Bujingai: The Forsaken City is a martial arts action game co-developed by Red Entertainment and Taito to celebrate Taito's 50th anniversary. The game was released for Playstation 2 in Japan on December 25, 2003 and in the U.S. on July 25, 2004. The story takes place in the 23rd century, after a nuclear accident caused the destruction of 70% of the world's population. This cataclysm gave the remaining people special “abilities”, but it also opened a gateway to hell, releasing demons into the world. The main character and hero of the game is Lau Wong, who returns to the island from which he was exiled to avenge the death of his master, Naguri. His enemy is Rei, who was his former friend and training partner, and who has turned half-demon. Lau is helped along the way by Naguri, who was a former master to both Rei and Lau, and Yohfa, apparently Rei's former love interest.

Motion capture was used to animate Lau.

Lau was directly modeled after Gackt. Not only was his likeness used in the game, but Gackt also participated in motion capture to create Lau's movements. In addition, Gackt voiced Lau, who doesn't have any actual lines, but who does say spells and makes various sound effects.

Gackt demonstrates his playing skills at the August 28, 2003 press conference.

A playable version of the game first premiered at the Tokyo Game Show on September 26-28, 2003. The game received good reviews from fans and critics alike. Although the storyline is not very well-developed, the game's strengths lie in its visuals and its combat system. Lau yields a pair of swords that he slashes at opponents, and by pressing certain buttons you can create spectacular combo attacks. The gameplay also includes a cool counter attack system which adds another level of action to the overall combat system. Lau can also cast spells, which are learned by progressing through the game. Using the spells are especially fun because you can hear Gackt say things like "souryuuken!" and "ryouseiken!" The visuals in Bujingai are beautiful, with brilliant colors and smoothly rendered animation.

Play as Gackt!

The game includes several bonus features that are unlocked by collecting coins, including the ability to play as Gackt himself in "street clothes". There are also unlockable movie clips such as behind-the-scenes footage of Gackt's motion capture work, and an interview (subtitled) with Gackt regarding the game (this footage has not been confirmed to be included in the European version of the game). Also, when you complete the game, the title screen features a picture of Lau and Gackt saying “Bujingai”.

Bujingai Visual Fanbook.

Bujingai guidebook.

Bujingai promotional poster.

Two books were released in Japan in conjunction with the game, and Gackt was featured in promotional posters and CMs for the game.

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