Master Detective Archives: Rain Code - A Blend of Old Tropes and Fresh Ideas
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is the kind of adventure game that keeps players on their toes. It marries old-fashioned mystery tropes with fresh ideas to create an immersive experience that will keep players hooked until the case's conclusion. A unique blend of zany random humor and a dark fantasy setting, Rain Code feels like a more lighthearted take on Spike Chunsoft's Danganronpa series. The game features a cast of quirky characters and cleverly crafted individual cases, making it a must-play for Danganronpa fans.
In Rain Code, players assume the role of Yuma Kokohead, a trainee detective with lost memory, who teams up with a group of Master Detectives to unravel a big mystery in Kanai Ward. Each Master Detective possesses a special skill called a Forte, adding a superpower element to the gameplay. For instance, one detective can talk to animals, while another can summon the souls of the dead. A personal favorite is Shinigami, a Bowsette-like death god who provides sassy and crude quips throughout the game.
The story kicks off with a shocking twist in Chapter 0, where all the main characters are brutally killed. This introduction sets the tone for unexpected turns and surprises. Rain Code's narrative is its greatest strength, subverting expectations set by Danganronpa. While the overarching mystery is surprisingly grim, the individual cases are more lighthearted, featuring comical characters and over-the-top shenanigans.
The gameplay blends classic visual novel elements with added visual appeal, allowing players to explore a fully 3D world, interact with characters, investigate crime scenes, and navigate through Mystery Labyrinths - dungeons that must be completed to solve each case.
Mystery Labyrinths consist of unique battles that involve Reasoning Deathmatches against eccentric Phantom bosses. Players must slash through untrue statements with evidence to defeat the bosses. These battles are fast-paced and fun, although they feel unnecessary since the core gameplay is forgiving. Yumi, the detective partner, is helpful but underutilized, mostly fetching objects and solving easy puzzles, rarely participating in the battles.
The game keeps players on their toes with quick-time events, misdirection, evidence sorting, and a Pop-up Pirate-style minigame with Shinigami. Each chapter concludes with a Deduction Denouement, a comic book-style retelling of the crime where players fill in the blanks with correct images. While some aspects, such as the labyrinths, may feel repetitive, the overall narrative and cleverly crafted mysteries keep players engaged.
While Rain Code's abilities feel underutilized, they add an extra layer of depth to the gameplay. Although the gameplay is forgiving and rarely challenging, the abilities enhance the overall experience, trusting players to piece together the clues on their own. For instance, the detective can inspect objects to gather hints or speak with witnesses for information. The Master Detectives also possess special skills, such as enhanced hearing and smelling, extending beyond the limits of a normal human. These abilities are rarely used, but they contribute to the immersive experience.
Rain Code is a charming and clever detective game that delivers a visual novel mystery in a 3D package with added visual appeal. Despite the seemingly never-ending line of Danganronpa-inspired games, Rain Code's clever and immersive mysteries will undoubtedly surprise players.
