Spike Chunshoft is thought for its unbelievable work on the Danganronpa collection, a group of visible novels that noticed important popularity of its attention-grabbing characters and darkish but comedic writing. Following on from such success is a troublesome feat, but in June final yr, the discharge of Grasp Detective Archives: Rain Code on Nintendo Change demonstrated the developer’s capacity to use the underpinnings of Danganronpa into a brand new setting, and the launch of this enhanced model for PS5, Grasp Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus, is not any completely different from its base-version.
Rain Code, like Danganronpa, is a visible novel-like expertise centered on fixing mysteries, whereas this time you play as a younger detective-in-training named Yuma Kokohead who kinds a partnership with a Demise God known as Shinigami. This model of the sport additionally boasts extra side-stories, centered on among the recreation’s primary characters, corresponding to Vivia and Fubuki. Should you loved the Change model and appreciated sure characters, this additional content material would possibly attraction to you. Nevertheless, like most different visible novel video games, the start of the marketing campaign is considerably sluggish, and may take some time to select up momentum.
The principle recreation loop sees you exploring the “actual world” space of Kanai Ward, amassing notable items of proof, earlier than diving into the thriller labyrinth to piece collectively info. Most of that is carried out via a collection of minigame-like challenges, which can appear easy however can change into thought-provoking moments of fast deduction. Sadly, not all these challenges are defined properly, or are a bit of bit unusual to know at first, which may finally result in some irritating moments.
Spike Chunsoft is thought for its hanging character design work and Rain Code is not any exception. Lots of the characters you encounter have that signature over-the-top fashion, leading to a definite solid of memorable characters every with their very own objectives and ambitions. Nevertheless, like Danganronpa, there are far too many moments the place the sport all of a sudden decides to lean extra into over sexualisation of its solid or inform jokes that don’t essentially hit the touchdown. However, there may be nonetheless good high quality writing on show right here – it’s only a disgrace that this reoccurs with out an excessive amount of warning, nor motive.
All in all, Grasp Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus delivers a enjoyable mystery-filled visible novel expertise, good for anybody who’s a fan of Danganronpa or related titles. There are just a few irritating parts right here and there, however the entire package deal is a largely strong narrative-focused journey.