Any and ArtePiazza have revealed that Tensei Game: Karma x Cross (unofficial translation) is set to release on August 6 in Japan for Nintendo Switch. The game is overseen by Dragon Quest creator Yuji Horii, with an original concept and narrative crafted by author Muneyuki Kaneshiro (As the Gods Will, Blue Lock). Shintaro Majima, a veteran of the Dragon Quest and SaGa series, takes on the role of art director.
Tensei Game: Karma x Cross presents a sugoroku-style board game designed for up to four players, built around the theme of “a game guaranteed to ruin your friendships.” Participants, who begin the game as deceased individuals, engage in a race to reincarnate in pursuit of securing a spot in the next life. However, with only three slots available for reincarnation, players must fiercely compete against one another throughout Tensei Game’s 22-turn match.
The sugoroku-style game board, crafted by Rinne-chan, the Game Master of the Reincarnation Realm, is divided into an 11-turn first half and an 11-turn second half. Over these 22 turns, players must gather as much “Karma” (the currency of the reincarnation world) as possible to acquire a fitting “Soul Vessel” for their next life (note that all translations of terminology are unofficial). They can also trade Karma for cards with diverse effects at card shops located throughout the board. Players roll an eight-sided die to advance, all while attempting to undermine others to avoid ending up last.
Tensei Game: Karma x Cross’s developer ArtePiazza is recognized for its work on titles such as Opoona, Super Mario RPG, and the Dragon Quest series. The project was initiated in April 2025, but aside from a few teasers, this marks the first in-depth look at the game. Alongside the release date announcement, ArtePiazza has disclosed details about the game’s mechanics and shared footage of actual gameplay, demonstrating various card effects and unique features.
The trailer also introduces a “Rinne-chan Game,” a special event that occurs every five turns, forcing players to choose between trust and betrayal. True to its claim of destroying friendships, the game appears filled with ruthless mechanics intended to pit players against each other.
Tensei Game: Karma x Cross is scheduled to release on August 6 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in Japan.