The author of Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu (Re: Zero – Starting Life in Another World). Tappei Nagatsuki, takes a surprising turn in his career by formally entering the visual novel genre. Japanese studio Laplacian will develop his new project, called Monochrome Serenade, and plans to release it in 2026. This union marks a special moment for both the author’s fans and followers of visual novels, as Nagatsuki commented on his love for this type of work for years.
From Re:Zero to Monochrome Serenade the new from Tappei
Although details about Monochrome Serenade are still scarce, the image they revealed already offers clues about the tone of the work. In it, a young woman with a red cape and green eyes can be seen in the middle of a ruined urban landscape. The play of light and shadow, coupled with the melancholic style, suggests a gloomy scenario with possibly post-apocalyptic overtones.
The art direction will be in charge of the renowned illustrators Pellet and Shimofuri, who will add their characteristic style to complement the script by Nagatsuki, author of Re:Zero. The estimated length of the novel will be approximately 10 hours. This indicates a compact story, probably focused on the emotional development of its characters and the exploration of moral dilemmas.
A dream come true for Nagatsuki
Tappei Nagatsuki, known for Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, has often expressed his passion for visual novels. This will be the first time he will be fully leading a project in this format, although he had already had a brief experience writing for a joint event between Princess Connect! Re:DIVE and Re:Zero.
Nagatsuki himself shared his excitement on social media with these words:
[Notice] I will be working with Laplacian on the script of a visual novel planned for 2026!
I know some of you already know that I, Nagatsuki, love visual novels, but finally, as a job, I’m going to write a visual novel!
With all my gratitude to all the visual novels out there, I will give my best!!!
This message was received with euphoria by his fans. Those who see in this incursion an opportunity to see new facets of the author and discover how he adapts to a more interactive narrative medium.
Laplacian: a developer with history
Laplacian is not an unknown studio in the world of visual novels. Their track record includes titles such as Cyanotype Daydream -The Girl Who Dreamed the World- and The Future Radio and the Artificial Pigeons. These stand out for their focus on alternative worlds, ethical dilemmas and dreamlike realities.
The company also works in complementary areas such as manga, soundtracks and interface design, which gives them an advantage when tackling ambitious projects. Their previous experience with introspective stories and mature themes seems to be a perfect fit with Nagatsuki’s storytelling style.
Although an official plot has yet to be revealed, many believe that Monochrome Serenade could follow a similar vein to the author’s previous works. Like Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu, a protagonist facing alternate realities, life-and-death dilemmas and an emotionally vulnerable cast.
The aesthetics revealed are reminiscent of works such as Planetarian or Saya no Uta, where the post-apocalyptic environment is not only decorative, but fundamental to the plot. The choice of the name Monochrome Serenade also suggests a melancholic, introspective and possibly tragic story.
With powerful aesthetics, a gifted art team and the storytelling talents of Tappei Nagatsuki, Monochrome Serenade is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated titles in the genre for 2026. For fans of Re:Zero, this visual novel represents much more than a new release: it’s a chance to see how he reimagines his style in a medium where every decision can carry significant emotional weight.
©Laplacian