The 3D action roguelike "13Z: The Zodiac Trials" was available for hands-on demos at Tokyo Game Show 2026, showcasing gameplay mechanics such as simple combo chains, precise parrying, moveset switching, and animal transformation for exploration. The game is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 and PS5 on January 14, 2027.
Tokyo Game Show 2026 took place from September 17 to 20 at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture. The event originally scheduled for September 21 was canceled. September 17 and 18 were business days. The demo for "13Z: The Zodiac Trials" was located in the Konami Digital Entertainment booth. The game is developed by Mixed Realms and published by Clouded Leopard Entertainment.
The game is set in a world where the guardians of the Eastern Zodiac watch over fate. As tradition and power wane, the existing balance crumbles, and players must participate in trials to select the thirteenth Zodiac God. The demo features Japanese-style settings and music, with the story revolving around the "Thirteenth Zodiac."
Combat controls are straightforward; pressing the attack button repeatedly chains combos, which can be combined with dashing and jumping to quickly close in on enemies. Enemies provide clear telegraphs before attacking, and successfully parrying throws them off balance, allowing for follow-up attacks. Light, heavy, and special attacks each have two movesets that can be swapped at any time in the hub, including multi-hit melee combos and wide-area ranged attacks.
The demo features two playable characters: Fox and Crow. Fox excels in close-quarters combat, using rapid dashes and continuous attacks to overwhelm enemies. Crow can fire feathers to control targets from a distance. Both can transform into their respective animals for exploration; Fox can climb walls, while Crow can fly, allowing traversal of the 3D map via different routes. The full version will include Panda, with plans to add more characters.
Players can acquire enhancements during the trials. Some abilities not only boost stats but also alter aerial attack animations or skill effects. These in-run enhancements reset after each run, while progress in the hub's growth tree is retained, allowing players to spend points to unlock items and improve their character's base abilities.
"13Z: The Zodiac Trials" supports 1-2 player offline play with split-screen co-op, and 1-4 players online. The game will offer subtitles in Simplified Chinese and other languages, and is scheduled for release on January 14, 2027.