Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition is set in the research city of Rokumei in 2030, where life proceeds as usual until a series of powerful explosions disrupt the status quo. An elite rescue force is dispatched to manage the crisis. The narrative unfolds by allowing the player to experience events before and after the incident, with the player’s perceptions and level of trust influencing the storyline and its ultimate conclusion.
Initially, I admittedly misunderstood the core gameplay of Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition. I progressed through extended dialogues, anticipating the true “game” to begin. However, it soon became apparent that the narrative itself *is* the core experience. Rather than a conventional game, this title functions as a graphic novel, or visual novel as it’s classified, where player interaction is limited to key decision points. These junctures employ the Senses Sympathy System (SSS), enabling players to express their degree of trust in particular characters. The resulting trust or mistrust dynamically alters the story’s trajectory.
Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition gained significantly more appeal once I grasped the core concept. I then began actively engaging with the narrative, recognizing that this was the intended gameplay. As previously mentioned, the game presents events from both before and after the central disaster, allowing players to select their preferred starting perspective.
The chosen starting point significantly influences the narrative, potentially offering drastically different interpretations of characters depending on the selected perspective. The visuals comprise static images with limited animation, and the dialogue is presented in Japanese with English subtitles. The art style is aesthetically pleasing, successfully capturing the manga aesthetic. However, the minimal animation can feel somewhat restrictive. Furthermore, processing the substantial amount of information required to make informed choices can prove challenging at times. The text is appropriately sized and remains legible even in handheld mode.
The SSS mechanic is undeniably unique; however, the title deviates significantly from traditional gameplay structures. Ultimately, I found the experience somewhat draining, and the prospect of re-experiencing the extensive dialogue and replaying sections to achieve different outcomes held limited appeal.
The pricing, at approximately 500 kronor, is also a concern. This feels somewhat steep for an interactive graphic novel that doesn’t quite fulfill the expectations of a fully realized game. Root Double – Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition has been available on PC since 2012 and has garnered positive reviews. Personally, the title didn’t entirely align with my preferences, as I generally favor more active participation in gaming experiences.
In conclusion, Root Double -Before Crime * After Days- Xtend Edition is a well-crafted graphic novel incorporating certain game mechanics. Consequently, it may not appeal to players seeking a more conventional and interactive gaming experience. However, for those who appreciate immersive visual narratives, the title remains commendable. Regardless of its gameplay limitations, the story is well-written and engaging.
