| Title | Master Detective Archives: RainCode |
| Released | June 30, 2023 (Switch), October 1, 2024 (PS5, Windows, Xbox Series X|S) |
| Developer(s): | Too Kyo Games, LLC, Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. |
| Publisher(s): | Spike Chunsoft Co., Ltd. |
| Platform(s): |      |
| Genre | Mystery, Adventure |
| Rating | M |
Completed Emulated
HowLongToBeat Time: 32 Hours Main Story| My Clear Time: 38.5hrs 100% Completion
Background
We wanted to create something new and challenging, something that wasn’t a continuation of Danganronpa; a game where users can have the excitement of mystery games while also incorporating aspects of RPGs such as exploring the world and then making use of what you found and bringing that into the Mystery Labyrinths. Since this is a new IP, we didn’t really think about how Danganronpa fans felt about it, but rather how many users might enjoy a new Mystery game.
– Kazutaka Kodaka (RPGsite. 2023)
Gematsu conducted an interview with Kazutaka Kodaka at Bitsummit 7 Spirits in Kyoto, Japan. When asked about his reasons for leaving Spike Chunsoft and creating a new company, Kodaka explained, “Well, there were two reasons for this. One, we wanted to use our own money to make indie games and own the rights to our titles. And two, we wanted to team up with other companies and create titles that we wouldn’t have been able to make at Spike Chunsoft” (Gematsu, 2019).
He added that Spike Chunsoft is a relatively small company with limited resources, so to broaden their capabilities, they sought to collaborate with companies that specialize in specific genres, such as action games or RPGs. With that in mind, they’re working on a project in partnership with Spike Chunsoft as well (Gematsu, 2019).
As Kodaka shifted his creative focus, he expressed a desire to explore a completely different design approach from his work on Danganronpa. “I want to create a mystery with a dark fantasy worldview like Tim Burton,” Kodaka explained in another interview (Famitsu, 2018).
He also revealed that Takekuni Kitayama, who devised the intricate tricks for New Danganronpa V3, is contributing to the new project, bringing his expertise to this unique and dark fantasy-inspired mystery (Famitsu, 2018).
This project was eventually revealed as a Nintendo Switch exclusive during the September 2022 Nintendo Direct, capturing the attention of fans and media alike. On May 7, 2024, it was announced that the game would also be coming to PC, Xbox Series, and PS5 platforms, with an early release in Japan on July 18th and a global release planned for October 1, 2024.
The development team for Master Detective Archives: RainCode includes:
- Kazutaka Kodaka (Writer) – Known for Danganronpa, World’s End Club, Clock Tower 3
- Takahiro Suzuki (Director) – Known for Danganronpa: Another Episode – Ultra Despair Girls, Danganronpa V3: Killing Harmony, The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story
- Rui Komatsuzaki, Shimadoriru (Character Designer / Artists) –
- Rui is known for Danganronpa, Fate/Grand Order, Death Come True, Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3.
- Shimadoriru is known for Fate/Grand Order, AI: The Somnium Files, School Days HQ
- Masafumi Takada, Jun Fukuda (Composers) – Known for God Hand, Danganronpa, No More Heroes, Vanquish, The Silver Case,
- Jun Fukuda known for Killer7, Killer is Dead, God Hand
- Shohei Sakakibara (Producer) – Known for Clock Tower 3, Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island, Katana Kami: A Way of the Samurai Story
Yuma analyzes a room using his detective’s insight to piece together the scene.
Experience
Before completing RainCode on December 26th last year, I had already finished the first two Danganronpa games, watched the entirety of the Danganronpa 3 anime, and completed numerous adventure games, including the Spirit Hunter series and many others. I’m familiar with Kazutaka Kodaka’s work through Danganronpa.
Rui Komatsuzaki’s art is also familiar to me, not only from Danganronpa but from my years with Fate/Grand Order, where he designed one of my favorite characters, Edmond Dantès. As for Masafumi Takada, his music is something I’m well-acquainted with, having played every game directed by Shinji Mikami and nearly all of Suda51’s titles, both of whom frequently collaborate with Takada.
Transparency note:
I initially completed the game via emulation to get a feel for it but enjoyed it enough to later purchase both the standard and Collector’s Editions on Nintendo Switch.
Halara keeps their cool as Fubuki draws a cheerful comparison in the agency.
Impressions
Gameplay and Mechanics
Rain Code stands out as a masterful new IP that captivates from start to finish. The game’s gameplay is a rich tapestry of engaging mechanics and innovative design. Fans of Danganronpa will find familiar elements in the class trials and clue-hunting mechanics, though the experience here is distinctly unique. The Shinigami Puzzle, echoing the style of Hangman’s Gambit, and the Solution Keys, akin to truth bullets, add depth and intrigue to the investigative process.
Note that the frame rate does vary during exploration sections, even while docked, though the latest patch has made this issue less frequent. This should not be an issue with the Xbox, PS5 versions, and the PC (as long as the PC can handle the game) with the Rain Code Plus versions set to launch in October.
Aesthetic and World-Building
Kanai Ward’s aesthetic pays a loving homage to Tim Burton’s Batman, with its dark, gothic charm that creates a visually arresting world. Meanwhile, the labyrinths draw inspiration from the surreal yet dreamy atmosphere of Alice In Wonderland, providing a whimsical and eerie exploration experience. The game does a commendable job of maintaining this blend of influences while creating something entirely new.
Exploration and Side Quests
Despite being on the Nintendo Switch, Rain Code impresses with its expansive environments and vibrant world-building. The side quests enrich the story and provide additional context to Kanai Ward’s enigmatic setting, while the game’s humor and clever puns—including references to classics like Jurassic Park—add a delightful layer of charm. The localization is spot-on, avoiding the pitfalls seen in Danganronpa V3.
Art and Music
Initially, I had reservations about how Rui’s art would transition into 3D, but the final result is a testament to the game’s artistry. The animated characters and portraits bring a fresh energy that was previously missing from the series. Masafumi Takada’s soundtrack is a standout, showcasing his talent with tracks ranging from soothing and sleepy, like “Kanai Ward,” to energetic, Sailor Moon-inspired tunes in “Shinigami Transformation,” and funky beats in “Danger Dodge.”
Seiyuu Performances
The characters are brought to life by a stellar seiyuu cast:
- Katsumi Fukuhara (known for Yuma Kokohead from Master Detective Archives: RainCode)
- Sayumi Suzushiro (known for Nijika Ijichi from Bocchi The Rock!, Hanya from Honkai: Star Rail, Kirara from Genshin Impact)
- Takehito Koyasu (known for Dio Brando from JoJos, Jonny Ariga from Catherine, Ozymandias, Hans Christian Andersen, Mephistopheles from Fate/Grand Order)
- Yui Ishikawa (known for 2B from Nier Automata, Violet Evergarden from Violet Evergarden, Rosairo Rosellini from Anonymous;Code)
- Saori Onishi (known for Phonon from Under Night In-Birth, Mejiro McQueen from Umamusume, Ruan Mei from Honkai: Star Rail, Tamaki from Dead or Alive)
- Yuichiro Umehara (Known for Weather Report from JoJos, Mamoru Hayase from Persona 3, Alhaitham from Genshin Impact)
Writing and Characters
The writing is exceptional, with each plot twist and rule fitting seamlessly within the established logic of the game. The ending is particularly poignant, delivering a heartfelt experience that might bring a tear to your eye. The cast is wonderfully portrayed, with standout performances from Fubuki Clockford and Shinigami. Their interactions are a highlight, and Fubuki’s endearing silliness is a testament to Kodaka’s knack for creating memorable characters.
What I’ve played of Kazutaka Kodaka’s writing, I’m very confident in saying this is not only his best writing to date, but this is also the best work the Danganronpa team has done. One note to consider is that some of the detective’s sub-stories are available as DLC, which provide full context and additional depth to the game’s narrative. Overall, RainCode is a triumph in both presentation and narrative, delivering an unforgettable experience that should not be missed.
Shinigami cools off with ice cream while teasing Yuma about investigating an all-girls school.
Verdict
RainCode is a remarkable addition to the genre, offering a compelling mix of innovative gameplay and rich narrative. The game expertly combines familiar mechanics from Danganronpa with unique features like the Shinigami Puzzle and Solution Keys, creating a fresh and engaging experience. Visually, the game pays homage to Tim Burton’s gothic style and the whimsical elements of Alice in Wonderland, resulting in a striking and immersive world.
Despite some frame rate variations on the Nintendo Switch, which have been somewhat addressed by recent patches, this should not be a concern for players on Xbox, PS5, or PC (as long as the PC can handle the game). The expansive environments, well-crafted side quests, and excellent localization further enhance the overall experience.
Rui’s art transitions seamlessly into 3D, adding a new dimension to the game’s visual appeal, while Masafumi Takada’s soundtrack provides a memorable and diverse auditory experience. The writing is top-notch, delivering a narrative that is both heartfelt and logically consistent, with standout performances from the seiyuu cast.
Kazutaka Kodaka’s writing shines in this project, marking it as his best work to date and the best from the Danganronpa team. Notably, the DLC, which provides additional context and depth, is included in the RainCode Plus versions launching in October. RainCode is a triumph in both presentation and narrative, offering an unforgettable gaming experience that is highly recommended.
TLDR
Rating: 10/10
In Summary: RainCode delivers an engaging blend of familiar gameplay elements with innovative mechanics like the Shinigami Puzzle and Solution Keys. The game’s gothic and whimsical visuals, alongside Masafumi Takada’s memorable soundtrack, enhance the experience. While frame rate issues can occur on the Nintendo Switch, recent patches have mitigated this concern.
The DLC, which provides additional context through detective sub-stories, might impact the full narrative experience. Overall, RainCode stands out for its strong writing, impressive seiyuu performances, and extensive exploration and side quests, making it a must-play title.
References
- Nintendo ???????. (2022, September 13). ?????? ?????? [Nintendo Direct 2022.9.13]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rm1QW-hQ57U
- Galizio, J. (2023, July 12). Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Interview – A discussion with Kazutaka Kodaka and the Spike Chunsoft localization team. RPG Site. https://www.rpgsite.net/interview/14513-master-detective-archives-rain-code-interview-a-discussion-with-kazutaka-kodaka-and-the-spike-chunsoft-localization-team
- Romano, S. (2019, June 6). Too Kyo games interview with Kazutaka Kodaka and Kotaro Uchikoshi at BitSummit 7 Spirits. Gematsu. https://www.gematsu.com/2019/06/too-kyo-games-interview-with-kazutaka-kodaka-and-kotaro-uchikoshi-at-bitsummit-7-spirits
- Famitsu. (2018, September 2). Kazutaka Kodaka, Kotaro Uchikoshi and others establish new company Too Kyo Games! An interview about the establishment of a new company that will take on the world with uniquely Japanese games. Famitsu.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20180912113206/https://www.famitsu.com/news/201809/12163849.html
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