An alternate-history RPG, where the UK has carved Japan into a divided nation locked in civil war, has just released a new story trailer.

Owlcat Games dropped the 'Nippon Divided' story trailer for its upcoming title, Shadow of the Road, on the 11th. The footage dives into an imagined end of the Bakumatsu period, focusing on the Battle of Toba-Fushimi—a pivotal clash during the 19th-century Boshin War. The video highlights a clash between Imperial forces bolstered by steampunk-inspired machinery and traditional samurai.

The narrative follows the demise of Mochitsugu, a loyalist to the Shogunate, and the subsequent path of his disciples, Satoru and Akira, who flee the scene in shame. You will lead Satoru and Akira on a quest to protect a mysterious boy who holds the power to decide the fate of Japan. Beyond the Imperial army, the game features creatures from Japanese legend that present various challenges.

Combat is turn-based, emphasizing the swordplay intrinsic to the samurai ethos. The enemy roster is eclectic; you will face mechanical nightmares powered by the 'British East Japan Company'—a clear nod to the historical British East India Company—alongside various mythical entities from Japanese folklore, adding strategic depth.

Shadow of the Road was first announced in August 2024 as the debut publishing title for Owlcat Games. Even then, the game grabbed attention for its distinct blend of steam-powered contraptions, magic, and a convergence of Japanese deities and yokai.