In a nutshell
- New trailer revealed at Opening Night Live 2026
- Outlandish post‑apocalyptic RPG set in an alternate ‘80s America
- Fast‑paced combat, mini‑games, and pop‑culture nostalgia
Developer NEKCOM and publisher 4Divinity unveiled a new trailer for SHOWA AMERICAN STORY. Set in a bizarre alternate 1980s where Japan has bought out most of the United States, the game delivers a unique backdrop for a zombie outbreak and a pop‑culture‑fueled road trip.
Narrated by the anime‑loving President, the trailer introduces protagonist Chigusa Choko as she journeys through California, meeting companions like Michael Hero, Bubba, and the mysterious Mutsuki Akitora. Between arcade mini‑games and over‑the‑top combat, the trailer showcases bloody combos, outrageous takedowns, and patriotic bludgeonings in true spectacle fashion.
Showa American Story – Gameplay and Features
Players step into Choko’s shoes as she revives from the dead to face zombies, monsters, and eccentric survivors. Combat is fast‑paced and fluid, with melee and ranged weapons ranging from samurai swords to drill‑arms and even the American flag. Weapon‑specific attacks, dodges, counters, and executions keep battles dynamic, while mini‑games and daily activities boost stats and unlock new abilities.
Key features include:
- Distinctive Visual Style blending retro American and Japanese pop culture aesthetics
- Chigusa Choko’s Journey of self‑discovery after returning from the dead
- Japanified America with reimagined cities like Neo Yokohama (Los Angeles) and Neo Tokyo #4 (Austin)
- Immense Arsenal of melee, firearms, and strange contraptions
- Funny Games with dozens of mini‑games and nostalgic side activities
Cultural Fusion and Vision
The concept of SHOWA AMERICAN STORY stems from NEKCOM’s creative team, who grew up in China during the Reform and Opening‑Up era of the 1980s. Inspired by the influx of American and Japanese pop culture during that time, the game applies Japanese cultural influence to a North American setting, filtered through the lens of Chinese creatives.
