Urban Myth Dissolution Center, from the collaboration of Shueisha Games and Hakaba bunko, is a captivating psycho-detective mystery adventure available on the Nintendo Switch. Let’s delve into what makes this game a must-play in our detailed review.
Embark on a fascinating episodic journey with Azami Fukurai, the main character, as she navigates through urban legends that loom over the internet. From the heart of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, you’ll be working under Ayumu Meguriya, a top-tier psychic and the Center’s Director. As you gather clues, analyze social media posts, and uncover unusual items, you inch closer to unveiling the truth behind these myths.
Azami isn’t your average detective; she possesses an extraordinary talent—seeing ghosts and other unusual phenomena. When she first steps into the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, the Director reveals a shared talent and provides her with a remarkable pair of glasses. Once Azami puts them on, her vision of apparitions becomes as clear as day. However, the Director soon explains that these aren’t ghosts she’s seeing, but the manifestations of her clairvoyance, augmented by the glasses to reveal the lingering memories of locations.
Diving into the gameplay, the Nintendo Switch allows you to use Joy-Con controls or the touchscreen—ideal for tabletop or portable play. As a visual novel, be ready for plenty of reading. You’ll control Azami using the left analog stick or D-Pad, interacting with the environment and characters with the A button.
Your inaugural case involves a mysterious “Death Chair.” The Director inadvertently asks you to take a seat in what is supposedly a cursed chair, spurring you into action to solve the mystery before it’s too late. This serves as your entry into the game’s mechanics—a tutorial through a not-too-difficult first case.
Your investigation begins at the bookshelves, searching for the research file as directed. As you progress, future cases will offer more interaction options. After checking all bookshelves, consult with the Director, who will remind you about the special glasses you should be wearing. This will involve pressing the X button or tapping the screen’s icon, allowing you to create hypotheses from collected data.
Armed with the glasses, Azami gains the ability to see what others can’t. These Glasses reveal spectral figures, one of which is perusing a book. Further inspection reveals crucial documents tucked within the pages, though they lack instructions on breaking the curse. Evidence indicates a curse causing lower body necrosis, a dire predicament. The question remains: can Azami find a way to break the curse? Only playing the game further will reveal the answers!
Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a rich, episodic adventure wrapped in layers of mystery and myth, under Meguriya’s guidance. By gathering evidence and leveraging social media, you steadily piece together the complex puzzle of these internet myths.
Azami is exceptionally suited for this task, thanks to her unique clairvoyant ability. Donning the special glasses provided by Meguriya, she sees the world—and its apparitions—with newfound clarity.
My experience with Urban Myth Dissolution Center was immensely enjoyable. The game’s unique blend of mechanics and engaging pixel art style, combined with a catchy soundtrack, makes it hard not to recommend. Priced at $17.99 on the Nintendo Switch, this adventure is certainly worth the investment. For those intrigued by more of its world, “Case File: Kune Kune” Manga is available for free on Manga Plus.
This review is based on a Nintendo Switch copy of Urban Myth Dissolution Center provided by Shueisha Games.
