Game Freak’s Upcoming Title Blends Magical Girls with Real-World Weather Dynamics

Game Freak, known for its mainline Pokémon RPGs, is venturing into new territory with another non-Pokémon title this year, following the action RPG Beast of Reincarnation released in August. The upcoming game, set to launch in December in Japan, introduces a unique twist where gameplay will be influenced by real-world weather conditions.

Ame no Chi Hare Onna is a new mobile game created in collaboration with Chronogate and directed by Shigeru Ohmori, who has helmed the mainline Pokémon series since Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, as well as this year’s charming life simulation, Pokémon Pokopia. The game features a magical girl named Hare Onna, who harnesses the power of the weather, alongside her companion Pon Arai, an adorable Tanuki creature known as a Kumorin, or a divine messenger that grants her these special abilities. Together, they will encounter other characters with unique powers, each accompanied by precious baby angel animals that embody innocence. This setup echoes the Pokémon theme of “humans and animals forming bonds.”

While Game Freak has kept specifics under wraps, the concept suggests that daily gameplay experiences will vary based on real-world weather—whether it’s raining, sunny, or snowing.

Ame no Chi Hare Onna is set to debut on mobile platforms in Japan this December, with no announcements regarding an English version yet. You can check out the announcement trailer below:

As Game Freak explores various projects beyond the Pokémon realm, anticipation builds for next year’s Pokémon Winds and Waves, which promises to launch a new generation for the franchise on Switch 2.