Visual novel "DUSK INDEX: GION," chasing the mystery of a strange murder case, launches free demo on Steam; playthrough video with voice actors also unveiled
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/766/G076610/20251031027/
Editorial Department: Basho | 2025/10/31 06:46 (UTC)
Bushiroad has today (October 31, 2025) launched the free demo version of its suspense-style visual novel game “DUSK INDEX: GION” (PC/[Nintendo Switch]) on Steam.
This game is a visual novel set in both modern-day and Meiji-era Kyoto, following the mystery behind bizarre murder cases.
In Meiji-era Kyoto, a series of murders occurred where intricate patterns were drawn using victims’ blood—an unsolved enigma that remained unresolved for 100 years. Now, in futuristic Kyoto where technology has advanced, criminal investigator Daiki Katsuki (CV: Yōhei Aga) finds his current murder case eerily similar to the one from a century ago… The key to solving this mystery lies within an immersive AR experience called “Echoes of Kyoto.” Joining forces with young genius technologist Kuin Rion (CV: Yūki Ami), players begin exploring a recreated version of Kyoto as it was 100 years prior.
The demo allows you to play through four distinct scenes focusing on the game’s four main characters. Please note that save data from the demo cannot be carried over to the full release.
Additionally, a gameplay video featuring voice actors Yūki Ami and Haruna Fukushima playing through the demo has also been released.
Suspense-style visual novel
“DUSK INDEX: GION”
Free demo now available on Steam!
Bushiroad Inc. (Headquarters: Nishitokyo, Tokyo; President & CEO: Takaki Kiguchi) is pleased to announce that the free demo for its suspense-style visual novel game “DUSK INDEX: GION” has been made available on Steam as of Friday, October 31, 2025, at 15:00.
The mysterious events and truths woven into Gion across past and present are now unfolding.
[Free demo for ‘DUSK INDEX: GION’ is now live on Steam!
Starting today at 15:00, Bushiroad Games has released the free demo version of its suspense-style visual novel game “DUSK INDEX: GION” on Steam! Please experience the game’s world and atmosphere firsthand.
Free Demo Steam Store Page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/4064790
This suspense-style visual novel follows a single narrative thread. However, the free demo differs from the full game by allowing players to choose one of four characters—two modern and two Meiji-era—to experience their respective opening story segments!
■ Free Demo Episodes
- 2006 Kyoto: Daiki Katsuki Story
- 1906 Meiji Kyoto: Nagahama Masayoshi Story
- 1906 Meiji Kyoto: Saki Story
- 2006 Kyoto: Kuin Rion Story
■ Characters in the Free Demo
Daiki Katsuki (CV: Yōhei Aga)
Kuin Rion (CV: Yūki Ami)
Thumbnail image No.002 / Suspense visual novel “DUSK INDEX: GION” launches free demo on Steam; voice actor gameplay video also released Thumbnail image No.003 / Suspense visual novel “DUSK INDEX: GION” launches free demo on Steam; voice actor gameplay video also released
Nagahama Masayoshi (CV: Ryōta Ōsaka)
Saki (CV: Yōko Hikasa)
Thumbnail image No.004 / Suspense visual novel “DUSK INDEX: GION” launches free demo on Steam; voice actor gameplay video also released Thumbnail image No.005 / Suspense visual novel “DUSK INDEX: GION” launches free demo on Steam; voice actor gameplay video also released
■ Free Demo Gameplay Video with Star-Studded Voice Cast Now Available on YouTube!
We’ve released a special gameplay video featuring voice actors Yūki Ami (Kuin Rion) and Haruna Fukushima (Soburi-chan), who played through the free demo’s Daiki Katsuki episode. They discuss key story highlights, behind-the-scenes anecdotes from recording sessions, and more—all on the official Bushiroad YouTube channel!
Packed with insights only the cast can offer, this video deepens your understanding of each character—be sure to check it out!
Free Demo Gameplay Video with Star-Studded Voice Cast:
https://youtu.be/0UcPsztl5vw