The upcoming Kaiju No. 8 The Game is among the latest free-to-play mobile games that are inspired by an anime adaptation. As you can guess from the name, this one’s based on the shonen action title Kaiju No. 8, and it promises 3D turn-based battles as well as an Akari Kito-voiced original character who’s the adoptive sister of Kikoru Shinomiya.
We recently asked developer Akatsuki Games’ Yu Sasaki (project leader) and Tomonobu Nozawa (producer) some questions about the upcoming action RPG via email.
Question submitted by Melyvn Tan and Isabelle Lee.
Anime Trending: How was the original character Sagan Shinomiya conceived for the game?
Akatsuki Games: Sagan Shinomiya is a newly introduced character who is the non-blood-related older sister of Kikoru Shinomiya, one of the main characters from the Kaiju No. 8 anime. We wanted to create a character who is closely connected to the anime cast so that fans of the anime can also enjoy the game. At the same time, we were careful not to create a character that would interfere too heavily with the story of the anime.
We noticed that the anime hints that Kikoru studied at the “California Monster Extermination University” and also suggests that Kaiju appear outside of Japan. We expanded on those elements to build the game’s world and Sagan’s backstory.
How did Akari Kito-san get cast for the role?
Akatsuki Games: Akari Kito has rich experience not only in anime but also as a voice actor in games. Her voice and acting range perfectly captured the duality of Sagan’s personality — dignified yet slightly offbeat — which is why we approached her for the role.
What was the intent that went into Sagan’s character design?
Akatsuki Games: We focused on ensuring her design wouldn’t overlap with existing characters from the anime, while still fitting seamlessly into Kaiju No. 8’s military-inspired world. Although Sagan and Kikoru are sisters, they are not related by blood, so we deliberately avoided making them look alike.
How does Sagan fit in with the existing cast dynamics? What would you say is her charm point?
Akatsuki Games: Sagan is the leader of a special unit called “CLOZER,” which investigates the central incident of the game — the “Kaiju Dimensional Gate” case. The story progresses as CLOZER works alongside the Japan Anti-Kaiju Defense Force (JAKDF), which includes Kafka Hibino and other familiar characters. Sagan is a strong leader, but she also has a lovable, slightly scatterbrained side.
How would you describe the general flow and feeling of a typical battle?
Akatsuki Games: The game features a turn-based command battle system. Players form four-member squads to take on giant Kaiju. Two key systems differentiate this from standard command battles: (1) a “Core Break System” that allows players to target and destroy Kaiju weak points, and (2) a “Squad Link System” that enables unique combos depending on team composition. Once a Kaiju’s core is broken, players can deliver a coordinated strike to deal massive damage.
Is there any part of the game’s progression or combat system that you’d like to highlight?
Akatsuki Games: The core concept is a “Giant Killing RPG.” Our goal is to give players the exhilarating experience of taking down massive Kaiju with a coordinated team.
Are there any characters or party compositions that you particularly like in the game?
Akatsuki Games: Each team member has a defined battle role — such as Striker, Defender, or Support. Players must strategically assemble their squad to face Kaiju effectively. For instance, Isao Shinomiya boosts overall defense, while Akari Minase serves as a healer. The game also highlights many intriguing characters who didn’t get as much attention in the anime.
What did you pay attention to when it came to the character animations?
Akatsuki Games: The characters in Kaiju No. 8 don’t use traditional “magic.” They fight using weapons such as guns, cannons, swords, and hand-to-hand combat. We’ve designed a wide range of techniques involving those weapons and ensured that even attacks using the same weapon feel distinct between characters. We vary camera angles, tempo, and effects to prevent the action from feeling repetitive.
Were there any particular scenes or story arcs from the anime that influenced the game’s narrative or event design? If so, can you share an example?
Akatsuki Games: Absolutely. We’ve worked especially hard to recreate the intense battles between characters that appear in the anime. For example, the first encounter between Kaiju No. 8 and Soushirou Hoshina, as well as the battle between Kaiju No. 8 and Isao Shinomiya, are faithfully and richly portrayed in the game.
What message would you like to share with fans as they experience both the game and the anime?
Akatsuki Games: Summer 2025 will be a major moment for Kaiju No. 8, with both the anime and the game launching. Watch the anime, then dive into the game. Then watch the anime again after playing the game. We hope fans will enjoy how both mediums amplify the excitement of the story even further. Please stay tuned.
Kaiju No. 8 The Game will be available on the App Store, Google Play Store, and Steam. Its supported languages include Japanese, English, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean, and French.
