Knight Case Files

Knight Case Files is a dark fantasy visual novel about Wilhelm, a new Knight of the Royal Guard who becomes involved in investigations into forces working against king and country. A duke has tried to usurp the country using an imposter of his daughter, while a necromancer who once fought the Phoenix Clan operates in the shadows. Wilhelm is assigned to guard Master Alchemist Topherf, a descendant of the Serpent Clan, and the two investigate the history of the Phoenix Kingdom, two immortal races and a young lady’s body suspended at the moment of her death.

The story follows a single main path, with choices leading to four different endings. It is told from the perspectives of multiple characters, including the villain, and centers on a gender-bending alchemist and romantic lead, Topherf. The English narrative is approximately 67,000 words and takes about 10 hours to play. Japanese voice acting accompanies reactions and dialogue, and an in-game hint system makes it easier to revisit choices that lead to bad endings.

The Phoenix Kingdom

The Phoenix Clan defeated the Serpent Clan in war and later founded the Phoenix Kingdom alongside humans. Descent from the Phoenix Clan is considered a sign of true citizenship. The best-known lineage is that of the Ebony Phoenix, from which the Weiss royal family descends. The Phoenix Clan is said to value freedom of movement over ties to land, and to have left the kingdom soon after its founding. It has been officially announced that no members of the clan currently live in the kingdom.

Necromancy and legend

Necromancy means magic used to move or otherwise manipulate a corpse. The kingdom prohibits it as an immoral act that offends the dignity of the dead, with exceptions for research aimed at opposing necromantic magic and research into magical practices based on necromantic theories. Such exceptions require data to be submitted to the Royal Institute of Magical Studies and approval from both the Kingdom Assembly and the King.

The kingdom also has an urban legend about the Corpse Killer. The rumored figure is said to have originated in the West Branch of the Royal Guard, which has a large morgue where weapons may be tested on corpses with government permission. The legend began with the appearance of a mercenary called the Corpse Killer.

Visual style

The game uses an ornate retro art style inspired by the 2000s.