Rating: 4/5
Review:
"Death Come True," crafted by the innovative mind behind the "Danganronpa" series, Kazutaka Kodaka, delivers an intriguing fusion of interactive movie and video game, offering a novel experience in storytelling. Here's how it stacks up:
Story and Atmosphere: The narrative kicks off with an immediately gripping premise - you wake up in a hotel room with no memory of how you got there, only to find yourself accused of being a serial killer. The mystery unravels through choices that genuinely affect the storyline, leading to multiple endings. The live-action format adds a layer of realism that's both engaging and somewhat uncanny, creating a unique atmosphere that feels like watching a suspense thriller where you’re in control.
Gameplay: The controls are as straightforward as they come, making "Death Come True" accessible to anyone familiar with the basics of navigating through video content. Your choices are the core gameplay mechanic, and while some might find the decision points a bit sparse, each choice is significant, altering the plot in noticeable ways. However, the simplicity might not satisfy those looking for more interactive gameplay elements beyond decision-making.
Visuals and Performance: The live-action sequences are well-produced with competent acting, although the quality can vary. The hotel setting is used effectively to build tension, but the visual style might not appeal to everyone, particularly those accustomed to more polished or animated graphics in games.
Sound: The soundtrack complements the suspenseful mood of the game, though it doesn’t particularly stand out. Voice acting is serviceable, enhancing the live-action feel but doesn't reach the heights of more voice-centric games.
Replay Value: With multiple endings, "Death Come True" encourages replaying to see all possible outcomes. However, once you've seen most endings, the novelty can wear off unless you're deeply invested in the narrative or achievements.
Conclusion: "Death Come True" is a bold experiment in the interactive movie genre. It's not perfect, with some pacing issues and a desire for more interactive elements, but it shines with its engaging story and the thrill of influencing the plot through choices. If you’re a fan of mystery and psychological thrillers, or if you've enjoyed Kodaka's previous works, this game is well worth experiencing for its unique approach to storytelling.
Pros:
Engaging narrative with impactful choices
Unique live-action format
Multiple endings encourage replay
Cons:
Limited gameplay interaction beyond choices
Visual quality might not appeal to all
Some may find the pacing uneven
Overall, "Death Come True" stands out for its narrative innovation, though it might not fully satisfy those looking for traditional gaming mechanics.