Forbidden Ground: Aooni's Lair Launches on Switch and PC – Exciting New Adventure Awaits
Exciting game launches this summer in Japanese, Chinese, and English! Discover new adventures and join the global gaming community.
Exciting New Game in the Ao Oni Series Announced for Summer Release
Game development companies Hyde and LiTMUS revealed on July 8th that they are working on a brand-new entry in the popular horror series, Ao Oni. The upcoming game is titled Forbidden Ground - Lair of Aooni (also known as Kinsokuchi Aooni no Iwaya) and is set to launch this summer for Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
Game Details and Features
- Platforms: Switch and PC (Steam)
- Languages: Available in Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and English
- Audio: Japanese only
Storyline Overview
Hyde describes the game’s story as follows:
Five children set out to find their missing parents. Worried about classmates who haven't returned to the abandoned school, a young girl named Himari also ventures inside.
Inside, Himari meets Komari, a Japanese doll possessed by a grudge spirit. Together, they try to escape from the school, where blue demons roam. As they navigate, they uncover a tragic past.
Why are the blue demons there? What is the true story behind the abandoned school? And who exactly is Komari?
The adventure to escape begins for Himari and Komari.
Presence at BitSummit 13
Hyde will showcase the game at the BitSummit 13 event in Kyoto this weekend, giving fans a chance to get a closer look.
Background and Previous Releases
The Ao Oni franchise has a rich history:
- The original Ao Oni game was released for free online in 2004, developed by noprops. It involves solving puzzles to escape a demon in confined spaces.
- The game has been available in both Japanese and English, and can be played here.
- It inspired the anime series Ao Oni: The Blue Monster (also known as Ao Oni: The Animation), which started airing in October 2016, along with a related film.
- The franchise also includes two live-action films released in 2014 and 2015.
- Several sequel games have been launched, including Ao Oni 2 (2016), Ao Oni 3 (2017), and Ao Oni Online (2018).
Visuals and Legacy
The franchise has expanded beyond games into manga, anime, and live-action adaptations, making Ao Oni a well-loved horror icon.
Stay Tuned
Fans can look forward to experiencing the new Forbidden Ground game this summer, promising more scares and mysteries in the beloved series.