BitSummit stands as one of Japan’s premier indie game showcases, held annually in Kyoto. This year, I had the chance to attend the event as part of AUTOMATON West, exploring a variety of exciting new games from both local and international creators.
During my exploration of the venue, Abyss Kitchen immediately grabbed my attention. This anime-inspired fantasy survival action RPG, crafted by Pico Games, places a strong emphasis on delectable cuisine.
For those unfamiliar with our recent coverage on Japanese indie games centered around food, Abyss Kitchen casts you as Lop, an endearing anthropomorphic adventurer and chef. Your mission is to support your party in combat while ensuring none of them exit the dungeon hungry. As your companions automatically battle through stages to vanquish monsters, you’ll follow behind, collecting the remains of defeated foes—what others might call ingredients.
By harvesting meat, plants, and other resources from forests and dungeons, you can prepare a range of dishes for your allies. The more you nourish them, the more powerful they grow. Once their stats reach maximum stars, feeding them again allows them to unleash their special abilities.
The BitSummit demo lasted roughly 10 minutes, yet the gameplay felt accessible without being overly complex. Initially, you’ll let your party handle the monsters while you gather nearby resources. However, the game later introduces bullet-hell style boss encounters and various dungeon obstacles, requiring strategic positioning and careful resource management. You’ll also have opportunities to strike enemies yourself using a handy crossbow.
What particularly stood out to me were the charming character designs. Both allies and adversaries are rendered in a gentle anime aesthetic, with the boss designs being especially memorable. That said, there’s a certain guilt in having to defeat and consume a cute parasol-toting mushroom lolita.
After each dungeon expedition, you and your party can unwind together, sharing meals prepared from the monsters you’ve gathered. Different dishes offer unique benefits that aid your team in subsequent runs.
Interestingly, with the recent surge in gourmet-themed manga and anime such as Delicious and Dungeon (which mirrors the concept of cooking monsters) and The Style of Hiroshi Nohara’s Lunch (a Crayon Shin-chan spin-off focusing on Shin-chan’s father’s meals), it seemed inevitable that this trend would extend to Japanese indie games. Last year, Monster Hunter Wilds even sparked a cheese naan frenzy in Japan due to its incredibly appetizing food scenes. It’s clear that there’s a strong desire for culinary elements in gaming. Abyss Kitchen not only highlights cooking but also emphasizes the enjoyment and appreciation of the visually stunning meals.
Abyss Kitchen is slated for release on PC (Steam). A playable demo is also available for those eager to try it out.