Your Story Awaits in Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle
The demo for Veritas Tales: Witch of the Dark Castle has officially gone live as part of Steam Next Fest, giving players their first hands-on look at a project that has quietly been in the works for years. Developed by Yoshio Nishimura, a longtime industry veteran from Vanillaware, formerly associated with titles like Odin Sphere, Dragon’s Crown, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, and more, this game represents a deeply personal creative effort shaped over six years.
What makes Veritas Tales stand out immediately is its book-like presentation. The game invites players to step beyond the role of a passive reader and actively shape the story as it unfolds. Every page turned brings decisions, whether it is confronting enemies head-on, talking through dangerous encounters, or simply choosing to walk away. These choices, combined with dice-based outcomes, influence how the world reacts, giving each playthrough a unique rhythm.
The project is also notable for its craftsmanship. Nishimura developed the game largely on his own while living in a remote mountain village in Japan, illustrating more than 300 pieces of artwork by hand. The absence of generative tools gives the game a distinct, personal touch that is increasingly rare.
Drawing inspiration from classic fantasy roots and the traditions that inspired modern hits like Elden Ring and Baldur’s Gate 3, Veritas Tales leans into the feel of old-school gamebooks and tabletop adventures. It is a quiet, thoughtful experience that feels less like playing a game and more like stepping into a handcrafted story waiting to be explored.
Furthermore, the game will be launching on PC via Steam on 9th July, so make sure to wishlist it right now. You can also take a look at the official release date announcement trailer below.