A new adventure game from Nippon Ichi Software is preparing to bring a hand-drawn fantasy world to modern consoles like PlayStation 5. Published by NIS America, the upcoming game features a storybook-inspired art style and a narrative centered on a young girl’s efforts to save her sister from a mysterious illness.
On October 29, 2026, it was announced that The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster will launch on May 13, 2027, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
Moreover, the announcement also came with the game’s first trailer, which can be watched below. It offers the audience a look at its hand-drawn visuals, storybook-inspired environments, and gameplay.
What to Expect from The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster
The Grimm Reapress and the Drearytale Monster is designed as a single-player adventure RPG. It combines puzzle-solving, combat, and exploration across a collection of eerie picture-book worlds called Grimmoires.
As per the official press release, the adventure follows Mono, a young girl whose sister contracts this horrible malady called Paper Mortis, which turns people into picture books, and picture books into monsters. She will have to do whatever it takes to save her sister from this incurable illness, including working with Mär, a monster hell-bent on vengeance.
Players will be able to command Mär as a tool to attack enemies, use his powers to interact with the environment, and tear through parts of the paper world to open new paths. However, relying on Mär comes with risks, because if a player uses his abilities too much, he could go berserk.
Furthermore, the game introduces gamers to several other girls who have fallen victim to Paper Mortis. Each Grimmoire explores the past and the inner world of these girls through its own illustrated setting, with each story culminating in a boss battle. All of these encounters will form part of Mono’s journey through the Libratarium.
In addition to this, clearing one storybook will unlock new abilities for Mär, including the ability to breathe fire and fly. Players can also revisit previously explored worlds to unlock additional rewards.
