Japanese game studio FuRyu, celebrated for its anime-inspired JRPGs such as The Caligula Effect and the CRY series, has recently introduced ANOMALITH, an innovative liminal-space survival horror TPS slated for an October release. The announcement has sparked considerable excitement, amassing over 20,000 Wishlists on Steam within just two days. However, the developers have since issued a notable statement addressing a recurring perception associated with FuRyu’s titles.
A common sentiment among Japanese gamers, often expressed online as “It’s a FuRyu game, though” (JP: でもフリューだしな), reflects a mix of anticipation and skepticism regarding FuRyu’s core gameplay mechanics, despite the studio’s typically captivating concepts and visuals. This phrase, far from being purely critical, leans more toward a cautious optimism: “This looks incredible, but we’ll see how it plays out.” Recent FuRyu releases, including the 2025 school RPG Varlet and the 2024 magic action RPG Reynatis, have generated substantial pre-release buzz but faced underwhelming reception from players and critics, likely reinforcing this perception.
In a striking move, the developers’ latest message, posted on the official ANOMALITH X account, begins with those very words, directed at “those of you who thought It’s a FuRyu game, though.” While the phrasing might seem pointed in translation, the tone is one of humility. The team expresses gratitude for the positive reception to ANOMALITH’s reveal but acknowledges that “while many appreciate our world-building and atmosphere, there are concerns about gameplay.” FuRyu states its commitment to addressing this issue seriously, particularly since ANOMALITH is a third-person shooter—a genre the developer has limited experience with.
FuRyu has taken concrete steps to improve gameplay quality, including conducting pre-release playtesting sessions with domestic gaming media outlets. These sessions focus on critique related to exploration, combat, customization, and the game’s overall TPS experience. The studio encourages fans to review the feedback shared via the X post but also recognizes that a playable demo is the ultimate way to alleviate concerns. FuRyu is actively working on “providing an opportunity for everyone to experience the game,” though the format—whether an in-person event or a digital demo—remains unspecified. “There’s still much to accomplish before launch, but we remain dedicated to meeting your expectations,” the developers assure.
The response to this candid acknowledgment has been overwhelmingly positive among Japanese gamers, with many praising FuRyu’s self-awareness and willingness to confront its past shortcomings. However, this transparency has also set high expectations for ANOMALITH, whose success will significantly influence gamers’ trust in FuRyu moving forward.
ANOMALITH is scheduled to release on October 29 for PC (Steam), PS5, and Nintendo Switch 2.
Mido