For those who appreciate charming yet eerie gothic-inspired creations, you might want to keep an eye on Tea Party at the Extinction Museum. Crafted by Japanese indie developer Teira, this game allows players to alternate between a newly transformed ghost and a mysterious girl as they navigate a peculiar realm referred to as the “Museum of Extinction.”
The narrative kicks off with Rei, a young woman who becomes a ghost after an accident at the museum where she was employed. Instead of her former workplace, she finds herself in the Museum of Extinction—a dimension populated by beings that resemble extinct creatures. Rei soon crosses paths with Chris, a volatile girl who is unable to speak. With no other options, Rei chooses to accompany Chris on her travels—occasionally taking control of her in hopes of returning to her original body. Throughout their journey, they meet new allies and adversaries, while uncovering the mysteries of the Museum of Extinction and the opulent tea parties hosted by its inhabitants.
Rei and Chris employ distinct gameplay approaches. Rei’s ghostly form enables her to move through walls and navigate tight spaces, whereas Chris’s aggressive nature allows her to manipulate objects, demolish barriers, and engage in combat. With Rei’s ability to possess Chris, players can command both characters, facilitating their communication through a shared consciousness. Although the two initially exhibit hostility toward each other, their adventure gradually brings them closer, revealing deeper aspects of their personalities.
Tea Party at the Extinction Museum features anime-inspired character designs and a retro 2D environment that appear endearing, yet the Steam store page suggests a more profound and unsettling storyline.
Tea Party at the Extinction Museum is slated for release in 2026 on Windows (Steam), with a demo also in the works. The game is currently available only in Japanese, with English localization not yet confirmed.