We also delve further into their thoughts than in the first game, and so we have a stronger and clearer grasp of who the characters are-even some of the more undeveloped ones like Mayu, Seiko, and Yui as well as students outside of the Kisaragi Academy-and their relationship with others in the cast.įor example, my favorite chapter is Chapter 3 because it is one of the more lighthearted moments and because it showed us more about Yui, past and present, and features Yoshie, one of the more horrifying ghosts present in the Corpse Party universe. And then, of course, there are the characters, whom I cared about no matter the format.Īnd if you cared about the cast in Corpse Party, you’re bound to care more (or dislike them more) in its sequel because this time we see many events fleshed out and from different point of views. Sometimes there are timed events that force you to make a choice quickly, and Book of Shadows is not without its sudden scare moments. Despite this difference, the art, music, and excellent (and detailed) writing weave together an atmosphere that’s just as unsettling as in Corpse Party. Instead, they are more like a series of short stories expanding upon the Corpse Party universe, either following from one specific ending in the previous game, expanding upon existing events, or acting as prequels for some of the side characters who appeared in Corpse Party like Sayaka (Naho’s best friend) and Touko (one of Byakudan’s students, where Yuuya Kizami also attends).īecause of the format of Book of Shadows, some aspects are certainly different than in Corpse Party.įor example, since you don’t actually walk through the halls yourself, you can just avoid observing the ghost boy in the corner instead of actively having to dodge around him to avoid a Bad Ending. The game is still divided into chapters, each with their own set of Bad Endings. At 20%, red starts creeping into your vision, and it only gets thicker as you start reaching 50%… The game also advocates an interesting “search as much, but as little as possible” attitude that originates from the fact that as you discover more about the horrifying building you’re trapped in, your Darkening meter (shaped like the Sachiko paper charm) slowly fills. Thankfully, events will stop you in your tracks so there will be no accidental deaths that way. I’ve noticed that rushing past an area seems to prevent you from even catching sight of a corpse lying in the hallway, for example. Moving from one end of the school to another can be tiring due to the slow fade effects, but looking stopping is necessary to capture the details of a place. The map depicts the whole of Heavenly Host in flowchart format. You travel to different parts of the map by using the L button to open the map and then choosing which area you want to travel to. When the time comes, you’ll be asked to make choices, which will often determine the ending you get. The game is presented as a point-and-click adventure, where you use the analog stick to scroll around the image and the X button to look at whatever is observable. You no longer control a character from overhead, watching their 16-bit sprite move from one creepy hallway to the next. However, just as many things are different, the first of which is the game interface. You can still hear the pitter-patter of little feet as ghosts search for you, circling the desk you’re hiding under. The first and most noticeable is the absurdly amazing audio quality of the game-binaural audio makes a return and every last line of dialogue (including narration) is voiced. The setting may be the same in Book of Shadows as in the first game, and it is true that many aspects of the game stay the same. He yells about how it’s dangerous, how horrible things would happen, but who’s going to believe him?Īnd so everyone falls into Heavenly Host once again. …except for Satoshi, who shouts at them to stop. Festival over, they hold a farewell party for Mayu, where Ayumi suggests they perform the “Sachiko Ever After” charm so they will all be friends forever. Naomi and Seiko are preparing for a culture festival for their school. A girl who was supposed to be in her class, but no one actually remembers this “Seiko” person.īut then, events turn straight around, and it’s like a reset button was hit. Naomi isn’t eating, isn’t sleeping, and is more or less catatonic… and talks about a girl who doesn’t exist. Corpse Party: Book of Shadows opens with the mother of one of the survivors calling her therapist, asking what to do about her daughter. Things after Corpse Party ended aren’t happy, even for the survivors. Also, I’ll try to keep this as spoiler-free as possible, but a few will creep in. Note: Familiarity with the previous Corpse Party game recommended while reading this playtest.
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