8Bit/Digi

Catch Your Killer and Save the Faith

Kazutaka Kodaka and the team at Too Kyo Games have already had a solid year with the successful launch of The Hundred Line -Last Defense Academy- back in April. Following one masterpiece with another is always difficult, but doing so within the same year is an extraordinary feat. Yet, they have accomplished exactly that with the ambitious and equally impressive Shuten Order.

Shuten Order is another ambitious new experience from Kazutaka Kodaka that tosses players into the midst of a mystery. This time, players must solve the mystery of their own death in a society awaiting the end. Your only advantage lies in staying hidden and having divine intervention on your side. The results are a thrilling story and another masterpiece from Too Kyo Games.

Welcome to Shuten

Players awaken in a room with no memory of how they got there or who they are. They are quickly introduced to Mikotoru and Himeru, two angels sent by God to guide them. It turns out their death was not meant to happen, and in a swift act, God resurrected them in a new body as temporary storage. To regain their memories and return to their original body, players must undergo God’s Trial: uncovering the identity of who killed them. Complicating matters, they were the leader of the Shuten Order, a cult ruling a small nation that preys for the end of the world. Their death has been concealed from the public, with only the ministers aware of the truth. Suspecting one, some or all of them might be responsible, players must investigate each minister to uncover the truth.

Kodaka has always been a master storyteller, particularly in the mystery genre, and Shuten Order is no exception. In his signature style, players are thrust into a situation filled with dread, stripped of memory, and unable to trust anyone. The suspense remains high as you navigate a world populated by intriguing characters, each bringing their own unique charm. The result is a gripping narrative that compels you to play through until the very end. Adding to the atmosphere are the heavy religious aesthetics and symbolism, which reinforce the setting’s fixation on the world’s end and deepen the narrative’s exploration of death and one’s relation to God.

Embrace the Faith

Being a visual novel forms the foundation of Shuten Order’s entire setup and gameplay. Players must carefully read through the dialogue, as interaction is key. Choices directly affect the story’s outcome, and skipping dialogue can leave you unprepared for crucial decisions. At the same time, bypassing conversations causes you to miss essential story elements and diminishes the appreciation of the narrative depth in each interaction.

At certain points in the game, players must call upon the Power of God. This prayer unlocks a variety of potential outcomes, but it can also backfire depending on the target’s will. Despite the risk, it adds an intriguing layer of strategy to the visual novel experience.

What makes Shuten Order unique is that it doesn’t rely on a single secondary gameplay genre. Instead, it incorporates five distinct genres into the experience. The game will become something completely different based on which minister you investigate. Investigating Minister Manji Fushicho offers a horror survival experience with stealth elements as you hunt a notorious serial killer. Pursuing Minister Honoka Kokushikan presents a romance adventure where players must build deep connections with three characters. Minister Kishiru Inugami’s case takes players on a gripping murder mystery journey. Exploring Minister Yugen Ushitora immerses players in multi-perspective storytelling through a rich visual novel narrative.

A Mission from God

From the very beginning, Shuten Order highlights the signature artistic style of Shimadoriru, captivating players before the game even begins. Its vibrant color palette and striking character designs make it feel more like a work of art than a typical game. The visuals balance darkness and despair with an unexpectedly upbeat edge, creating a distinctive emotional tone. Colors are both grim and vivid, immersing players in a world that radiates an almost cheerful sense of doom. This striking duality heightens the experience, perfectly complementing the game’s unsettling yet hopeful atmosphere. While traces of his past work are present, fans will need to look closely, as they are overshadowed by Shuten Order’s artistic direction.

Complementing the art style is a soundtrack that masterfully defines the game’s tone. From the very beginning, it establishes an atmosphere of dread before shifting into the haunting sense of awakening in this new world. Each musical score conveys emotion with precision, whether building suspense, heightening thrills, or offering moments of calm. I’m not surprised by the quality, as I’ve come to expect this not only from previous Too Kyo Games titles but also from the Danganronpa series.

The use of multiple gameplay genres is one of Shuten Order’s most creative aspects, allowing the story to be explored from different perspectives. This approach also makes the game more welcoming to players of various backgrounds, as at least one of their favorite genres will be part of the experience. While such variety might sound overwhelming, that isn’t the case here. Each genre is presented with enough depth to feel authentic, yet designed to remain accessible to all. The game carefully eases players into each style, ensuring even newcomers can fully engage with the moment.

Heavens Have Fallen

Using multiple gameplay genres is a creative choice, but it also leaves room for challenges, as seen in Shuten Order. While no core aspect of the game suffers and the secondary gameplay elements are implemented well. However, the secondary gameplay elements can feel a little rough around the edges over time. As someone familiar with these genres, I feel certain mechanics could have been refined or fleshed out further. Even so, the execution is strong enough that these minor flaws never hinder the overall experience.

Purge the Hertics

Following one masterpiece with another is never easy, yet Kazutaka Kodaka and the team at Too Kyo Games have accomplished exactly that.

Shuten Order is another masterpiece that exemplifies Too Kyo Games signature blend of mystery and innovation with a unique style. It immediately captures your attention with its visuals while holding you captive with a thrilling, suspenseful mystery. The experience is anchored by a strong narrative foundation and a memorable cast of characters who bring depth to the story. Uniquely, the game blends five distinct genres, from horror survival to romance adventures, ensuring diverse gameplay while remaining approachable to both newcomers and genre veterans alike.

Disclaimer: The publisher, through a PR representative, provided the game used for this review.

This review is the critique and thoughts of one writer. If you want to see how other critics felt, then check it out on OpenCritic.

8Bit/Digi is an independent media outlet that provides insight into the gamer community of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Shuten Order (PC)

10

Masterpiece

10.0/10

Pros

• An artistic style that perfectly sets the tone of the overall story.
• Strong narrtive that is rich in chracter building and relgious symbolism.
• A story that is thought provoking while also suspenseful.
• Game’s secondary gameplay features multiple genres that adds variety.
• Killer soundtrack that knows how to set the moment.

Cons

• Aspects of the secondary gameplay elements can feel a little rough around the edges.