(1/16) NG from @event_EXP and@aksysgames is an interactive horror visual novel featuring point & click elements, mysteries based on Japanese fairy tales, vengeful spirits, grotesque scenes and deadly decisions.
(2/16) Our protagonist, Akira Kijima, is an undefeated underground street-fighter. After a supernatural incident his sister Ami can’t be found and he must play a game of life and death with a mysterious spirit called Kakuya in order to save his sister and himself.
(3/16) NG is a spiritual successor to Death Mark, they both take part in the same universe however 2 stories are completely unrelated. Though it’s not uncommon to catch a reference to DM in NG and you would get considerably more out of NG if you played DM first.
(4/16) NG builds upon the foundations of DM and refines some gameplay elements. Chapters are still dedicated to individual spirits, however this time the stories are based on fairy tales rather than urban legends.
(5/16) You begin each chapter in a new area trying to dig more info on a spirit’s past. This part plays almost like a dungeon crawler but areas you explore are already mapped out. Here you need to find clues and items, which will come in handy later on when you face the spirit.
(6/16) There are new and familiar mechanics. Live or Die segments are now called Crisis Choice, in which you are forced to make a decision within a time limit. There is also Survival Escape where you need to make use of items and the environment to destroy or purify the spirits.
(7/16) Just like in DM the initially obvious choice leads to destruction of the spirit, which triggers a horrific death scene for one of your partners. The idea here is getting to know the spirits and bringing them peace, killing them with kindness if you will.
(8/16) There is a new interactive mechanic called “Judgement” where you are given a choice of 5 facial expressions as a response to a situation. Correct choices help you build a bond with other characters and ultimately unlock their bio files.
(9/16) It may seem as an insignificant addition however when combined with a more relatable motivation (to save Akira’s Sister), little touches like this make a big difference for the players’ perceived involvement within the story.
(10/16) Another new feature comes in the form of a special ability called Bloodmetry. Akira can touch blood marks to view see events that transpired in the past and see things from the perspective of the spirits. More often than not you will find yourself feeling sorry for them.
(11/16) To add to the mystery you now receive mysterious texts called D-mails (Steins;Gate?) which gives you clues to solve riddles and find hidden cards. I won’t spoil anything but these cards represent the strongest tie to Death Mark, so I would suggest looking for them.
(12/16) NG follows the formula of DM pretty closely. Just like in DM the protagonist has a limited time, there is a “toy” involved in the story again and even some music and sound effects from DM are kept in NG. Needless to say NG is a safe bet if you liked DM.
(13/16) I would love if it had more voice clips or music, or if you could adjust the auto text speed at least, which was also a mild issue in DM. Since I’m a fast reader I didn’t mind but some bits advanced way too fast (speed probably adjusted based on the Japanese text)
(14/16) Furthermore I would also say NG has toned down partial nudity a tiny bit, it’s still there but doesn’t exactly match DM level. And lastly a small bug: the text doesn’t always fit into the spirit file box, on Vita at least. But it doesn’t take away from the experience.
(15/16) Watch my PS Vita playthrough/walkthrough here:
(16/16) Overall:
+ Great blend of VN, Point & Click and Dungeon Crawler
+ Tragic themes based on fairy tales
+ Improved interactivity and character personality
+ Tension building
+ Multiple endings and collectables
+/- Limited voice clips
– No auto text speed setting
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