Impressions of "Oobakeidoro 2": Enjoy Keidoro at a slightly spooky school with the new tanuki character [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/897/G089780/20250926029/
Writer: Senbon Shun'ichi | 2025/09/26 10:15 (UTC)
The Tokyo Game Show 2025 opened on September 25th at Makuhari Messe. We bring you our impressions of “Obakeidoro 2,” which was playable at the event venue. This version introduces a new character—tanuki—and allows players to enjoy the series’ signature Obakeidoro gameplay within an atmosphere reminiscent of school ghost stories.
View from the Happinet booth at Tokyo Game Show 2025, featuring the “Obakeidoro 2” corner Thumbnail image No.002 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025]
“Obakeidoro 2” is the latest installment of a non-symmetrical battle “oni-gokko” game where humans and ghosts play Obakeidoro. While some non-symmetrical games feature intense or explicit content, this title maintains an overall cute aesthetic for both human and ghost characters, with a CERO rating of “A” (all ages), making it safe and enjoyable for players of all age groups.
In contrast to the Western-style atmosphere of its predecessor, the setting has shifted dramatically to “Japan.” The stage features a wooden schoolhouse-like field where “Hanako-san,” floating alongside toilets, roams freely. Characters such as JR, wearing a student cap; Hajime, in a hoodie; and a boy with leaves on his head—representing the new tanuki character—are seen fleeing around the eerie school setting evoking traditional Japanese ghost tales.
The Obakeidoro round lasts three minutes. Humans must evade capture by ghosts, while the ghosts aim to catch all humans. The playable version’s map, “Del-Zo School,” is a dimly lit nighttime school setting—its familiar environment intensifying the unsettling feeling. Numerous gimmicks are present: ladders allowing jumps to upper floors, walkable walls in classrooms, and even youkai assisting the ghosts in the courtyard, making it less desolate than an actual night-time school.
While spreading out is advantageous for the human side, teamwork also holds significant value in this game. Thanks to the new “Call” system, various cooperative moves are now possible. Pressing and holding the A button calls a teammate; when responded to, they perform a “Kizuna Combo,” riding on your back for rapid movement. Other available techniques include “Futari Tobi”—a high jump over cracks—and “Hitori Nage,” which throws teammates far away to escape.
All of these techniques are highly useful for escaping ghosts, and simply receiving a response from your teammate brings genuine joy. Of course, as in the previous installment, players can still use the “Lantern,” which blinds the ghost once—perfect for rescuing teammates caught by the yōkai or at critical moments.
Even if captured, gameplay remains engaging through unique emotes exclusive to being trapped, such as “Encouragement” and “Sitting.” The new tanuki character has a special emote called “Henshin”—attempting to transform using the leaf on its head—though it always ends in failure, adding an endearing touch.
For the ghost side, holding down the X button triggers a powerful move: “Super Catch,” which enlarges the ghost and increases speed. This ability allows capturing two humans simultaneously—making an instant comeback possible with proper timing. It’s especially effective when targeting groups of players who gather to help allies or attempt coordinated human attacks.
Still, as in previous games, simply unleashing abilities recklessly won’t guarantee victory; keen observation and patience are essential to seize the right moment. Hanako-san, one of the ghosts, has a quirky personality—taking selfies with captured opponents using her phone—which makes her oddly likable despite being a ghost. The game strikes an intriguing balance: staying within the bounds of Obakeidoro fun while blending cuteness with just a hint of eerie atmosphere—the hallmark charm of this title.
Thumbnail image No.007 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.008 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025]
According to Director Minami Naoji of FreeStyle’s Game Business Division, the series’ characters are designed with simple silhouettes that children can easily draw. Future ghosts introduced in the game will be based on Japanese yōkai and ghost stories, featuring well-known figures familiar even to native Japanese players. While the previous installment was released overseas under the title “Obakeidoro!”, this new version centers around Japan—reflecting the team’s desire to share the beauty of traditional Japanese design with international audiences.
The new “Call” feature is a direct response to the challenge posed in the previous game: encouraging human players to cooperate more. For instance, at Del-Zo School, players can use the “Hitori Nage” move from an upper entrance to send teammates near the lantern area—making map knowledge crucial for strategy. However, adding new mechanics wasn’t easy, given the series’ emphasis on simplicity. The developers ultimately designed it so that one button press handles all actions.
To balance the enhanced human side enabled by “Call,” the ghost team received the “Super Catch” ability. Additionally, as seen in the key visual, giantization of ghosts is a core theme—future added ghosts will follow suit and also grow larger.
As previously mentioned in interviews with the previous title, “Obakeidoro 2” was originally created specifically for exhibition at the Gifu-based event “National Entertainment Festival.” This focus influenced the design to prioritize moments that excite players and ensure clarity so anyone can understand the game instantly. The developers even designed it so that gameplay is possible without HUD elements—making rules understandable just by watching, demonstrating their dedication to accessibility.
At the Tokyo Game Show 2025 venue, players who try the game will receive a special clear file as a gift—so be sure to visit the Happinet booth if you’re interested. “Obakeidoro 2” is scheduled for digital release on October 9, 2025, and physical release on December 18, 2025. With support for shared play via in-game communication features, gathering friends to play together promises great fun.
From official X (formerly Twitter), bonus clear file Thumbnail image No.012 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025]
Following the official X account also grants a sticker as a bonus Thumbnail image No.013 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025]
Merchandise is also on display at the booth Thumbnail image No.014 / Impressions of “Obakeidoro 2.” Enjoy Obakeidoro with the newly introduced tanuki in a slightly eerie school setting [TGS2025]