Falcom has released a new trailer for Kyoto Xanadu and confirmed a Japan launch for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on July 16.
The developer—known for the Ys and The Legend of Heroes series—positions Kyoto Xanadu as a modern-Japan action RPG that blends dungeon exploration with a high-school daily life sim.
Setting and story
Kyoto Xanadu is set in an alternate contemporary Japan where Kyoto serves as the capital.
Players follow Kamiya Rei, a student who awakens as an "eligible" with the power to fight monsters in an otherworldly labyrinth called Xanadu.
Rei transfers to Hirasaka Academy, which is organized around the goal of confronting and conquering Xanadu.
Falcom’s announcement frames the narrative as a dual experience of combat and campus life, with party members and city exploration woven into the progression.
Combat and systems — rewritten for clarity
Falcom describes Kyoto Xanadu’s combat as an innovative "2D x 3D Battle" system that alternates between two distinct modes.
In the developer’s terms, "2D Battle" delivers classic side-scrolling gameplay for navigating the labyrinth under the academy.
When players activate gates at specific points in the dungeon, the game shifts into "3D Battle," an enclosed arena where characters fight using varied skills and technical maneuvers.
Customization and progression
Players can enhance their Soul-Device using points earned through exploration and daily activities; boosting the device also unlocks new actions and skill attacks.
In 3D Battle, equipping Guardian Cards grants major stat and ability changes—adding elemental effects such as fire or ice and enabling unique ranged attacks beyond standard Soul-Device options.
Daily life and side content
Outside combat, Kyoto Xanadu includes a school-life layer: players set action cards before classes to raise subject-specific parameters and adjust friendship levels with classmates.
The city of Kyoto features tourist spots, shopping districts, and food options for after-school activities.
Falcom also highlights character chats and side quests that deepen story and character relationships.
Platform and release details
Falcom’s trailer accompanies the confirmed Japan release date of July 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
A western release has been announced as planned but Falcom has not yet provided further details.
The trailer is supplied by Falcom as the primary preview of gameplay and story elements.
The developer—known for the Ys and The Legend of Heroes series—positions Kyoto Xanadu as a modern-Japan action RPG that blends dungeon exploration with a high-school daily life sim.
Setting and story
Kyoto Xanadu is set in an alternate contemporary Japan where Kyoto serves as the capital.
Players follow Kamiya Rei, a student who awakens as an "eligible" with the power to fight monsters in an otherworldly labyrinth called Xanadu.
Rei transfers to Hirasaka Academy, which is organized around the goal of confronting and conquering Xanadu.
Falcom’s announcement frames the narrative as a dual experience of combat and campus life, with party members and city exploration woven into the progression.
Combat and systems — rewritten for clarity
Falcom describes Kyoto Xanadu’s combat as an innovative "2D x 3D Battle" system that alternates between two distinct modes.
In the developer’s terms, "2D Battle" delivers classic side-scrolling gameplay for navigating the labyrinth under the academy.
When players activate gates at specific points in the dungeon, the game shifts into "3D Battle," an enclosed arena where characters fight using varied skills and technical maneuvers.
Customization and progression
Players can enhance their Soul-Device using points earned through exploration and daily activities; boosting the device also unlocks new actions and skill attacks.
In 3D Battle, equipping Guardian Cards grants major stat and ability changes—adding elemental effects such as fire or ice and enabling unique ranged attacks beyond standard Soul-Device options.
Daily life and side content
Outside combat, Kyoto Xanadu includes a school-life layer: players set action cards before classes to raise subject-specific parameters and adjust friendship levels with classmates.
The city of Kyoto features tourist spots, shopping districts, and food options for after-school activities.
Falcom also highlights character chats and side quests that deepen story and character relationships.
Platform and release details
Falcom’s trailer accompanies the confirmed Japan release date of July 16 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
A western release has been announced as planned but Falcom has not yet provided further details.
The trailer is supplied by Falcom as the primary preview of gameplay and story elements.
