I looked at some reviews off of Amazon and such, and heard good about it. I tend to lean towards adventure and fantasy games, but this one was definitely going to be different. I was interested in it because it was more of a puzzle solving game - where you had to solve the puzzle to move on. The catch was that your life was on the line in this game. In addition, you had to make certain choices that would lead to different endings in the game. And so, I was sold, and went to Gamestop to buy the game itself.
Before I dig into this review, I want to point this out - this game is rated M for Mature for a reason. I do NOT recommend this game to people younger than 17. I know that this means little to those today, but nonetheless... well, while I do like the game (spoiler alert), it is a pretty graphic game (the narration does go into great detail about the deaths, psyche of the characters, etc.), and it could affect some people's... mentality? Dunno what word to really use, but it is quite emotional and effecting... so, just thought I throw that out there.
Now, with that said, I will do my utmost best not to spoil it at all. You (Junpei) find yourself in a room that you have no recollection of knowing. You find yourself wearing a watch-like band around your left wrist, with the number 5 on it. You also discover the same number on the door that you see in the room with you, which won't open. The window in the room breaks and water starts to poor out (where you figure you are in a ship). You come to a situation where you have to escape (or else you're gonna drown). Eventually, you remember what happened - that you were kidnapped by a disguised person (gas mask, hooded cloak). Once you do figure out the puzzle and escape, you eventually find yourself in a big room, and find 8 other people joining you in the room. You don't know any of them, except for one, who's name is Akane (a childhood friend you know).
After some time of attempting of opening doors and escaping, the mastermind of what's going on, who goes by the name of Zero, explains that he is the "host" of this game that the 9 will partake in, and will "go over" and explain "why" you are there. The event is called the Nonary Game, and the objective is to go through the different numbered doors to find the door that will lead you out. About the doors, there's a thing called the RED (Recognition Device), which you must use to open the doors. How? Simply by adding up the people's numbers that they have on their wrists (like the one you have, which is 5). Only 3 to 5 people can verify their numbers on the RED, and if the number matches the door's number, then you can enter (it goes by digital root, which is the result of finding the sum of several digits until there is only a single digit remaining. For example, let's say the door number is 9. If you add the numbers 5 + 6 + 7, then you will get 18. Then, you will then make 18 to 1 + 8, which will be 9, meaning that the door will open. 5 + 6 + 7 = 18 = 1 + 8 = 9.). After the door opens, then you have to search for the DEAD (Deactivation Device), which looks just like the RED, except it is blue. Once you enter (within 9 seconds. Once 9 seconds pass, then the door shuts), you will hear a beeping noise. If you do not verify the numbers again to the DEAD in under 81 seconds, the bomb inside of you will detonate, and you will explode. In short, those who participate (verify their numbers for the RED) must enter, and those who enter must leave (verify their numbers on the DEAD).
The time limit is 9 hours, and if you have not escaped by then, then whoever is left in the ship will drown.
After Zero's announcement and explanation, then the game begins. Everyone then shows their numbers, and gives each other code names (except for you, which everyone knows your real name). They are:
1: Ace
1: Ace
2: Snake
3: Santa
4: Clover
5: Junpei (You)
6: June (Akane)
7: Seven
8: Lotus
9: 9th Guy
What happens afterwards I will leave to you to find out, as I don't want to spoil any more of the game (it's plot and characters).
My thoughts? Well, it's a lot of narrative and story, but in a GOOD way. Heck, in a GREAT way. I'll get to that in a minute though. But first, let's talk about puzzles. Each numbered door you go into, you have to solve about 1 to 2 puzzles... maybe more? And to be honest, some of them are rather difficult to solve (at least to me). If you do not cheat , then I almost guarantee you that you will feel pretty smart and accomplished on solving said puzzles. I felt as such, and I don't get that kind of satisfaction much anymore except from a few games (such as the Phoenix Wright and Legend of Zelda series). If there's one complaint I have about the puzzles is that there is no real time limit, you can take your time with the puzzles. I was honestly expecting to have a certain time limit for each puzzle I was doing, especially if your life is on the line. But, even without it, the puzzle's challenge itself is worth it.
Aside from puzzles, it's pretty much the story. However, you do chose what doors you would like to go through, as well as how to respond on some topics and such. Depending on your choices will determine the kind of endings you will get. There's a number of "bad endings", one ending called the "safe ending" (which isn't technically a "bad ending"), and the one "true ending". After your first complete playthrough, you get to save your "memories", which means that you can remember what choices you made and make different ones. In addition, you can fast-forward through the dialogue (only ones you already have been through with), and a separate option within the menu to play the puzzles you have already done in the story mode.
The music was fantastic! It felt like each piece fitted perfectly well on each scene you were in. When the scene got spooky or creepy, the music fitted that tone. When it got tense or exciting, the music was in unison with that scene. I can not think of any better soundtracks to fit the atmosphere for 999 than what the composer created for the game. He (Shinji Hosoe) did a fantastic job on the composition of the music.
My thoughts on the story overall? I honestly got into it and LOVED it! Especially the True Ending, which is well worth the work for. When I say I got into it, I mean I got INTO it. It was emotional, heartbreaking, and very well done. You get to know the characters more in depth (The characters and their development throughout the game were phenomenal. I really did like them, especially Seven, who was awesome (to me). I also liked Junpei and Akane, who shared a deep bond towards one another, which will be very important later on in the game, especially for the True Ending.), and how all nine contestants for the Nonery Game connect to Zero. The story is bind gripping, and interesting and emotional in every aspect of the word. In fact, this has got to be one of the best stories I have ever played in a video game (if not the best on my list).
Here's my ratings:
Gameplay: 10/10
Music: 10/10
Graphics: 9/10
Story: 10/10
Overall: 9.5/10
In conclusion, if you are someone like me who mostly plays adventure games (or plays one particular that isn't mainly puzzle solving, deciding on a "certain" path, and a lot of story), then I STILL recommend getting (or trying out) this game (people who are 17 or older. I did mention that I do NOT recommend this game to those younger than the game was intended for... yeah, I still stand by that statement. Not forcing anyone not to get the game, but just FYI.). Honestly, I made a "gamble" between getting this one game I have heard little of for $20, and another good game I have heard a lot about for $50, and I went for 999 (obviously). I have no regrets, and I would play it over and over again... in "healthy" doses naturally. The puzzles are great, the music's great, the characters (most) are great, and the story is phenomenal!
UPDATE: I just played through all of Virtue's Last Reward. I will be posting a blog about my thoughts and experiences with the game in the near future.
UPDATE: I just played through all of Virtue's Last Reward. I will be posting a blog about my thoughts and experiences with the game in the near future.
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