《神椿市協奏中。》（KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE）是結合原創音樂、虛構世界觀與多角色敘事的節奏遊戲，由KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO與Studio Lalala合作開發，於2024年8月29日在Nintendo Switch、PS5、Steam、iOS與Android等多平台推出，Switch在2025年10月16日推出實體版，支援繁體中文、簡體中文、日文、英文與韓文等語言。不僅是音樂遊戲，更是關於「重建世界」與「音樂具現」的沉浸式體驗。

故事背景設定在未來虛構都市「神椿市」，這是一座因未知災變而陷入沉寂與破碎的城市。主角是五位少女AI角色，藉由其音樂與歌聲的力量逐步重建這座城市。每位角色皆擁有獨特的背景與情感主題，而劇情的推進仰賴玩家在節奏模式中的表現，城市恢復的程度則象徵著劇情的進展。隨著故事發展，將逐步揭開災難的真相，並與五位象徵神秘力量的「魔女」邂逅。

在遊戲玩法方面，採用多軌道節奏線設計，初期為四軌，隨著進程最多可達七軌。需根據音符節奏按下指定鍵位，並應對不同譜面的長音、連打與滑動等複合節奏操作，搭配動態背景MV與角色動畫，增添視覺與操作上的沉浸感。難度設有EASY至PRO四種級別，適合各類玩家挑戰。Steam與主機版本皆支援排行榜系統與倍速模式，提供競技與練習空間。

曲目方面，首發即收錄48首由KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO製作的原創歌曲與翻唱作品，包括《Devour the Past》、《Take you to an alien》、《Carnivorous Plant》等人氣單曲。遊戲上市後也將持續更新，並透過DLC與季票追加超過100首音樂，擴展整體遊戲壽命與收藏價值。

劇情模式設計為「音樂驅動式敘事」，每通過一首歌曲、提升城市復原進度，即可解鎖對應角色劇情。劇情以視覺小說形式呈現，配音與插圖均為原創，深化玩家與角色間的連結。故事圍繞「虛擬與真實」、「AI意識」、「歌聲的力量」等哲學主題展開，旨在引發玩家對未來科技與人文的反思。

從市場反應來看，在試玩與宣傳階段便獲得音遊與Vocaloid愛好者的熱烈關注。Steam上儘管評價尚未達一致好評，但許多玩家肯定其音樂品質與角色魅力，尤其是擁有強烈KAMITSUBAKI風格的藝術視覺與聲音設計。部分玩家指出，在移動平台上仍有操作反應與判定的精度需優化，但整體內容誠意十足，對粉絲來說極具收藏與支持意義。

總體而言，《神椿市協奏中。》不僅是KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO IP展開的關鍵作品，也是將音樂、敘事與藝術三者合而為一的創新節奏遊戲。它以高度原創的內容建立獨樹一幟的視覺與聲音宇宙，既適合想挑戰技巧的音遊玩家，也適合喜歡劇情與沉浸式世界觀的玩家深入體驗。這是不只是「玩的遊戲」，更是關於聲音與情感的協奏之旅。

KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE is a rhythm game that combines original music, a fictional world setting, and multi-character storytelling. Co-developed by KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO and Studio Lalala, it launched on August 29, 2024, across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PS5, Steam, iOS, and Android. A physical edition for the Nintendo Switch will be released on October 16, 2025. The game supports Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, English, and Korean. More than just a rhythm game, it offers an immersive experience centered on the themes of “rebuilding the world” and the manifestation of music.

The story is set in the futuristic, fictional city of Kamitsubaki City, a place that has fallen into silence and ruin due to an unknown catastrophe. The protagonists are five AI girls, each possessing the power of music and singing, which they use to gradually rebuild the city. Each character has a unique background and emotional theme, and the story progresses based on the player’s performance in rhythm gameplay. The level of the city’s restoration reflects the advancement of the narrative. As the story unfolds, players will gradually uncover the truth behind the disaster and encounter five mysterious “Witches” who represent enigmatic forces.

In terms of gameplay, the rhythm mechanics feature multi-lane tracks, starting with four lanes and expanding up to seven as the game progresses. Players must press designated keys in time with the rhythm, responding to various note types including holds, rapid taps, and slides. The game incorporates dynamic background MVs and character animations, enhancing visual immersion and gameplay engagement. Four difficulty levels are available—EASY to PRO—suitable for players of all skill levels. Both the Steam and console versions support leaderboards and speed modifiers, offering space for both competitive play and skill training.

The launch version includes 48 tracks, featuring original and cover songs produced by KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO, including popular titles such as “Devour the Past,” “Take you to an alien,” and “Carnivorous Plant.” After launch, the game will continue to receive updates, with over 100 additional tracks planned via DLCs and season passes, extending the game’s longevity and collection value.

The story mode is designed as “music-driven narrative”. Each song cleared and each milestone in the city’s restoration unlocks new character stories. These narratives are presented in a visual novel format, with original voice acting and illustrations, deepening the emotional bond between players and the characters. The story explores philosophical themes such as “the virtual and the real,” “AI consciousness,” and “the power of song,” aiming to provoke thought on the intersection of future technology and humanity.

From a market perspective, the game attracted strong interest from rhythm game and Vocaloid fans during its demo and promotional stages. While Steam reviews have not reached a consensus of universal praise, many players commend the music quality, character appeal, and the distinctive artistic and audio style characteristic of KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO. Some players have pointed out that the responsiveness and timing accuracy on mobile platforms still require optimization, but overall, the game is seen as a sincere and high-effort production with strong collection and support value for fans.

In conclusion, KAMITSUBAKI CITY ENSEMBLE is not only a key project in the development of the KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO IP, but also a pioneering rhythm game that unites music, narrative, and art. Through highly original content, it builds a unique visual and sonic universe, appealing both to players who enjoy skill-based rhythm challenges and to those who appreciate immersive stories and worldbuilding. More than just a game to play, it is a symphonic journey of sound and emotion.