Unravel secrets in Tengu – CAT, a mystery-driven visual novel set in Gensokyo. Assist Aya Shameimaru, a tenacious tengu reporter, in investigating scandalous rumors about Byakuren Hijiri—Myouren Temple’s revered abbot—and her alleged affair with a villager. Gather clues, confront suspects, and decide truth from gossip in this Touhou-inspired tale of intrigue and moral ambiguity.
Investigative Gameplay & Puzzle Mechanics
1. Scour the village for clues—eavesdrop on conversations, decode cryptic notes, and analyze alibis to reconstruct timelines of Byakuren’s movements.
2. Use Aya’s tengu abilities to spy from afar or intimidate reluctant witnesses, balancing ethical journalism with underhanded tactics to uncover the truth.
3. Solve logic-based puzzles, like matching testimonies to physical evidence or spotting contradictions in suspect statements, to expose hidden agendas.
Character Dynamics & Reputation Management
1. Build alliances with key figures: gain the trust of shrine maidens, bribe mischievous fairies, or exploit rival youkai to access restricted areas.
2. Navigate Aya’s abrasive personality—her blunt methods risk alienating sources, while diplomacy might slow progress in a race against rumor-spreading tabloids.
3. Influence Byakuren’s fate through choices: protect her sanctity as a spiritual leader, expose her secrets for journalistic glory, or uncover a deeper conspiracy threatening Gensokyo’s balance.
Atmospheric Worldbuilding & Hidden Lore
1. Explore hand-drawn locales blending Touhou Project aesthetics with original twists, from Myouren Temple’s serene halls to shadowy human-village taverns where gossip thrives.
2. Unearth lore about tengu society’s role in Gensokyo’s media, the temple’s ties to forgotten gods, and the human male’s mysterious past linking him to supernatural forces.
3. Discover multiple endings: Will the scandal spark a youkai uprising, restore the abbot’s reputation, or reveal Aya’s own biases as a self-serving reporter?
Visual & Auditory Immersion
1. Immerse in vibrant, anime-style character sprites and dynamic backgrounds that shift between day-night cycles, affecting NPC behavior and clue availability.
2. Experience an original soundtrack fusing traditional Japanese instruments with eerie melodies, heightening tension during confrontations or stealth sequences.
3. Unlock optional "Tengu Tabloid" side stories post-completion, delving into bonus scandals and Aya’s past investigations for expanded replay value.
Preview: