Update #4 [Tue 5th Oct, 2021 02:00 BST]: During last week's Tokyo Game Show, Arc System Works shared the opening movie trailer for this upcoming release. It'll arrive in Japan this December, and will feature over 120 stages, according to the official game website. There's no word on the game being localised at this stage.

Update #3 [Fri 10th Sep, 2021 06:30 BST]: Here are the first official screenshots and a little more information, via Gematsu:

"Set in the late Han Dynasty during the Warring States period where local warlords rivaled against each other, a nonsensical and exhilarating comedy adventure will unfold with Guan Yu (Kunio) as the protagonist living in the turbulent age. Additionally, familiar characters will also appear as warlords and tacticians, dyeing the world of Sangokushi in Kunio-kun. Experience the start of the turbulent age that is the “Yellow Turban Rebellion,” the famous “Battle of Red Cliffs,” and more in the style of comical action."

"Belt-Scrolling Action: The game uses the series’ familiar “belt scroll action.” Intricately connected areas form a vast stage. In addition to battlefields, there are also towns and villages where you can shop. You can also go sightseeing in various terrains by visiting every corner of each area."

"Flashy Strategems: When talking about Sangokushi, flashy “Strategems” are always there to turn the tables. Using powerful Strategies will have a huge effect on all the enemies on the screen. Also, you can also discover secret rooms and hidden passages by using them in certain places…"

Kunio Kun

Update #2 [Wed 8th Sep, 2021 01:05 BST]: We've got some new details about the Kunio-kun anniversary project including screenshots and some character art. This is all courtesy of Famitsu via Nintendo Enthusiast.

The title translates to Kunio-kun's Records of the Three Kingdoms: Everyone Gather! - with the game taking place in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms universe. In the screenshots, you can see Kunio and other characters dressed up in matching attire. Famitsu also notes how development is around "65%" complete and the game will launch on Switch this December in Japan.

Famitsu
Image: Famitsu

Update #1 [Sat 4th Sep, 2021 04:55 BST]: As somewhat expected, the Kunio-kun anniversary website has a revealed a new project is in development. It's called Kunio-kun no Sangokushi dayo: Zeiin Shuugou! (thanks, Gematsu). It will be published by Arc System works and developed by APlus Games.

Here's the official teaser trailer, showing off the game's logo:

Kunio Kun

Original article [Fri 3rd Sep, 2021 04:30 BST]: It's the 35th anniversary of Technōs Japan's popular co-op beat 'em up series Kunio-kun this year.

A number of months ago Arc System Works revealed the official logo for this celebration and mentioned how it would be followed by many different projects - including new game releases, "related products" and even collaborations.

A countdown website has now also gone live. At the time of writing, there are just under 24 hours remaining. We'll presumably be getting a reveal of sorts this time tomorrow on September 4th.

On a somewhat related note, WayForward also recently gave us a look at the spin-off sequel, River City Girls 2 - including some screenshots and character artwork.

The Kunio-kun anniversary celebrations will run for a year. What would you like to see from this series in its 35th year? Tell us down below.

[source kuniokun.jp, via gematsu.com]