Saturday, 24 October 2026
Anime, manga, and games, with a take · A Yukimedia publication

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Phoenix

Phoenixx is actively publishing and organizing events, and Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix manga continues to draw adaptations. The most recent movement on the Phoenix name is Phoenixx's delisting of a TBS variety-show tie-in game and a new Tokyo stage run of Tezuka's Future arc.

Synthesized from 17 Yomimono stories · updated Oct 17

Phoenixx, the Japanese indie publisher, appears across the cluster as the most active operator under the Phoenix name. It has announced an end to download sales of the Nintendo Switch adventure game Quiz☆The Correct Answer Is One Year Later presents Atsushi no Meitantei on December 30, 2026, with buyers keeping re-download access. It is also publishing MONOWAVE for Studio BBB and organizing Zero Kyori Connect No.2, an indie game event at namco TOKYO on September 26, 2026. The company announced the reverse zombie game THE FIRST ZOMBIE for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch, with a production committee funding the project.

Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix manga keeps generating new adaptations. A stage version of the Future arc, Hi no Tori Mirai-hen ZEROMDISTANCE, runs at Sakura Hall in Shibuya Cultural Centre Owada in Tokyo from February 6 to 8. Kodansha USA lists Phoenix among seven spring 2026 print releases. An anime adaptation, Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-, premiered with mixed reception: a reviewer praised its premise and historical setting while criticizing the 3D animation.

Separate projects use the Phoenix name. Creative Intelligence Arts posted its first Project Phoenix update in seven years and now targets a 2031 release. Phoenix Game Productions announced the psychological horror adventure Wasabi for PC, set in 1990s Nagano. Amata Games is developing a VR version of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies for Meta Quest headsets and Meta VR Glasses, due in 2027. These are distinct efforts sharing a word, not one franchise.

Key facts

Delisting date for Atsushi no Meitantei
Phoenixx will end download sales of the Nintendo Switch adventure game Quiz☆The Correct Answer Is One Year Later presents Atsushi no Meitantei on December 30, 2026. ↗
Atsushi no Meitantei discount window
A 50 percent off sale runs until 11:59 p.m. on October 31, pricing the game at 500 yen with tax. ↗
Future arc stage run
Hi no Tori Mirai-hen ZEROMDISTANCE runs at Sakura Hall in Shibuya Cultural Centre Owada in Tokyo from February 6 to 8, directed and written by Ryusei Kudoh. ↗
MONOWAVE release
Studio BBB released MONOWAVE on September 17, with Phoenixx handling publishing; four Phoenixx producers work on the title. ↗
THE FIRST ZOMBIE platforms
Phoenixx announced THE FIRST ZOMBIE for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch, with release date and price undecided. ↗
Zero Kyori Connect No.2 date
The second Zero Kyori Connect indie game event is set for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at namco TOKYO in Shinjuku. ↗
Phoenix print release
Kodansha USA Publishing lists Phoenix among seven new print releases for spring 2026. ↗
Project Phoenix target
Creative Intelligence Arts posted its first update on Project Phoenix in seven years and now targets a 2031 release. ↗
Wasabi setting and developer
Wasabi is a psychological investigation horror adventure from Phoenix Game Productions, set in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture in the 1990s. ↗
Dual Destinies VR platform
Amata Games is developing a VR version of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies for Meta Quest headsets and Meta VR Glasses, with a 2027 release. ↗

Timeline

Synthesized by Yomimono from the cited Yomimono stories below, each itself sourced, then editorially reviewed. Every fact links the story it came from.

Facts

Release
manga · spring 2026 · US · 2026-07-03

Connections

Writes of
osamu tezuka
Produces of
kodansha

Structured graph also available as JSON at /public/entities/phoenix. CC BY 4.0.

Claim activity

When a claim about Phoenix was confirmed, debunked, or disputed against open-web sources. The record stays even after a claim drops off the facts list.

  • Confirmed Osamu Tezuka writes Phoenix Oct 13 · source

All coverage

Oct 14

Phoenixx to End Download Sales of Atsushi no Meitantei on December 30, 2026

Phoenixx will end download sales of 'Quiz☆The Correct Answer Is One Year Later presents Atsushi no Meitantei' on December 30, 2026, the company announced on October 14, 2026. The Nintendo Switch adventure game, based on the TBS variety show, casts players as host Jun Tamura investigating the murder of Razor Ramon RG. Buyers keep re-download access. A 50% off sale runs until 11:59 p.m. on October 31, priced at 500 yen with tax.

Oct 12

Phoenix Future Arc Gets Stage Play Run in Tokyo This February

Osamu Tezuka's Phoenix manga is getting another stage adaptation, this time of the "Future" arc. Hi no Tori Mirai-hen ZEROMDISTANCE runs at Sakura Hall in Shibuya Cultural Centre Owada in Tokyo from February 6 to 8. Jutta Yuki plays Masato, Narumi Yasuda voices the Phoenix, Moro Morooka plays Dr. Saruta, Adone Kudo and Shiina Yuzuki play Tamami, and Kaiki Ohara plays Rock. Ryusei Kudoh directs and writes.

Oct 4

MONOWAVE Lands On Switch As Phoenixx Details Its Publishing Deal

Studio BBB released MONOWAVE on September 17, with Phoenixx handling publishing, the two companies said at Tokyo Game Show 2026. Phoenixx president Kazunori Sakamoto said he first saw the 2D puzzle action game at Taipei Game Show and pursued it for a year or two. Studio BBB CEO Lim Gwon-yong said four Phoenixx producers now work on the title.

Oct 4

Amata Games Announces Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies VR For 2027

Amata Games is developing an officially licensed VR version of CAPCOM's Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney - Dual Destinies for Meta Quest headsets and Meta VR Glasses, with a 2027 release. The VR game will include English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese language support. Players take the roles of Phoenix Wright, Apollo Justice, and Athena Cykes in the fifth mainline Ace Attorney game, originally released for Nintendo 3DS in 2013.

Sep 17

Phoenixx Announces THE FIRST ZOMBIE For PC And Switch

Phoenixx announced THE FIRST ZOMBIE on September 17, 2026, a game produced by Kentaro Fujii, who works on the TBS variety program Wednesday Downtown. The title is planned for PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch, with the Steam store page opened the same day. Release date and price are undecided. Players control an ordinary young man who wakes up as a zombie, then turns humans and animals into zombie allies to conquer Tokyo areas including Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ueno, and Akihabara. The game is described as a reverse zombie game, where the goal is increasing zombies rather than defeating them. It is developed by the THE FIRST ZOMBIE Production Committee, a committee structure multiple companies fund. The game is exhibited at Tokyo Game Show 2026, running September 17 to 21 at Makuhari Messe, at the Phoenixx/AMBER GAMES/GYAAR Studio booth in Hall 9, C64, with a teaser movie and novelty goods. No playable demo is available.

Sep 8

Zero Kyori Connect No.2 Indie Game Event Set for September 26

Phoenixx announced the second edition of Zero Kyori Connect, an indie game event built around VTubers playing games in front of a live audience, set for Saturday, September 26, 2026, at namco TOKYO in Shinjuku. The event, titled Zero Kyori Connect No.2 ~Indie Game Edition~ Supported by xeen, features two games: Zako no Ahiru, a taunting, frustrating mountain-climbing game, and Super Tank Wars, a programming AI tank battle game. Doors open at 16:00 and the show starts at 17:00. Eri Mochizuki and Nana Matsuzaki host as MCs, with live commentary from Ichigo no Pafe, Kojouji Puramu, and Yukimizu Meru. Regular tickets cost 3,500 yen including tax, sold first-come, first-served with a limit of one ticket per person per show. Bandai Namco Research Institute provides planning cooperation, Baba Ani Two handles production, and xeen is the special sponsor. Phoenixx organizes the event, which it describes as connecting VTubers and audiences at zero distance.

Sep 1

Busan Film Festival Adds Japanese Animation Special with 13 Films

The 31st Busan International Film Festival will screen 13 films in a new out-of-competition category, "Japanese Animation Special: Masterpieces of Madness, Exhilarating Prospects 12+1." The lineup spans 1958 to 2026, from The White Snake Enchantress and Belladonna of Sadness through Metropolis and Mind Game to four 2026 titles. The King and the Mockingbird, a French film that influenced Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, also screens in the section.

Aug 28

Touhou: Lost Branch of Legend Releases on Switch With Launch Sale

Phoenixx released the Touhou fan-made deck-building roguelike card game Touhou: Lost Branch of Legend for Nintendo Switch on August 27, 2026. The Switch version is a port of Touhou Kouyouya ~ Lost Branch of Legend, which is available on Steam. The game is priced at 3,500 yen, with a 20 percent launch discount bringing it to 2,800 yen until September 9 at 23:59 Japan time. The story follows Reimu Hakurei and other residents of Gensokyo as they investigate the theft of the treasure Hourai no Tamayoribako, which was stolen during an exhibition hosted by moon princess Kaguya Houraisan. Players choose from five characters: Reimu Hakurei, Marisa Kirisame, Sakuya Izayoi, Cirno, and Koishi Komeiji. Each character has two battle styles, and players build a deck by acquiring and strengthening cards that match their chosen style. The roguelike structure changes the path with each run, and the game includes over 450 card types and over 100 exhibit enhancement items. Players also face events such as encounters with Gensokyo residents, shopping at shops, and battles against rivals who use their own spell cards. A playable demo and clear file giveaway are planned at the Atsumare Touhou Station in Chichibu event on August 29.

Aug 4

Lazy Witch's Factory Enters Steam Early Access on August 21

Publisher Phoenixx announced on August 4 that the roguelite factory builder Lazy Witch's Factory, developed by Melt Clock, will launch in Early Access on Steam on August 21. The price is undecided. The game follows Momoko, a lazy witch voiced by Misato Fukuen, who is tricked by a demon into taking on a huge debt. Players build automated factories in hell using familiars such as mining goblins and blacksmith salamanders to produce goods and repay the debt within a 30-minute time limit. Roguelite elements mean each run offers different circumstances and random enhancement options. Players can also contract with sponsor company demons to gain skills and buffs, including dark options like forced labor or counterfeiting money. A crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE in May 2026 raised 2,695,558 yen, exceeding the 1,000,000 yen target by 269%. Stretch goal achievements added two new high-difficulty modes: Disaster Response Missions and Taxation of the Factory by Chancellor Gehenna. A demo with new elements, including Momoko's voice, is available now and will be taken down when Early Access begins. At launch, the game will offer dozens of hours of content, with at least six months of planned updates before full release.

Jul 8

Project Phoenix Breaks Seven-Year Silence With 2031 Completion Target

Creative Intelligence Arts posted the first update on Project Phoenix in seven years, revealing the game is still in development after raising $1.02 million via Kickstarter in 2013. The developer apologized for the long silence, cited staff departures as the main cause of delays, and now targets a 2031 release.

Jul 3

Kodansha USA Announces Spring 2026 Print Releases for Seven Manga

Kodansha USA Publishing announced during its Anime Expo panel on Thursday seven new print releases for spring 2026, including the prose collection Witch Hat Atelier: Special Stories, the yuri thriller Fatale Game, and the historical fantasy The Chronicles of Leënde. Other titles are The Serenade of Spring Thunder, Myther, and the classic Phoenix, along with Historié.

Jun 24

Psychological Horror ADV 'Wasabi' Announced for PC, Set in 1990s Nagano

Phoenix Game Productions announced the psychological investigation horror adventure 'Wasabi' on June 24, 2026, opening its Steam store page and releasing a gameplay trailer. The game is set in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture in the 1990s. Players take on the role of detective Ryuhei Kuroshima, investigating a series of bizarre murders. The game features two main axes: crime scene investigation and suspect interrogation. Players collect evidence such as weapons, personal effects, and body condition, and must notice subtle inconsistencies. In interrogations, players read suspects' facial expressions, gestures, and silences, using motion-captured animations. A key mechanic is the mysterious 'wasabi' power, which reveals hidden truths. The game includes eight suspects, six episodes, over 10 hours of playtime, and multiple endings. It uses Unreal Engine 5 for photorealistic visuals. Phoenix Game Productions was founded in 2019 by German developer Daniel Hedjazi, a former PlatinumGames and CyberConnect2 employee who contributed to 'Resident Evil RE:4' and released the cyberpunk action game 'Tokyo Underground Killer' in 2025. 'Wasabi' is the studio's second original title. A playable demo is planned. The release date is to be announced.

Jun 18

Omega Phenex Open Beta Hits 68,000 Participants, Crowdfunding Launches June 25

Independent developer Surume Manjuu announced that its high-speed mecha action game Omega Phenex has reached 68,000 open beta test participants and 125,000 wishlist registrations. A crowdfunding campaign on CAMPFIRE will begin June 25 to fund voice acting, global operations, and 3D modeling improvements. The open beta has been extended to July 25.

Jun 11

Lazy Witch's Factory Demo Launches on Steam, Misato Fukuen Voicing Momoko

Publisher Phoenixx and developer Meltclock released a demo for the roguelite factory builder Lazy Witch's Factory on Steam on June 11, 2026. The full game is scheduled for summer 2026, with pricing not yet announced. The demo arrives ahead of the Steam Next Fest event running June 16 to 23. In the game, players control Momoko, a lazy witch tricked by a demon into a huge debt that must be repaid within 30 minutes. Players automate a factory by having cute familiars-such as mining goblins and a blacksmith salamander-dig, transport, and craft items to earn funds. Demon contracts provide buffs or skills but can carry dangerous effects like forcing overtime or counterfeiting money. The protagonist Momoko is voiced by Misato Fukuen, known for roles including Himiko Toga in My Hero Academia and Cure Happy in Smile PreCure!. A promotional video featuring her voice was also released alongside the demo.

Jun 4

Dungeon Kuzushi Launches on Switch and Smartphones June 18

Phoenixx announced on June 4 that the dungeon destruction shooting game Dungeon Kuzushi will release on Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android on June 18. Developed by Kotaro Yoshida, known for directing Yuusha 30 and Hyakunin Yuusha, the game casts players as a witch who uses destruction magic to break through dungeon walls, taking shortcuts or forcing paths through obstacles. Items and rescued adventurers grant temporary power-ups such as increased bullet damage, faster reloads, and more bullets per shot. The Switch download version costs 980 yen, while the smartphone versions are 380 yen each. A launch sale on the Nintendo eShop discounts the Switch version 30 percent to 686 yen until June 30. Pre-orders for the Switch version began on June 4. The PC version, released on Steam in January 2025, has sold over 40,000 copies and holds a Very Positive user rating. Post-launch updates have added modes including an endless Infinite Dungeon, a Quick Destruction Challenge time attack, and a Hard Dungeon with stronger walls and enemies.

May 31

Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix- Episode 1 Draws Mixed Reactions on Animation

The premiere of Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix- introduces Gengo Matsunaga, a legendary fire-slayer known as the Phoenix who retired after a traumatic fire. He is pulled back into service to rebuild a ragtag fire brigade in Edo-era Japan. The episode follows Gengo as he rescues a princess using an almost psychic ability to detect people inside burning buildings, then flashes forward to his quiet life with his wife before a firefighter begs him to return. The review from Anime Feminist praises the premise as a compelling, grounded action slice-of-life story with potential for heartwarming character growth, particularly around Gengo's trauma and his mentorship of hapless trainees. However, the review criticizes the show's 3D animation, calling it uncanny and hard on the eyes during action sequences, though quieter moments look average. The episode also introduces a mysterious arsonist named Foxfire, adding a villainous element to the historical setting. The reviewer recommends the series for its quiet storytelling and historical fiction appeal, despite the animation flaws.

May 30

AniFem Round-Up Covers BL OVAs, Gene Bride, and Anime in the UK

Anime Feminist's weekly round-up for January 14-20, 2026, covers multiple topics: the first episodes of Oedo Fire Slayer -The Legend of Phoenix-, The Villainess Is Adored by the Prince of the Neighbor Kingdom, Kaya-chan Isn't Scary, and You and I Are Polar Opposites; a review of Hitomi Takano's manga Gene Bride; a Japan Fair Trade Commission report on transactional issues in the anime industry; Japan's probe of Elon Musk's Grok AI service over inappropriate image generation; a Mie Prefecture survey on foreign staff hiring that drew accusations of discrimination; and Prime Minister Ishiba's avoidance of challenging sumo's gendered ring ban. The round-up also includes links to videos on vintage BL OVAs, Lovely Complex, a documentary on Black anime fandom, and Jonathan Clements on the history of anime in the UK. The community section features reader picks for favorite anime of 2025, including You and Idol Precure, Medalist, and Zenshu!