Key information
Kodansha Game Lab has released a demo for the immersive art adventure game Catharsis: The Last Atelier, developed by creator Mana. The title invites players to journey through ten worlds inspired by famous paintings by artists such as Van Gogh, Monet, and Klimt. Players take on the role of a nameless entity exploring these artistic realms to collect memories.
The demo features two distinct stages based on Van Gogh’s Starry Night and Cafe Terrace at Night, as well as Millais’ Ophelia. Each stage is designed to be completed in approximately 15 minutes. The gameplay experience varies by painting, with shifts in perspective, controls, and mechanics, such as navigating by boat or walking through 3D environments. Players are accompanied by two companions, a wolf and an owl, representing instinct and wisdom.
The game emphasizes a relaxed, immersive experience without time limits or game-over states. Each stage concludes with a cinematic cutscene. The developer, Mana, aims to provide an experience where players walk inside paintings rather than merely observing them from the outside. The full version of the game is scheduled for release in 2026.
Catharsis: The Last Atelier is currently available on Steam and will be featured at the Steam Next Fest starting October 20. The game supports Japanese, English, and Simplified Chinese languages.
