Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek Turns Japanese Ghost Stories Into Fast Three-Minute Matches

Nintendo Switch players can now step into a playful world of Japanese supernatural tag with Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek, a casual asymmetrical multiplayer game built around quick three-minute matches.

The sequel to Obakeidoro, also known in English as Bail or Jail, retains the original game’s straightforward Humans versus Monsters gameplay while expanding its supernatural setting with characters inspired by Japanese ghost stories and urban legends. The cast includes familiar figures such as Hanako-san, Red Cloak and Mary-san, giving the game a distinct Japanese identity without making the experience overly frightening.

Each match pits Humans against Monsters in a race against the clock. Online games support up to eight players, with six Humans attempting to survive against two Monsters. Humans win if at least one player remains free when the three-minute timer expires, while Monsters win as soon as the entire Human team has been captured.

For Humans, survival depends on movement, teamwork and knowing when to make a rescue. Captured players are placed inside cages, and teammates can free them by finding and activating two switches scattered around the map.

Humans also have Lanterns that can stun nearby Monsters. Different Lanterns have varying Speed, Range and Stun characteristics, affecting how quickly they activate, how far they reach and how long a Monster remains stunned. Individual Human characters also have abilities that can provide advantages, including increased speed when a Monster approaches or the ability to reveal enemy positions on the minimap.

Playing as a Monster offers a different challenge. Rather than escaping, players must anticipate where Humans are heading, cut off their routes and capture the entire team before the timer runs out. Monsters have a standard Catch as well as a more powerful Super Catch that can capture two Humans at once under the right conditions.

Monster selection can also matter depending on the map. Characters have different Capture Range, Jump Height and Wall Phasing capabilities, which can make some more suitable for particular stages. At Delzo Academy, for example, Hanako-san can pass through walls, making her useful in its corridors and obstacle-heavy areas. Red Cloak instead relies on a powerful high jump, which may be less useful in areas with low ceilings. The game displays Monster suitability before a stage begins to help players make their choice.

Other Monsters have their own abilities and quirks. The Frog Monster, for instance, gains improved movement and jumping ability when using Super Catch on watery surfaces.

Beyond online matches, Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek offers several ways to play offline. Players can take on CPU-controlled characters, join Local Party games or play through split-screen multiplayer. Online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Quick Match can also fill open positions with CPU players when matchmaking does not find a full group.

The game includes a progression system through its Lantern, Monster and Badge shops. New items become available after players reach certain faction Ranks or meet specific requirements, while currency can be earned through regular matches.

Stamps provide additional objectives for players looking for more goals beyond simply winning. These missions can include tasks such as capturing several Humans or winning matches as the Human team. Completing them can unlock Titles, bonuses and additional playable characters.

With its colorful chibi visuals, supernatural Japanese theme and short match format, Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek takes a lighter approach to the asymmetrical multiplayer genre. Its simple rules make it easy to pick up, while the combination of Lantern choices, character abilities, rescues and map-specific strategies adds room for more experienced players to experiment.

Future updates are also planned to introduce more characters and maps, giving the game room to expand its roster and gameplay options. For now, Obakeidoro 2: Chase & Seek offers Nintendo Switch players a compact multiplayer experience focused on quick decisions, narrow escapes and fast supernatural chases.