OTUSUN Land have just launched a Kickstarter to make and localise a remake of the horror visual novel 隣人-Neighbor- (Rinjin). Originally released in 2009 by the now defunct Rosalia label the game was previously lost until OTUSUN Land stepped in. They aim to seek $5000 in order to remake and localise the title for the West as well as Japan. This is a kinetic visual novel for Windows 7 operating systems and up. They also plan to offer iOS and Android versions as Kickstarter exclusive rewards.
Notable staff members include art & character designer Himono, story & scenario writer Ayane (both worked on the upcoming The Bell Chimes for Gold), musician Ryu Takami (Eve: Burst Error, YU-NO) translator Molly Lee (Fashioning Little Miss Lonesome, The Bell Chimes for Gold) and editor ritobito (The House in Fata Morgana, Sonicomi).
The tentative release date is August 2018. There is no explicit mention of whether the game is all ages or 18+ however seeing as there is no mention of 18+ in the Kickstarter at all (as well as planning to release it on Steam) the Neighbor remake is likely an all ages title.
Here is one of the teaser trailers for the game:
Here is the game’s story:
Sometimes, in life, there are places where the rules of reality just don’t apply.
Sometimes, it’s the one place where you ought to feel safe.
Like your house.
Freelance designer Yuuki Kae has just moved into a new apartment. On her move-in day, she decides to introduce herself to her new next-door neighbor… but something isn’t quite right.
Static over the intercom… A violently rattling doorknob… And a ghostly pale hand reaching out through the crack in the door…
They said the apartment next to hers wasn’t for rent. It was supposed to be empty.
Through a series of strange events, Kae meets Hisamatsu Daigo, a fellow tenant who lives above her on the 3rd floor. Together, they must hunt for clues to solve the mystery…
Backing $12 nets you a digital copy of the game as well as your name in the credits. There are various other rewards and add-ons like a wallpaper set, soundtrack (digital/physical), 45 page guidebook (digital/physical), tote bag, a hand towel and shikishis. There are also two stretch goals currently announced and they are a new epilogue at $8,800 and a director’s commentary at $10,000.
The Kickstarter runs till 31st March. If you want to back it, you can do so here. Furthermore you can look at the official website here.
