SANABI Returns with a Bold, Action-Focused Side Story
Korea’s acclaimed indie developer Wonder Potion has announced that its first spin-off title, SANABI Side Story: The Day of Possession, will launch for free on Steam on November 27.
Following the global success of SANABI — which drew international praise for its emotive storytelling, stylish cyberpunk world, and fluid action gameplay — Wonder Potion surprised fans by unveiling this new side story in September. The reveal instantly reignited community excitement, culminating in a wildly popular G-STAR 2025 demo showcase, where wait times exceeded four hours, demonstrating the franchise’s enduring popularity.
Major Song Takes the Lead — A New Style of Combat
The new installment stars Major Song, one of the most beloved supporting characters from SANABI. Set during her days serving in Department 12 of the Royal Guard, the spin-off explores her earlier years — before meeting General Geum.
While the main game featured chain-hook-based wire action, The Day of Possession introduces a completely new combat experience centered around shotgun-based ranged combat and close-quarters swordplay. Players can double jump, parry enemy attacks, and utilize the all-new “Burst System” to amplify damage and boost agility.
Wonder Potion CEO Yoo Seung-hyun commented:
“We had already explored every possible evolution of the chain-hook system in the original game. Rather than expanding it through DLC, we chose to design a combat-driven experience that still captures SANABI’s signature aerial style.”
A Two-Hour Mystery in the Outskirts of Hanyang
The side story takes place in a robot scrapyard on the outskirts of Hanyang, where Major Song investigates a mysterious case tied to acts of treason. As she follows suspicious orders from her superiors and encounters an enigmatic general, the narrative unfolds into a dark and suspenseful mystery.
The game features roughly two hours of story content, with eight stages and two boss fights. It also bridges the timeline between Major Song and the original SANABI protagonist, revealing key connections between their fates.
Players can choose from four difficulty levels, ranging from the casual “Chick” mode (unlimited health) to the punishing “Nationally Certified Human Weapon” mode, where death comes from a single hit.
Made for the Fans, Without Disrupting the Original Story
Wonder Potion emphasized that the spin-off was created as a thank-you gift for fans, not as a retcon or unnecessary sequel.
“We didn’t want to interfere with the story we completed in SANABI. Instead, we focused on Song’s past and crafted a completely independent episode,” the team stated.
Originally planned as a short mini-episode, the project grew into a full-fledged side game in response to overwhelming fan support. Yoo added:
“We just wanted to express our gratitude to the fans. As we developed it with that mindset, the scale naturally became much larger than we expected.”
Future Plans: “Mari’s Past” and SANABI 2
Wonder Potion also revealed that a second side story, “Mari’s Past,” is in development. The team plans to release it for free alongside SANABI 2, the next full sequel.
SANABI 2 will expand the original’s stylish 2D action and narrative depth into a Metroidvania-style structure, featuring broader world exploration, skill customization, and enhanced adventure mechanics — all set within the iconic Joseon cyberpunk universe.
Before production begins, Wonder Potion aims to complete its next original IP, Paradise Atelier, to further strengthen its technical and creative capabilities.
Free Steam Release on November 27
SANABI Side Story: The Day of Possession will be available for free worldwide on Steam starting November 27, 2025.
Blending new mechanics, high-intensity combat, and the series’ hallmark K-cyberpunk atmosphere, the side story invites players to return to the world of SANABI — this time through the eyes of one of its most compelling heroes.
