《連咒（れんず）》是日本一軟體（Nippon Ichi Software）於2025年8月28日發行的恐怖冒險遊戲，登陸PS5、PS4與Nintendo Switch平台。主打「純粹的恐怖」，故事圍繞主角九十九隼人展開，他是專門報導靈異現象的雜誌記者，某日因為追查一連串與詛咒訊息有關的失蹤案件，親自捲入神祕的靈異事件，並被不明詛咒纏身。將透過他的視角，深入墓園、廢屋、神社等陰森場景進行調查，運用手電筒與能拍攝靈異現象的手機App來記錄超自然現象，逐步揭開詛咒的真相。

遊戲中，每當特定時機出現怪聲、異象或詭異畫面時，使用手機拍攝功能記錄靈現身的一瞬。成功拍攝後將觸發名為「心靈動畫」的特殊幻象演出，提供關鍵線索與背景資料，幫助了解詛咒的根源與人物間的糾葛。調查過程將穿插多名具背景故事的NPC角色登場，如記者前輩早乙女陽花里、研究民俗學的學弟新田信一郎、墓園管理人海村武彥與尋找失蹤妻子的神祕男子大溝剛志。他們的存在不僅提供主線與支線任務，也進一步豐富整體劇情與世界觀。

操作系統上，採用第三人稱視角，並透過簡易的互動按鍵引導進行調查、拍照與事件觸發。儘管戰鬥成分幾乎為零，但緊張的氣氛與音效演出營造出一種壓迫式的恐怖體驗。玩家在行動時需注意環境細節與音訊提示，因為許多關鍵線索藏匿於微小變化或突如其來的異常中，這讓解謎與探索的步調格外緊張而細膩。

目前尚未有完整的市場評價。但根據首波試玩與宣傳回饋，多數玩家對其「拍照探靈」、「恐怖不靠Jump Scare」的設計表現出高度興趣。畫面風格延續日本一軟體一貫的厚重陰影與暗色調表現，並且在人設、音樂與劇情構成方面皆展現出成熟敘事能力。《連咒》吸引偏好日式恐怖、美術敘事與緩慢沉浸式劇情體驗的玩家群體。

“Renzu” – A Pure Horror Adventure Game from Nippon Ichi Software

"Renzu" (連咒) is a horror adventure game developed by Nippon Ichi Software, set to be released on August 28, 2025, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch. Promoted as a game of “pure horror,” it centers on Hayato Tsukumo, a magazine journalist specializing in paranormal phenomena. While investigating a series of disappearances linked to cursed messages, he becomes personally entangled in a mysterious supernatural incident and falls victim to an unknown curse.

Players will explore eerie locations such as graveyards, abandoned houses, and shrines through Tsukumo’s perspective. Equipped with a flashlight and a smartphone app capable of capturing supernatural events, players must record paranormal occurrences and gradually uncover the truth behind the curse.

Supernatural Photography and the “Spirit Animation” Mechanic

During specific moments in the game—when strange noises, apparitions, or eerie visuals appear—players can use the smartphone to capture the exact moment a spirit manifests. Successfully doing so will trigger a special visual sequence known as "Spirit Animation", which provides crucial clues and background information. These visions help piece together the origin of the curse and unravel the complex relationships between characters.

Immersive NPC Interactions and Narrative Depth

Throughout the investigation, players will encounter several key NPCs with rich backstories, including:

• Haruka Saotome, a senior journalist and mentor figure;
• Shinichiro Nitta, a junior colleague with a background in folklore studies;
• Takehiko Umimura, a graveyard caretaker;
• And Takeshi Omizo, a mysterious man searching for his missing wife.

These characters offer both main and side quests, enhancing the game’s narrative depth and expanding its supernatural world.

Gameplay and Atmosphere

The game is played from a third-person perspective, using simple interaction buttons for investigation, photography, and event triggers. Although it contains virtually no combat, the game builds an intense horror experience through oppressive atmosphere and immersive sound design. Players must pay close attention to environmental details and audio cues, as vital clues are often hidden in subtle changes or sudden anomalies. This results in a tense, meticulous pace that heightens both puzzle-solving and exploration.

Reception and Visual Style

There are no full reviews available yet, but initial impressions and promotional feedback indicate strong interest in the game’s core mechanics, particularly the “spirit photography” concept and its focus on psychological horror rather than jump scares. Visually, Renzu continues Nippon Ichi’s signature aesthetic of deep shadows and muted color palettes. Its character design, music, and storytelling showcase a refined narrative direction.

Renzu is expected to appeal to fans of Japanese horror, visual storytelling, and slow-paced, immersive narratives.