ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH

Consistently crashes or hangs on a screen transition in Frau's route. Tried with and without Committee of Zero (c0z) patch with the same crash or hang. Edit: Managed to get past the hang by changing Proton version to 7, crashes are still happening frequently however.

ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH feels less like a traditional sequel and more like a reflective return—an extended afterstory that revisits familiar characters and explores what happens once the main conflict has already passed. Developed by MAGES. Inc. and published by Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd., it takes place several months after the events of ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE, bringing players back to Tanegashima and reuniting them with the robotics club. Rather than building a tightly escalating narrative from the ground up, it shifts toward a more fragmented, character-driven structure, blending slice-of-life moments with lingering threads of science fiction intrigue. This change in focus defines the entire experience, for better and for worse. The story is structured around multiple character routes, each offering a self-contained arc that explores the personal lives, relationships, and unresolved issues of the cast. This episodic format allows for deeper exploration of individual characters, giving fans a chance to see how they have grown and how their dynamics have evolved since the original game. There is a clear emphasis on familiarity and fan service, as the game leans into established personalities and recurring interactions rather than introducing entirely new narrative foundations. While this approach creates a sense of comfort and continuity, it also results in a story that feels less cohesive. The overarching plot—centered around renewed technological threats and mysterious incidents—exists in the background, occasionally surfacing but rarely maintaining consistent momentum. One of the most notable additions is the inclusion of Itaru “Daru” Hashida, whose presence significantly alters the tone. His personality introduces a more overt and often exaggerated style of humor that contrasts sharply with the more grounded and restrained atmosphere of the original. This shift creates a different kind of energy, one that leans heavily into comedic exchanges and fan-oriented moments. For some players, this adds variety and a sense of crossover excitement within the broader Science Adventure universe. For others, it may feel intrusive, as the humor can occasionally overshadow the more subtle character interactions that previously defined the series. The tonal balance becomes uneven as a result, with moments of genuine emotional resonance sometimes interrupted by comedic elements that don’t fully align with the surrounding narrative. Despite this shift, the core strength of DaSH still lies in its characters. The writing continues to capture the individuality of the cast, allowing each route to highlight different aspects of their personalities and struggles. There are moments where the game successfully recaptures the emotional depth of its predecessor, particularly when it focuses on quieter, more introspective scenes. These segments remind players why the characters were compelling in the first place, offering glimpses of growth and vulnerability that feel authentic. However, the impact of these moments is often diluted by the overall structure, which divides attention across multiple routes without always tying them together effectively. Gameplay remains largely unchanged from its predecessor, adhering to the conventions of the visual novel genre. The experience is primarily driven by reading dialogue, with player interaction limited to navigating the Deluoode Map system and making occasional choices that determine which route is explored. While this system provides some degree of agency, it does little to expand the gameplay beyond directing the narrative flow. The lack of new mechanics or meaningful evolution in interactivity makes the experience feel somewhat static, especially for players who have already spent significant time with ELITE. It reinforces the idea that DaSH is more of an extension than a progression. Presentation continues to be one of the game’s stronger aspects. The visual style maintains the blend of 3D character models and detailed backgrounds, creating a polished and consistent look. Character animations and CG illustrations add variety to the scenes, while the setting of Tanegashima retains its charm, balancing everyday life with subtle hints of technological unease. Voice acting remains a highlight, with performances that bring energy and personality to the dialogue, helping to carry the experience even when the pacing falters. The soundtrack complements the shifting tone, though it does not stand out as a defining feature. Pacing is where the game struggles the most. The episodic structure disrupts narrative momentum, making it difficult for the central plot to build tension in a sustained way. Individual routes can feel disconnected from one another, and while they provide valuable character insights, they often come at the cost of overall cohesion. When the story eventually moves toward its conclusion, the resolution feels compressed compared to the time spent on setup, leaving certain elements underdeveloped. This imbalance between buildup and payoff is one of the game’s most noticeable weaknesses. Ultimately, ROBOTICS;NOTES DaSH is best appreciated as a companion piece rather than a standalone narrative achievement. It offers fans additional time with a beloved cast, expands on character relationships, and provides a more relaxed, slice-of-life perspective within the Science Adventure universe. However, its fragmented structure, uneven tone, and limited gameplay evolution prevent it from reaching the same level of impact as its predecessor. It is a game that rewards familiarity, but rarely pushes beyond it. For players who are already invested in ROBOTICS;NOTES ELITE, it serves as a worthwhile, if imperfect, continuation that deepens their connection to the characters and world. For newcomers or those seeking a tightly focused narrative, it may feel unfocused and overly reliant on prior knowledge. It is not a necessary chapter, but it is one that adds context and closure in its own, more relaxed way. Rating: 7/10