Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place — Everything We Know

Escape rooms are a great way of putting your problem-solving prowess to the test. The games also deliver a thrill as you unravel the captivating mysteries. Qureate was well aware of this when releasing Livestream: Escape from Hotel Izanami. The survival horror action game saw a trio of streamers navigate horror-filled corridors, striving to break free from a haunted resort. The game's success has now paved the way for the rise of a sequel, Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place. If you're familiar with the game, expect the same pulse-pounding thrill, evading a mascot and unlocking the mysteries of yet another place you find yourself stuck in. Stay with us as we unpack the upcoming title from Qureate and Orgesta. Here's Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place – Everything we know.

What is Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place?

Like its predecessor, Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place is a side-scrolling survival horror adventure centered on three streamers on the precipice of being internet famous. The original title introduced us to Mio Ikoma, Azusa Sirashi, and Nana Sakurai, who were on a daring adventure. The title had them ensnared in a haunted resort after Nana requested the group do a video shoot at the location. However, much to their dismay, things soon turn awry.

The sequel takes on the same trajectory but switches things up a bit. The upcoming title introduces new characters: Himari Aitsuki, Aina Hiiragi, and Miyabi Himemiya. 

Story

At the core of this upcoming side-scrolling adventure is its storyline. In the new game, the three streamers are chasing the digital spotlight in an abandoned shopping mall. Of course, the word abandoned is a gateway to plenty of mysteries, but the trio is oblivious to this fact. No sooner do they start streaming than the horrors begin to unfold. 

The game's description on the publisher's website reads as follows:

A group of live-streamers, Himari Aitsuki, Miyabi Himemiya, and Aina Hiiragi, enter the abandoned shopping mall “Togaezuka Happy Place,” famous for being haunted, in order to shoot a video.

When they arrive at the ruins, and nothing happens, the girls, already not feeling excited about the shoot, are disappointed but get attacked by a mascot monkey that appears out of nowhere.

When Himari comes to, Miyabi and Aina are nowhere to be seen…

Himari and the others are trapped in the abandoned shopping mall, and each begins to search for a way to escape.

As if to make sure they can't escape, a mysterious mascot appears before them and attacks!

Just what is this strange mascot?

Will the three be able to meet up again and manage to safely escape?

Gameplay

Since the game is following in the footsteps of its predecessor, it's safe to assume the gameplay will be similar. In Livestream: Escape from Hotel Izanami, the trio has to escape the dilapidated building. 

The game's antagonist is a grotesque mascot, clad in a blood-smeared costume, brandishing a menacing weapon, instilling terror with its dreadful presence. The mascot will also be the main obstacle for the trio in Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place. But the developer has yet to reveal which type. 

It's also clear that the mascot is one of many problems that await the streamers. The trio must hunt for clues and items to grant them passage out of the mall. The game will also include puzzles. The items you collect and the hints will help you solve them.

Players will control the three characters separately as they each hunt for clues in separate rooms. You'll be switching between characters, and once you uncover the mysteries, the characters reunite for their safe exit. 

Moreover, the game describes a “critical condition” that has the girls tied up and their knees spread. Seemingly, you need to help the girls untangle themselves. “Don't just sit there and watch the streamers in their critical condition; calmly assess the situation and try to escape from the desperate situation! Be careful not to watch too much!”

Development

On August 23, publisher Qureate teased an upcoming game on its official website with the pseudonym “Pursuer.” The publisher was careful not to delve into much information about the game until August 31, when the game's official website launched. 

The game's theme is consistent with Qureate’s smutty-themed literature, such as Prison Princess, NiniNini Days, and Trouble Days. Enthusiasts of the game's concept may find the graphics appealing. However, others have criticized the game's sexualization of its characters. This comes at a time when concern over the sexualization of content creators is on the rise. This would have been an excellent time for the publisher to depict pretty girls in short skirts as more than sexual objects. Nevertheless, the narrative is still solid. 

In fact, the game's plot is not far from Nikkatsu Corporation's Creeping Terror. Thematically, it's different, but it focuses on horrors in an abandoned, formerly romantic hotel. For those unfamiliar with the name, these hotels are ideal for couples seeking a “short-term stay.” Yes, you guessed it, the short-term stay is where the couples get their wild on for a short duration.

Trailer

Thanks to Gematsu, we have visuals of the upcoming title. The gameplay video shows the trio having a dialogue over their shooting scene. It also showcases the horror theme. Aina instantly turns frantic and mentions' Hima-Senpai,' hoping the other two are not pulling a prank on her.

You can view the gameplay trailer in the video embedded above. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place is gearing up for a worldwide release on Nintendo Switch on September 21. However, PC players have to wait until the Fall of next year, when the game will launch on the platform via Steam. 

Moreover, the upcoming game will support Japanese, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and English language options.

If this game piques your interest, you can follow the Publisher's official Twitter handle here for game updates. We'll be sure to rope you in on any updates right here on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Are you excited about Livestream 2: Escape from Togaezuka Happy Place —? Do you think it will be better or worse than its predecessor? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!