Kemuri: Everything We Know About Ikumi Nakamura's 2026 Action Game

Kemuri is an upcoming third-person action game developed by Unseen Inc, led by director Ikumi Nakamura, with a release window currently set for 2027 on PlayStation 5 and PC. The title features a vertical city environment where players act as athletic hunters tracking hidden supernatural beings known as yokai. As we continue our action games coverage here at In Game News, we are tracking the development of this project, which shares thematic DNA with Nakamura's previous work in the genre.

Understanding the Gameplay Loop in Kemuri

The core experience centers on navigating a sprawling vertical city filled with paranormal anomalies. Players take on the role of a hunter capable of performing agile maneuvers, including flipping and jumping across the environment. The primary interaction with the game world involves identifying hidden entities that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye.

To engage with these creatures, players utilize a specific mechanic called a "foxwindow." By forming a frame with their thumb and index finger, the player can scry the environment to reveal yokai. These entities range from original designs to interpretations of traditional folklore, with some reaching massive proportions, such as a walking skeleton the size of a skyscraper.

Yokai Hunting Mechanics and Progression

Once a yokai is revealed through the foxwindow, the player can engage it in combat. Defeating these entities is central to the game's progression system. Successful encounters allow players to transform the defeated yokai into "Possession Apparel." This system functions as a class-based loadout mechanic, where the apparel determines the player's capabilities in the field. The three primary playstyles identified in early our gaming news reports are fisticuffs, archery, and magic.

Cooperative Rituals and Networking

Kemuri introduces a unique approach to multiplayer interaction that moves beyond standard co-op conventions. While the game supports traditional cooperative play for up to three participants, the implementation is described as a "ritual" where players must fulfill distinct roles. In these sessions, one player acts as the discoverer, another as the guide, and the third as the striker who delivers the final blow to the target.

Nakamura has indicated that these cooperative sessions may offer discrepancies in perception. Even when multiple players are present in the same location, each individual may perceive the world slightly differently. This design choice aims to emphasize the mysterious nature of the city and the supernatural elements within it.

Single-Player Connectivity

The networking features are not restricted to explicit multiplayer sessions. Even when playing in single-player mode, the game environment is designed to feel populated. Nakamura has explained that players are never truly alone, as contracted yokai and other hunters are consistently present in the vicinity. This creates a sense of proximity to other players, reminiscent of asynchronous networking systems found in titles that prioritize atmosphere and shared world-building.

Technical Expectations for PlayStation 5 and PC

While the game is confirmed for both PlayStation 5 and PC, the technical specifics regarding performance remain a topic of interest for the community. The game's verticality and emphasis on movement suggest that hardware performance will be a factor in how the city is rendered. Players looking to optimize their experience will likely look toward modern upscaling technologies like PSSR (PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution) if available on the PS5 Pro, though official support for specific hardware features has not been detailed by Unseen Inc at this stage.

The movement mechanics, which involve significant traversal across vertical planes, draw comparisons to titles where freefall and aerial agility are paramount. While the developer has not confirmed a specific freefall system, the athletic nature of the hunter character is a core pillar of the game's identity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gameplay loop in Kemuri by Ikumi Nakamura?

The gameplay loop involves exploring a vertical city to hunt yokai using a 'foxwindow' gesture, defeating them, and transforming them into 'Possession Apparel' to define your playstyle.

Is Kemuri coming to PS5 in 2026?

Kemuri is currently scheduled for release on the PlayStation 5 and PC, with current information pointing toward a 2027 release window.

How does the Kemuri co-op ritual system work?

The co-op system allows up to three players to work together in specific roles—discovering, guiding, and striking—with each player potentially perceiving the world differently.