Fahrenheit 213, a prominent developer in the gaming industry, has announced an exclusive closed beta test for their highly anticipated side-scrolling action RPG, TSURUGIHIME. This focused testing phase, designed specifically to scrutinize the game’s combat mechanics, is scheduled to run from August 25 to September 6. The opportunity is remarkably limited, with only 100 players worldwide being granted access to this crucial preliminary build. Aspiring participants can submit their applications now, with the deadline set for August 23 at 7:59 a.m. PT / 10:59 a.m. ET / 23:59 JST.
This isn’t a demo or an early access preview of the complete game. Instead, Fahrenheit 213 is strategically deploying a purpose-built version of TSURUGIHIME that isolates and emphasizes the battle system. The intention is to gather raw, unfiltered feedback on the core combat experience before the development team fully commits to the extensive production phase. Yosuke Shiokawa, the director, articulated this philosophy, stating, "We move into full production soon, and before that happens I want the combat to be airtight." He further elaborated on the beta’s narrow scope, explaining, "That is the whole reason this test is as narrow as it is—it is only the battle system, because that is the part I need people to be honest with me about." Shiokawa’s earnest desire is to refine the combat to a point where players genuinely find it enjoyable. He stressed that every piece of feedback will be meticulously reviewed by the entire team, underscoring his preference for constructive criticism over mere politeness.
The beta build, therefore, strips away elements like story, exploration, and progression systems, presenting players with a concentrated experience of the game’s fundamental battle actions. This allows for a precise evaluation of the moment-to-moment feel and responsiveness of the combat. To facilitate this, the test incorporates a five-minute survival mode where players face an unending onslaught of enemies. The objective is to eliminate as many foes as possible before the timer expires, with scores escalating significantly as players discover optimal combat combinations. This mode serves a dual purpose: it acts as a robust feedback mechanism and also introduces a competitive leaderboard element, encouraging players to delve deeper into the combat system’s intricacies.
TSURUGIHIME itself promises to be a captivating side-scrolling action RPG that offers players unprecedented agency. Set against the backdrop of a looming final battle in 100 days, the game empowers players to shape their own journey during this critical period. It aims to honor the genre’s classic conventions while introducing innovative mechanics where combat, character growth, environmental exploration, the narrative, and even the protagonist’s familial relationships can be custom-crafted. The studio envisions it as an RPG where players literally forge their destiny, with their choices over the hundred days directly influencing which of the game’s multiple endings they ultimately encounter. The project boasts an impressive creative team, with character designs by the acclaimed Kuroboshi Kouhaku, known for his work on titles such as Summon Night and Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online. The musical score is being composed by Takeharu Ishimoto, celebrated for his contributions to The World Ends with You and Kingdom Hearts. This ambitious title is being developed by a deliberately small, focused team. TSURUGIHIME is slated for an Early Access release on PC via Steam in 2026.
