Methods: The Detective Competition

Methods: The Detective Competition is an odd duck. Its mysteries are simple, the character designs make it look like the game should have been called "Meth-heads," and its worldbuilding can only be described as bizarre.

And yet I can't help but adore it. All the weirdness joins together into one big ball of DETECTIVES with the energy of a shonen anime tournament arc. The graphic style is weird, but it's consistent, and there's tons of assets so it feels like it's the result of a conscious decision rather than a monetary restriction. The unorthodox plot structure has some drawbacks, but also keeps the game from ever getting predictable. And the silly sense of humor, while sometimes tonally dissonant, gives the game a charm of its own.

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

This introductory segment is going to be slightly different than usual. The protagonist of The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle wakes up in a forest with no memories except the name "Anna" upon his lips. He doesn't know anything going into the story, and you might have a better experience if you begin the book in the same condition. So here's the bottom line: if you like the Zero Escape series, stop reading and add The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle to your to-read list.

If you want more information before deciding to read, or don't mind learning about the premise, or just want to know my opinion on the book, a regular review is under the cut.