun detailing more about their upcoming project Tokyo Chronos. That started last month with an appearance during the  Anime Expo 2018, and now today with the teams launching a Kickstarter crowd-funding campaign. 

Tokyo Chronos

Being developed by a veteran team of industry professionals which includes Sword Art Online producer Kazuma Miki, Tokyo Chronos has been described as a VR mystery novel focused on immersion and storytelling, where the suspense and drama are told via a mix of visual animation and new comic book style user interface (UI).

There’s still no solid synopsis of the entire story just yet. The protagonist in the story is a 16-year old high school student called Kyosuke Sakurai. One day he wakes up in the “Chronos World”, an empty, deserted Shibuya where time has frozen. Previous details have mentioned eight friends who become trapped in this world where no one else exists, and where one person disappears at a time.

Currently, a total of four characters have been revealed. Apart from Sakurai there’s Karen Nikaido, described as “A quiet and mysterious girl. Calm but strong-willed.” Then there’s Yu Momono, “A girl with a simple and innocent personality. Has known Sakurai for the longest.” And lastly Yuria Togoku, a genius physicist who carries round a stuffed animal named Patty.

Tokyo Chronos

Looking to support Oculus Rift, HTC Vive and PlayStation VR, the funding campaign for Tokyo Chronos aims to raise $75,000 USD. Funding tiers begin at $30 for an early bird discount off of a Steam or PlayStation VR key. Once finished, the standard tier will be $40 for a key. Prefer a physical copy? Then you’ll have to stump up $60 for the privilege (PC only). Or for those with the means – and dedication to see the project funded – there’s always the Ultimate Package for $2,499. This gets you the videogame, books, soundtrack, signed stuff, development swag and even a vinyl.

Check out the Kickstarter for more info, and both the videos below. For further updates during the campaign, keep reading VRFocus.

VR Manga Game ‘TOKYO CHRONOS’ Kickstarter Successfully Funded

Japanese VR studio MyDearest and Los Angeles-based Sekai Project launched a Kickstarter campaign last month to fund the development of a new VR manga game. Dubbed TOKYO CHRONOS, the VR visual novel game is now one step closer to coming to users of HTC Vive, Oculus Rift, PSVR, and Oculus Go.

Update (August 22nd, 2018):  Tokyo Chronos has blasted past their $75,000 funding goal, with $90,625 in total. The campaign reached their funding goal only last week.

The article detailing the Kickstarter follows below:

Original Article (July 10th, 2018): Lead by Kazuma Miki, a producer behind VR-centric anime series Sword Art Online (2012), TOKYO CHRONOS is said to offer users a VR visual novel mystery adventure that blends visual animation with a comic book-style UI.

The story follows 16 year-old protagonist Kyosuke Sakurai (voiced by Yuto Uemura); one day Kyosuke finds himself in the “Chronos World”, a deserted Shibuya frozen in time.

Image courtesy MyDearest Inc, Sekai Project

According to press release obtained by Anime News Networkthe narrative involves “8 childhood friends separated from the reality of this world, and trapped in an empty Shibuya, barren of any other souls.”

The statement continues:

“As time and space seemingly comes to a halt, the eight begin to disappear, one by one. What has happened to this world? What is happening to the ones trapped inside this hollow void? Who is the culprit that set the mystery in motion in a space that stands still.”

TOKYO CHRONOS’ director Haruki Kashiwakura previously created 3D graphics for anime such as Rakuen Tsuihō – Expelled from Paradise (2015)Mobile Suit Gundam AGE (2011), and Blassreiter (2005).

MyDearest is a Tokyo-based VR developer specializing in adventure games. Established in 2016, the company has already released several titles including the interactive manga Innocent Forest (2017) and Innocent Forest 2 (2017) for Oculus Rift and mobile VR platforms Oculus Go and Gear VR.

The creators are targeting a funding goal of $75,000, and are estimating a February 2019 delivery date of digital keys. The lowest ‘Early Bird’ funding tier of $30 gives users access to either a Steam code (Rift, Vive) or PSN code (PSVR).

You can check out the Kickstarter here.

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Between The Virtual And Reality, Project LUX’s PlayStation VR Trailer Asks What The Truth Is

2018 is looking pretty rosy for virtual reality (VR) fans and especially so if you’re an owner of a PlayStation VR. Earlier this month at Playstation Experience 2017 (PSX) the Sony made headset popped up several times with new updates and announcements. And there’s already a growing number of videogames for PlayStation VR owners to look forward to.

Those include previously PC based first-person shooter (FPS) Killing Floor: Incursion, also adding PSVR to its supported headsets is Owlchemy Labs’ madcap team-up with Adult Swim Games, Rick And Morty: Virtual Rick-ality. Both underwater adventure Jupiter & Mars and First Contact Entertainment’s tactical FPS Firewall Zero Hour were revealed at PSX along with the confirmation that Wipeout Omega Collection would be getting a VR update in 2018. Other titles to look forward to include Smash Hit Plunder, sci-fi dinosaur adventure Eden Tomorrow and even the delayed mousey adventures of Moss.

One other title making the leap to PlayStation VR is Spicy Tails’ Project LUX. Initially an Early Access release on Steam in March earlier this year, the visual novel designed specifically for the VR medium and published Sekai Project originally supported just the HTC Vive on PC. However, as we reported earlier this week, Project LUX is indeed also now coming to console VR thanks in part to the positive response from that initial release.

Set in a futuristic civilisation where humanity has effectively ‘upgraded’ themselves, the story follows an artist called Lux who is the apparent victim of an agent who works with ‘cyber artists’ like Lux in creating experiences for those with augmented brains. Experiences that can affect your very emotions. But what is the truth? Truth is in the eye of the beholder – so you’ll have to delve into the memories of both Lux and the defendant in order to find it.

In line with the PlayStation VR announcement there’s also a trailer for the title, which you can see below.

There are five episodes of Project LUX but at this current time how they will be released on PlayStation VR is not known. When we have any further updates regarding this, or the PC version currently on Steam, VRFocus will update you.

Project LUX Illuminating PlayStation VR in 2018

Virtual reality (VR) visual novel Project Lux made its PC debut back in March of this year as a HTC Vive exclusive title, via Steam Early Access. Following a positive reception, publisher Sekai Project has today confirmed that Project Lux will be heading to the PlayStation 4 console with full PlayStation VR support next year.

Project Lux screenshot

Project Lux tells the tale of in a court trial set in a futuristic world where most humans have cyberbrains. On trial is an agent who coordinates with artists to create data for cyberbrains which can interact with people’s emotions. The victim is a girl artist named Lux, and the jury has to investigate what really happened by reliving the memory data of the defendant. In Project Lux, the player witnesses the action from the perspective of the agent as he interacts with Lux throughout these memories, living through the recollection and witnessing firsthand the emotions of the defendant. However, the twist comes when the memory data of the agent is also revealed.

Spicy Tail’s Project Lux was designed as a new adventure specifically for VR head-mounted displays (HMDs), and as such is supported by a very strong narrative. The developer has described the videogame as ‘story-oriented’, opposed to the studio’s more ‘experience-orientated’ works.

Project Lux will include all five episodes on PlayStation VR, featuring the voice talents of Aimi Tanaka as Lux and Teruaki Ogawa as the agent and character designs of illustrator Luna Tsukigami. While the HTC Vive edition of the videogame currently remains in Steam Early Access, there’s no current word on whether Sekai Project intend on releasing episodes progressively on PlayStation VR, or offering all from launch.

Project Lux screenshot

It is also worth noting that the Steam edition of Project Lux includes English, Chinese and Japanese language support as standard. It’s likely that this variety of options will also make its way to the PlayStation VR edition of the videogame.

Further details, such as price and a specific release date, are also not currently available. VRFocus will keep you updated with all the latest details on Project Lux however, and other forthcoming VR titles from Spicy Tail and Sekai Project.