This Way Madness Lies
Released Nov 2022
Shakespeare and Magical Girls, what could be better? Save the worlds of Shakespeare from the forces of Nightmare in this fast-paced turn-based JRPG comedy.
86% positive · 190 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Where to buy
Prices in USD, as listed by each store.
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Evaluation
This Way Madness Lies launched on November 10, 2022, and was designed from the outset as a self-contained, "bite-size" JRPG — the store description explicitly frames it as a short, complete experience with no filler. The only DLC ever released is the soundtrack (November 17, 2022), which is not gameplay content. Post-launch developer activity consisted entirely of bug fixes and balance patches in the weeks following release, with the last update on February 8, 2023. There has been no developer communication of any kind since that date. No future content, expansions, or roadmap have ever been announced. The game shipped as a finished product and has received no content additions beyond launch.
Evidence
Store description explicitly positions the game as a short, self-contained 5-10 hour JRPG — 'bite-size,' 'all killer, no filler' — with no mention of post-launch content or expansions.
The only DLC released is the game's soundtrack, which shipped one week after launch. No gameplay DLC has ever been listed.
Content
1 of 1 released · no outstanding content
Media
Details
Developer
Publisher
Zeboyd Digital Entertainment LLC
Achievements
16
Platform
Windows
Controller
full support
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player
About this game
Let us begin our tale, in the quiet city of Verona, Italy. A town for lovers... and giant, mutant flower attacks.
As the leader of the Stratford-Upon-Avon High Drama Society, Imogen is no ordinary girl! Sure, she goes to school every day and helps produce plays for the community, but beyond that, she's a magical girl! With her powers, she can teleport to alternate dimensions based on Shakespeare plays, fight back the forces of Nightmare, and still get back in time for dinner!
Join Imogen, Paulina, Viola, Rosalind, Miranda, Beatrice, and Kate on an epic adventure throughout the Shakespearean metaverse in this comedy JRPG!
• Unique, turn-based combat!
• Hang out with your friends!
• Put on plays!
• Shakespearean dialogue too difficult to parse? No problem with our unique Ye Olde English to New English translator! 110% accurate!
• Multi-character unite abilities!
• Teaches you while you learn!
• Get a pet!
• Pacing that doesn't waste your time!
• Fun for the whole family!
We believe that world needs more bite-size turn-based JRPGs - short, self-contained games that you can enjoy over a weekend or a few play sessions when you want a change of pace from big epics. Something that's all killer, no filler. We estimate that a single playthrough of This Way Madness Lies will take around 5-10 hours, depending on difficulty & playstyle, and we hope that you will enjoy every minute!
As the leader of the Stratford-Upon-Avon High Drama Society, Imogen is no ordinary girl! Sure, she goes to school every day and helps produce plays for the community, but beyond that, she's a magical girl! With her powers, she can teleport to alternate dimensions based on Shakespeare plays, fight back the forces of Nightmare, and still get back in time for dinner!
Join Imogen, Paulina, Viola, Rosalind, Miranda, Beatrice, and Kate on an epic adventure throughout the Shakespearean metaverse in this comedy JRPG!
• Unique, turn-based combat!
• Hang out with your friends!
• Put on plays!
• Shakespearean dialogue too difficult to parse? No problem with our unique Ye Olde English to New English translator! 110% accurate!
• Multi-character unite abilities!
• Teaches you while you learn!
• Get a pet!
• Pacing that doesn't waste your time!
• Fun for the whole family!
We believe that world needs more bite-size turn-based JRPGs - short, self-contained games that you can enjoy over a weekend or a few play sessions when you want a change of pace from big epics. Something that's all killer, no filler. We estimate that a single playthrough of This Way Madness Lies will take around 5-10 hours, depending on difficulty & playstyle, and we hope that you will enjoy every minute!
Are these done yet?
Last evaluated Jun 25, 2026
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