Dramatical Murder re:code (old) Review

[amber_moonlightwaves]

Dramatical Murder re:code
- Japanese Title: ドラマティカルマーダー リコード
- System(s): PC, PSVita
- Maker/Company: Nitro+
- Translation Available: Yes, but unofficial one. No official translation.
- Release Date(s): Japan (PSVita) - 30th October 2014
- Info: Boys' Love Visual Novel, Old Review
- Home Page: DMMD

Links
VNDB
Routes/Paths for Dramatical murder re:code

NOTE: Just to make a quick note, this review was written more than five years ago, so it's not my most recent thoughts and outdated in certain parts (I will mark it as such in the review). I also haven't replayed the game in quite a long time, so this post does not contain any updated thoughts. As always, please take everything I say with a grain of salt as these are my opinions only and no one else's.

For those who are still interested in playing this game, there is an amazing walkthrough (which didn't exist when I first played it - something I mentioned in this review, thus making this fact outdated). I believe they also provide translations on the game, so check it out if it tickles your fancy!

Guide to the game: Dramatical Murder re:code

Onward with the review!





I finally sat down and played the BL visual novel game, Dramatical Murder, on the PSVita. I have to say it was a lot of fun and I managed to finish it within a week. Not sure how that happened, but I must say that I found it hard to put down the game most of the time because I wanted to find out what would happen next.

Originally, the game was made on the PC and was rated Cero Z [18+] due to its explicit content. The one on the PSVita has been modified and edited to fit the Cero C [15+] rating. I have personally never played the Cero Z version and I will not because I’m simply not interested in playing it. Thus, I will not be doing any comparison statements between the two versions.

If you want more information on the differences between the two versions of the game, please refer to this Wiki page: Dramatical Murder re:code. There was also an anime made based on this game in July 2014. For more information on it, please refer to the Wiki page: Dramatical Murder (anime).

For this game, I used a guide in Japanese, but this game is very similar to the PC, which many people have written guides for in English, so I would not really worry about playing the game. However, at the time of this posting, most of the English guides probably do not cover Mizuki’s route since his route is the new addition to this game [as far as I have seen]. (Info on guide outdated as addressed at the beginning of the post)

I heard about the series when the anime aired, but I never had a chance to watch it and I wanted to the play the game first anyway. Before I start the review of the game, I have provided the storyline and a few terms commonly used in the game in case you are not familiar with the game/anime series. If you already know the series, then feel free to skip on ahead to the “Review of Dramatical Murder re:code” under the cut. [Ctrl+F is your best friend :)]

[New Note: I have done my best to avoid spoilers. However, there are some places where spoilerish aspects are mentioned. I have marked it in the review as such.]

Plot

The main character, Aoba Seragaki, lives on the fictional island of Midorijima in the Old Resident District. He works at Heibon Shop and wishes to live a simple, peaceful life with his grandmother, Tae-san. However, his harmonious world comes crashing down when he becomes involved in a series of life-changing and meets people who all turn out to be involved in something much bigger. It is an adventure that changes Aoba as he learns about the truth of himself and those around him.

Important Terms to Know

Allmates/オールメイト

From how I understood it, these are like personal, computerized companions who, as I have seen, take on the forms of some type of animal and can apparently help you navigate like Ren does for Aoba. Like most of the technology on the island, the Allmates are run by Toue’s company. They are also necessary to play the game known as Rhyme.

Oval Tower/オーバルタワー

This is a tower located in Platinum Jail and serves as the headquarters of Toue, the man who runs Platinum Jail.

Rhyme/ライム
This is a virtual system fighting game in which you fight against your opponent and his/her Allmates buddy. If you are familiar with the dot hack animes/games, then it is similar to the concept of a virtual world. There are rules to the game and the one who presides over these games is called Usui.

Rib/リブ
This consists of groups like Dry Juice, Beni-Shigure, or Scratch who control certain turfs, or territory, on the island and are constantly butting heads to see who will be the strongest group on the island. They also have connections with the police as well. When the game starts out, Dry Juice is considered to be the biggest group.

Platinum Jail/プラチナジャル

This place is usually inhabited by those who want to experience paradise and care nothing for the troubles of the rest of the world. To put it simple, it is like a utopia in which everything is only about play and fun [except it is really a dystopia].

Toue/東江

He created Platinum Jail on Midorijima Island and owns the rights to Allmates. He is also the main antagonist of the game.

[SPOILER ALERT]Scrap/スクラップ

This dangerous and incredible powers belongs to Aoba Seragaki. He can use it to enter people’s mind and “break” them. By using this power, he can either save or destroy them. [END OF SPOILER ALERT]

“Spirited Away”/神隠し

This term is used to describe a legend in which people mysteriously disappear one day without warning. When these people do return, they return as lifeless dolls that have lost their souls. Supposedly, the group behind these incidents is called Morphine.

With the technical stuff out of the way, onward to the game review!

Review of DRAMAtical Murder re:code



Since this review is extensively long, here is a short table of contents to help you navigate. Just press Control+F to bring up the search window and copy and paste the title section you want to go to.

DISCLAIMER: This review represents my opinions alone and is not endorsed, supported, or ordered by Nitro+CHiRAL or any other outside third-party related to this series whether it be direct or indirect. Furthermore, I have no direct relation to and/or with Nitro+CHiRAL and any outside third-party involved in the production of this series. The review does not represent the views of the company and/or people whose videos I have included or any other players’/companies’ opinions and vice versa. Furthermore, all images used and videos recorded have not been created and/or owned by me and do not belong to me unless explicitly stated. I do not have any copyright claims on any videos, images, music, and/or any other types of media. All media content belongs to their respective organization, company, and/or users. I do not condone any actions and/or comments made in any of the videos and/or images. The DRAMAtical Murder series, trademark, music, artwork, characters, names, etc. all belong to Nitro+CHiRAL.

1. Storyline
2. Character Routes
3. Character Development
4. Romance Development
5. The endings
6. Art
7. Music
8. Voice Actors
9. Conclusion

Warning: I have mentioned some elements of the game that are spoiler-ish. I do apologize in advance. I have done my best to avoid spoilers as best as I can.

1. Storyline

The storyline was not anything earth-shattering, but it was fairly interesting. As for the structure of story, it connected all of the characters and linked each person to the bigger story. I never felt that the game lacked intriguing twists or events to move the plot along. It actually made me interested in wanting to know more about Platinum Jail, Toue, Rhyme, and all of the characters’ pasts.

[SPOILER ALERT] I also like the concept of Aoba using his powers, Scrap, and entering into people’s mind to see what is inside of their mind/heart. Scrap could have been a cliche idea in the game, but the game did a great job with it and avoided falling into the pit hole of “going back into the past” trope. The Scrap scenes also made me want to see more of “the other” Aoba [which is done pretty well in Mizuki’s route]. [END OF SPOILER ALERT]

2. Character & Character Routes

When I first got the game, I did not think I would like some of the characters and their routes. However, the game proved me wrong, and I ended up liking most of the routes because they created stories that, at least, drew the interest of the player (me).

I don’t think I have a particular or certain favorite character. But I did appreciate the characters because they added more to the bigger picture. However, there was one character I could not bring myself to like even though the route was supposed to garner sympathy. It was Mink’s route. I apologize for stepping on anyone’s toes for this comment, but I honestly can’t excuse his threatening and abusive character. (I know the game justified this by giving out sympathetic reasons, but I can’t bring myself to like him or his route. Sorry.)

Each route not only revealed more about the game, but it also added greater depth to each of the characters involved. The routes, in my opinion, did not feel underdeveloped or cut short due to some stupid restraint. Although, I did feel that Clear’s route was so short! I wish it could have been longer.

Also, I never felt any character’s routes was boring or repetitious. There were many story twists, comedic moments, and romance and character developments that I always wondered what would happen next.

As a side note, I read that the recommended order to play was Koujaku, Noiz, Mink, and Clear to unlock the two true endings. As for myself, I did not go in this order. I don’t think it actually matters which person you play first. Each route reveals something new and intriguing about the story so it won’t feel like a repetition from another person’s route.

3. Character Development

I can only say that this was another well-done aspect to the game. I thoroughly appreciated each of the unique characters and their distinct personalities, although I can’t say I liked every single facet of their characteristics. Even though they fit into certain tropes, they still stood out with their own style.

For instance, Koujaku is the typical childhood friend character who is a womanizer, but he came out more than being a “childhood friend” and actually had his own complicated problems. I felt his route questioned the idea of being childhood friends with someone. In Clear’s route, it showed him being that very faithful “servant,” but the story ended up showing his secret past and what he really was. In Mink’s route, Mink appeared to be the biggest bastard, but then players learn it was for a certain good-hearted reason and he ends up changing due to Aoba and story events. All in all, the creators of the story developed the character well. [Not really sure I would excuse all of those abusive moments in the game, though :\]

[SPOILER ALERT]I also loved the whole Scrap scenes when Aoba enters the other person’s mind because it showed the inner depths of the character. It revealed their past and what was holding them back in the present. In a way, it kind of reminded me of a game called Persona 4.

In Persona 4, you explore a dungeon made by the person trapped inside the TV and you end up learning more about that person and who they really are. It’s kind of like what Aoba does when he enters people’s mind. He delves into people’s minds and enters “the world” of these people and, in turn, not only does he get to learn about them, but it also helps the player receive a sense of the person’s true character. (Or maybe I’m crazy to see the connection.)

In some of the routes, it showed the “Desires” of Aoba interacting with his said partners and I appreciate that the game did this because it did not shy away from such a dark character. The game gave a chance for players to get to know “the other side” even though he did not appear all the time. Despite how crazy, evil, or horribly cruel he might be, he still serves as an important character in the story.[END OF SPOILER ALERT]

In the good endings, when the characters were freed from their dark side, they transformed into their true selves that wasn’t trapped by the past. In the bad endings, it revealed how the characters were chained down by their own fears, feelings, and/or pasts, and either continue to suffer or hurt others because of it. [Virus’s and Trip’s ending… Yeah, I leave it at that.]

The character development honestly reminded of Persona 4 in the sense that there was the “another” side that the characters, including Aoba, couldn’t let go or admit. [I think the route that best brought this idea out was Ren’s route, albeit it left me with a strange feeling.] In short, I liked the way the game developed each character.

4. Romance Development

I think I’m sounding like a broken record here, but I also think this part of the game was pretty good, too. Without giving away the story, a lot of “stuff” happened in each characters’ routes, and it allowed room for Aoba [and the other guy] to learn about each other and to love each other in return.

Together, they faced problems and certain comedic moments together, but it only brought the two characters closer. For example, Koujaku and Aoba experienced a riff between each other, but, in the end, it brought out how much they cared for each other.

At one point, Noiz and Aoba got into an argument and started to beat the crap out of each other. However, it was because of this man fight that they ended up growing closer. On the other hand, Aoba was constantly trying to see Clear’s real face, but Clear kept putting on that Noh mask, which was quite amusing to see. But, in the end, the scene only served to strengthen their relationship when Aoba did see Clear’s face.

All in all, I didn’t feel as though the development was sudden, abrupt, or random. There was a logical order in which the romance developed and it made sense [unlike in some games]. It’s hard to talk about this part without spoilers, but I think it’s suffice to say that there is plenty of “romance” in the story.

5. The endings

I contemplated on making a section for this part since I briefly mentioned it in another section, but I figured it deserves its own section since there were some things I wanted to comment on.

I love the endings especially the good ones because they were cute and showed another side of the characters who were involved. It’s hard for me to choose which good ending was the best because they were all done very well. Although, I was shocked when I saw Noiz in a suit without any piercings. It was so odd since I got so used to seeing him with those piercings. I guess even Noiz has a “good” side, too.

I definitely appreciate the bad endings because I felt it contributed to the overall story and the characters. Even though it was sad and heartbreaking (and definitely not my favorite scenes to watch), it revealed how people can be trapped by their own feelings, pasts, and regrets. As a result, people either hurt themselves or someone else in the process. Some of the bad endings gave a chance to show the thoughts of the guy (like Clear), which I thought was interesting since players usually don’t get to see the said partner’s thoughts. (I’ll admit: some of these scenes really crept me out.)

6. Art

Okay, so I’m not an artist and I can only draw stick figures and maybe some squares or triangles. But I have to say that I like the art. Just like I admire Kazuki Yone’s art, I love Honyarara’s work. Then again, I can’t draw anything worth crap so their art, to me, is amazing. [Honyarara’s picture of human-form Beni looked so cool, too! I was tempted to post him here even though it had nothing to do with anything.]

I liked how the art represented each character’s personalities and brought out who they were without them having to say anything. For instance, the way Mink was drawn brought out a tough, cold guy and he didn’t even have to say anything. [I mean, why would he? He already looked quite frightening.]

I also felt glad when I didn’t see a bunch of backgrounds being copied and pasted for each of the characters’ routes. There were certain same backgrounds that were used again for story purposes, but when the story began to differ [like the different Platinum Jail settings], the same exact background was not used. I guess I like the fact that the time was taken to draw the background and careful details were put into it. It was not like in some other games in which the background looks like complete crap out of some cheap paint program.

Also, the CGs were beautiful. Sometimes, I wished a scene could have lasted longer so I could continue to stare at the wonderful art.

7. Music

What can I say? The music was really catchy and it certainly fit the theme and setting of the story. [I’m still listening to it even as I write this post, ahaha ^^;] I tried to find the titles, so I could easily discuss about the music. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any concrete titles. I’ll try my best when I refer to each one. For reference, I will be using the -shape.memory.music- CD titles when I talk about the different songs.

I liked “Track 01” because, as far as I remember, Aoba would be in the Oval Tower and something would be happening in the story or Aoba would be thinking on some matter to himself. “Track 02” and “Track 03” were another one of my favorites as well.

I also liked “Track 07” because those turned out to be cute confession scenes~ I also enjoyed the song when Aoba enters Platinum Jail [with his partner] for the first time, which is “Track 16”. At any rate, I could be sitting here all day and talk about each track because they are all decent.

The only song that gave me a headache was the club music that is played in Koujaku’s and Mink’s routes. Phew whee. I think I was feeling uncomfortable after listening to that song for too long.

Even though the bad endings were quite sad and (a lot of times) quite unbearable to watch, I did love the songs especially the ones Itou Kanako sung: “Immer Sie” and “tears”. She knows how to sing a good song to capture the moment. I also love the opening, Radial Mat, by Goatbed as well. On the whole, the game’s music isn’t half bad.

8. Voice Actors

I never complain much about this department. I feel Japanese companies can (most of the time) choose great voice actors to fit the characters. It became another aspect that truly brought out the characters and who they were.

For any anime or game I listen to, I always try to spot which voice actors I can recognize right off the bat. For this game, I kind of laughed when I heard voice actors that I recognized. One of them was Satoshi Hino. In the game, he voices the character, Noiz. I know him from Amnesia and other games/animes. His voice is very distinct so it’s hard not to know who he voices. He definitely played a very different character in this game compared to someone like Toma from Amnesia. Even so, I enjoyed the way he brought out Noiz’s lonely, cold character.

The other one was Hiroki Takahashi. In Dramatical Murder, he voices Koujaku. At first, I thought I recognized his voice from somewhere, but I wasn’t sure from where. So when I finally looked it up, I was surprised to see that he voiced Jounichi (Joey) Katsuya from Yu-Gi-Oh: Duel Monsters. It almost made me laugh since that character could not be anymore different from Koujaku in many aspects. Regardless, I loved the way he brought out Koujaku’s optimistic yet sorrowful character.

Lastly, but not least, I loved the voice actor for Aoba’s character even though I didn’t quite recognize him. His voice was wonderful in not only bringing out Aoba’s usual side, but also his “other side” as well. He could sound nice and firm, but evil and cruel depending on which Aoba he was.

9. Conclusion

As you can probably tell from my review, I enjoyed the game and I definitely recommend it to those who like the Boys’ Love/yaoi genre. If you don’t like the genre, then I would probably stay away from it since it has some “close” moments between the characters. Despite rating that this game got in comparison to the original, I still think it’s worth playing. Would I play this game again? Unfortunately, I do not think so.

I don’t believe it’s a downright horrible game. To be honest, some things did not sit well with me such as the bad endings and certain people’s characters as well as some particular scenes. (I heard some people loved the bad endings, so maybe I’m just a weirdo. I didn’t really like it, but I appreciated that it was there. To an extent.)

I know, I know. Some people are probably thinking, but you didn’t have many negative comments about the game throughout this review! Yes, I realize this and I think it’s because I really did have a good time playing (most of) the game. However, some parts made me feel uncomfortable and I can’t say I enjoyed every single moment despite liking the game in general.

If you have already played the game in some fashion, I would go ahead and play this game again because it is exciting and emotional. The story was, by no means, unique, but aspects of the story were interesting and the complexity of the characters is definitely worth the time to play (or re-play for some) the game. As for me, I think one time is enough. Time to hit up the next game.