PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

[b]Note:[/b] Thanks to a wonderful friend, I had a chance to play this game and give my thoughts. ^^ [h1]An amazing visual novel that blends the horror, supernatural, and mystery. :o[/h1] [h2]Introduction[/h2] [i]PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo[/i] is a supernatural horror, mystery visual novel with point-and-click elements developed and published by Square Enix. It is the first game in the [i]PARANORMASIGHT[/i] series. Initially, you take on the role of Shogo Okiie, an everyday office worker who meets up with his new friend, Yoko Fukunaga. Yoko has a fascination with the occult, specifically with The Seven Mysteries of Honjo and how it's related to the Rite of Resurrection. Shogo and Yoko set off a series of events that leads to many others in this particular area of Tokyo being affected with curses, curse stones, curse bearers, and yup, plenty of deaths. As for the gameplay, it starts off as an almost linear story as you take on Shogo's role. However, once a key event happens, then you almost never play as Shogo again. Instead, there are other notable characters, such as Yakko, a teenage girl who wants to uncover the truth behind her friend's "suicide", and Harue, a mother whose only son was killed after being kidnapped and wants to find out the perpetrator. What is important to note is that all these characters that you can play as have a loved one that they can potentially bring back to life. You switch among these characters and depending on choices you make, the events can continue in one route or branch off elsewhere. In addition to choices, you can point-and-click on items, which can give you valuable information to help progress the story. There are several endings, with a couple of true endings, one being darker while the other being happier. Steam achievements and trading cards are available, and achievements count towards a user's global total. [h2]Review[/h2] Having semi-recently played [i]The Mermaid's Curse[/i] (for my review, please click [url=https://steamcommunity.com/id/skyeraye/recommended/2701440?snr=1_5_9__402]here[/url]), I knew that I had to get around to playing the first game in the series. Thus, I might make a few comparisons between the two games, but I'll do my best to avoid spoilers. XD The story's atmosphere gives off that dark, mystery vibe, perfect for plenty of horror moments that are incoming. There are lots of twists and surprises that I didn't see coming, and compared to the second game, this one has more jump scares. It can feel a bit slow to get going since you initially play as Shogo and the story is almost linear. However, once you can play as other important characters and play different routes and such, then it feels more varied. I like how you have the freedom to choose then which events and character to play as, and of course, the choices that you make determine how the routes will go down. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3697558133 As I mentioned earlier, many endings are available although if you want the complete story, then it's best to go for the true endings. While the first true ending has a darker tone, the other one basically [spoiler]answers all the mysteries and has you in control so that the tragic events that would have unfolded never happen[/spoiler]. Out of all the endings, I admit that I like the second true ending better even though it takes a bit of work to get it. (Well, hard work deserves a great reward, I think. ^^) As for the gameplay, it's quite fun, and I like how interactive it is. Especially, the point-and-click elements make the game fun, and I like learning about the lore behind the Seven Mysteries. It can feel a bit much to absorb all at once, but I didn't mind taking my time to read all the info. Also, I like how you have the power to decide at times whether to use a character's curse stone, leading them down a darker path. Switching to a more light-hearted tone, I like that the mocking bird stickers are in this game as well, and you can collect them all. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3697558259 I was able to obtain all the endings and Steam achievements. However, you may need a guide (there are plenty of great ones available) if certain endings or achievements are proving to be elusive. The art style is fantastic. It has that hand-drawn, comic book style that gives off that feeling that you're in Tokyo in the 1980's. I just felt very immersed in the world, and I really like the nighttime scenes the best. https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3697558518 In regards to the music, the tracks are great to listen to. They have a great variety from the energetic "it's-time-to-solve-that-mystery" vibe to the darker mystery, horror moods. No voice acting is present, but I feel like it isn't necessary since the story is written very well and I generally prefer to imagine the characters' voices. [h2]Conclusion[/h2] Would I recommend [i]PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo[/i]? If you're a fan of supernatural mysteries and your heart can handle plenty of horror and/or you like getting plenty of fun Steam achievements, then this is definitely worth a try. I feel like the asking price is fair for the quality that was put into this game, but of course, you can choose to wait for a sale. Also, for those who are curious as to which [i]PARANORMASIGHT[/i] I like more, well, I like them both, but I think that [i]The Mermaid's Curse[/i] is better. It is the second game in the series, so it kind of makes sense. Still, [i]The Seven Mysteries of Honjo[/i] is a great entry to the series, and I totally recommend playing this and then playing [i]The Mermaid's Curse[/i]. ^^ Also, on the off chance that someone from Square Enix might read this, we really need [spoiler]a PC port of [i]Bust a Groove[/i]. XD[/spoiler] [quote]For more detailed, fully complete, high quality reviews like this, please follow [url=https://store.steampowered.com/curator/44702020/]The Introverted Gamer[/url], prioritizing heart and soul always. ^^[/quote]