Final Weapon had the opportunity to interview TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno project director Dong-won Lee and art director Pil-jong Kim to learn more about the upcoming RPG adaptation of Yura Urushibara’s TOUGEN ANKI anime and manga series.
In our interview, Dong-won Lee and Pil-jong Kim discuss the main story of TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno, the creative process during the game’s development, consultation with the anime’s staff and Urushibara, and much more.
Get the full interview on TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno below:
Can you introduce yourself and your roles in the development of TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno?
Dong-won Lee: Hello, I’m Dong-won Lee, the PD leading development on TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno at Com2uS. We’re working hard to create a game that both anime fans and gamers can enjoy.
Pil-jong Kim: Hi, I’m Pil-jong Kim, the art director in charge of the overall visuals for the game.
TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno is the first-ever game adaptation for the TOUGEN ANKI series. Were you familiar with TOUGEN ANKI before development started? What were some goals and ideas that you first thought of when development started?
Dong-won Lee: Many members of our team were already fans of Tougen Anki. Our goal was to make the game enjoyable not only for existing fans, but also for those who are encountering Tougen Anki for the first time —providing a fun story experience that’s easy and accessible for everyone.
Players can expect a story mode that explores relationships and conflicts between characters from TOUGEN ANKI. Does the story mode follow the same story of the TOUGEN ANKI series? Are there any all-new original story elements?
Dong-won Lee: The main storyline of the game closely follows the core plot of the TV anime. Fans of the original IP will be able to experience the same story they saw in the anime, but in a more interactive and immersive way through gameplay.
However, while faithfully recreating the original story, we also wanted to deliver new forms of enjoyment that can only be experienced in the game. To achieve this, we plan to introduce original characters and stories exclusive to the game. These original elements are designed to provide a fresh perspective and new narratives without disrupting the flow of the original work.
The original characters will blend naturally with the existing cast, offering fans a “new but familiar” experience and adding a unique charm that defines the game’s own identity. The original storylines will give long-time fans a fresh take on the familiar world, while also helping new players engage with the universe through accessible and captivating new stories.”
Did the team at Com2uS consult author Yura Urushibara or any of the anime staff when developing TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno?
Pil-jong Kim: Since the game is based on an existing IP, receiving supervision and approval from the TV anime production team was an essential part of the process. One of the challenges we faced was coordinating details with both the rights holder and the original author. However, when the original creator reviewed the completed character designs, skill animations, and cutscenes, they gave very positive feedback —which made us feel truly proud and rewarded for our efforts.
TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno features turn-based RPG combat with a party system that lets players strategy and form powerful teams with their favorite characters. Can you reveal more details about the progression systems of TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno and how players will be able to form strong teams?
Dong-won Lee: Each character in TOUGEN ANKI: Crimson Inferno has a unique type, and players can build stronger teams by selecting characters whose types align with the enemy’s specific weaknesses.
Characters are broadly divided into two categories: battle characters who directly engage in combat, and support characters who provide various buffs and assist during battles. By analyzing the enemy’s attack patterns and strategically positioning the right support characters, players can form even more powerful and effective teams.
In addition, each character possesses a special ultimate ability called an Inferno Skill. Players can build up the gauge through normal skills and then unleash their Inferno Skill at the right moment to maximize their team’s offensive potential. Timing and strategy in using these skills will be key to achieving victory.
What are the online features of TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno like?
Dong-won Lee: While the game includes basic online features and a real-time co-op dungeon is in the works, it’s designed to be enjoyable and rewarding even for those who prefer to play solo at their own pace.
During Tokyo Game Show 2025, TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno was playable on various demo stations, giving attendees their first hands-on experiences with the new RPG. Are there any plans to host a beta test to give fans around the world a chance to play the game before launch?
Dong-won Lee: Tougen Anki: Crimson Inferno is actively preparing different ways to engage with players before its official launch. While a beta test is being considered as one of the options, the detailed plans and structure are still under discussion.
TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno is planned to release on PC and mobile. Has Com2uS considered releasing console versions of the game in the future?
Dong-won Lee: Our current focus is on launching the game for PC and mobile platforms first. At the same time, we are considering further platform expansion to ensure that more players can enjoy the game on a wide range of devices.
What can players expect after the launch of TOUGEN ANKI Crimson Inferno?
Dong-won Lee: Although we can’t share any concrete details at this stage, we’re planning post-launch content that may include original storylines, original characters, and exciting collaboration characters.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Dong-won Lee: Including the Tokyo Game Show, we are doing our best to connect with players through as many opportunities as possible and prepare thoroughly for the launch. We truly appreciate your support and hope you’ll look forward to what’s coming.
Pil-jong Kim: We’ve made sure that both anime fans and newcomers can enjoy the game and fully immerse themselves in the TOUGEN ANKI universe.
TOUGEN ANKI: Crimson Inferno is coming to Android, iOS, and PC via Steam worldwide. The TOUGEN ANKI anime is streaming on Crunchyroll, Netflix (worldwide except Japan and Mainland China), Prime Video, and more services. The anime is streaming with an English dub as well.
