For nearly two decades, the name Tsukihime existed in a strange purgatory of cult adoration. Originally released as a doujin (indie) visual novel by Type-Moon in 2000, it was a raw, atmospheric, and often unpolished masterpiece that laid the genetic groundwork for the multi-billion dollar Fate franchise. Fans waited endlessly for a remake. In 2021, that wait finally ended—not with a simple remaster, but with a complete reimagining: Tsukihime: A piece of blue glass moon.
This article explores everything you need to know about this landmark release, from its narrative structure and gameplay changes to its stunning audiovisual presentation and how it compares to the original.
Released on August 26, 2021, in Japan for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4, the English-speaking world waited anxiously for a localization. That arrived in Summer 2024.
The English translation is superb—handling the complex Nasu-isms (author Kinoko Nasu’s dense, philosophical prose) with grace. One warning: The game uses legacy name orders (Tohno Shiki vs. Shiki Tohno) and retains Japanese honorifics, which purists will appreciate. Tsukihime A piece of blue glass moon
It is crucial to understand exactly what A piece of blue glass moon is. It is the first part of a two-part remake project. The original 2000 Tsukihime featured five heroines split across two distinct narrative routes.
This release covers the "Near Side of the Moon" routes:
The "Far Side of the Moon" routes (Akiha, Hisui, and Kohaku) will be covered in the upcoming sequel, Tsukihime: The other side of red garden. By splitting the narrative, Type-Moon has allowed these two storylines to breathe, expanding what was once a rush of exposition into a fully fleshed-out urban fantasy epic. For nearly two decades, the name Tsukihime existed
The core premise remains: protagonist Shiki Tohno possesses the "Mystic Eyes of Death Perception," allowing him to see and cut the lines of mortality in all things. After a near-death accident, he returns to the wealthy Tohno household, only to stumble into a secret war between vampires and a church-affiliated execution agency.
Key Structural Shifts:
The Biggest Addition: The Luminary and the Vampire War The remake introduces Vlov Arkhangel, a "Rank VI" vampire who replaces the original's forgettable side-villain. Vlov is a tragic, cursed knight whose power revolves around the concepts of "Cold" (frozen time, hopelessness) and "Heat" (violent, bloodthirsty rage) . His fight scenes are visual spectacles that turn city streets into frozen hellscapes, showcasing the remake's commitment to action. Released on August 26, 2021, in Japan for
The most radically altered component. In the original, Ciel’s route was largely a clone of Arcueid’s with a different ending. In A piece of blue glass moon, it is a completely distinct narrative. It delves into the internal politics of the Church, the true history of Roa, and a shocking re-contextualization of Shiki’s past. The route introduces new antagonists, expands the action sequences tenfold, and features one of the most intense final battles in any visual novel. Fans who disliked the original Ciel route became its biggest advocates here.
If you played the 2000 version, Blue Glass Moon will feel both familiar and alien. Here are key changes:
