Publisher Akupara Games has officially announced a new partnership with developer Mango Factory for their upcoming murder-mystery horror title, Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter. Drawing heavy inspiration from Danganronpa and classic ‘80s anime like Urusei Yatsura, the game transports players to an alternate version of 1989 Japan, where a group of sixteen “Absolute Students” is trapped in a deadly experiment beneath the Janus Institute.
Players take on the role of Himari Sanada, a barista suddenly caught in the nightmare of the Apathy Experiment, a twisted psychological trial where survival means solving murders, debating classmates, and navigating fragile alliances in an underground bunker that hides unspeakable secrets.
A Retro Anime Killing Game Reimagined
Old-School Slaughter blends the aesthetics of vintage anime with the intensity of courtroom-style psychological horror. Players will explore the shadowy corridors of the Nestrium, investigate brutal crime scenes, and participate in high-stakes Clinical Trials, heated card-based debate sequences where logic, lies, and relationships collide.
Every interaction matters. Forming bonds with classmates provides emotional support and access to powerful new debate cards, while each conversation risks betrayal as paranoia spreads among the group. As creative director, Selina Kibara explains:
“Kumitantei is the product of wanting to put a bunch of our favorite media into a blender and create something new. So many developers are afraid to embrace their inspirations — I’d rather make something derivative than something insincere.”
Gameplay Features
- Bond with the Absolute Class of ’89: Build relationships through conversations, gifts, and mini-games to earn special cards and discover secrets.
- Investigate Grisly Murders: Search every dark corner of the Janus Institute for evidence before taking your findings to trial.
- Survive the Clinical Trials: Use your custom deck of cards to present evidence, counter lies, and expose killers.
- Customize Your Strategy: Craft devastating card combos and develop your debating style across multiple cases.
- Play Retro Mini-Games: Test your skills in arcade-style side activities inspired by classic ‘80s and ‘90s gaming icons.
Mango Factory and Akupara Unite for Mystery Excellence
Kumitantei: Old-School Slaughter marks the debut commercial release from Mango Factory, a team of 14 international developers known for their acclaimed fan project Heaven of Despair, a Danganronpa-inspired web series. With Akupara Games’ publishing support, the studio aims to deliver a fully realized narrative experience that pays homage to the golden age of anime and mystery adventures.
Fans can wishlist and play the demo now on Steam, with the full release expected in 2026.
