Release Date: June 16, 2016
An adventure game/visual novel developed by Kadokawa Games. The action of Root Letter takes place in present-day Japan, with players taking control of a thirty-something man who discovers long forgotten letters that he had exchanged fifteen years ago with a penfriend named Aya Fumino. Her last letter contains a murder confession, and states that she has to atone for her sin. After that, she suddenly broke off all contact.
Root Letter for PS4, PC and PSV is an adventure game/visual novel stylized as a detective game, similar to series such as Danganronpa or Ace Attorney. The game was developed by Kadokawa Games, a Japanese Company that is a part of Kadokawa – a large publishing conglomerate, responsible for many movies, anime, music, games, etc. Root Letter is the first installment of detective game series announced by the team, which is comprised of former Konami employees.
The action of Root Letter takes place in present-day Japan. Our hero, who is in his thirties, discovers long forgotten letters which he exchanged fifteen years ago with a penfriend named Aya Fumino. Her last letter contained a confession stating she killed a man, and has to atone for her sin. Despite the fifteen years that have passed without any answers, the protagonist decides to solve the mystery behind the vague letter, and find Aya. He travels to Matsue, in Shimane prefecture, to find her school buddies who were mentioned in some of the letters hoping that they can lead him to the woman. To his surprise, it turns out that his penfriend had died in a house fire that happened ten years before they have exchanged the first letter.
Depending on our decisions, we can unlock five endings which drastically alter the conclusion of the main plot.
Root Letter for PS4, PC and PSV is similar to classic two-dimensional virtual novels, but players have more opportunities to interact, and influence the course of the gameplay (similarly to, for example, Danganronpa series). The story is divided into chapters, and each one is connected to one of the letters received fifteen years ago. The players can visit different locations in Matsue and its vicinity, talking to individuals mentioned by Fumino, and those who have some knowledge regarding her disappearance/death. Sometimes, we are asked to make a decision which influences the course of the given dialogue. When we find a person concealing certain important facts, we are taken to a minigame in which we apply pressure, and utilize evidence found during our investigation.
The authors of Root Letter used real locations found in Matsue and Shimane Prefecture, cooperating with local authorities to realistically portray various tourist attractions of the region. The illustrations and character designs were created by Mino Taro, famous for Love Plus, a dating series for Nintendo DS, and for his work on Exist Archive.
Platforms:
PC Windows July 7, 2017
PlayStation Vita June 16, 2016
PlayStation 4 June 16, 2016
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System Requirements for Root Letter Video Game:
PC / Windows
Minimum System Requirements:
Intel Celeron G540 2,5 GHz, 2 GB RAM, graphic card Intel HD Graphics or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7.
Recommended System Requirements:
Intel Core i5-4590 3,3 GHz, 4 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB RAM Intel HD Graphics 4600 or better, 4 GB HDD, Windows 7.
Game Ratings for Root Letter Video Game.
RPG Fan: 45 / 100 by Nicholas Ransbottom
Even the most hardcore visual novel fan is going to be hard pressed to find enjoyment with this unsatisfying mystery adventure.
Digitally Downloaded: 4.5 / 5 by Matt Sainsbury
It’s rare that we have a game that genuinely deserves to be called “elegant”, but Root Letter is that game. It takes a romantic, nostalgic idea, wraps it up in a mystery that is fun to piece together, and does all of that within the context of one of the most beautiful examples of anime art you’ll ever see.
Rice Digital: 5 / 5 by Mitch Jay
Root Letter is a game that touched me in a way I didn’t expect and it more or less came out of the blue for me, but I’m sure glad that it did! This might be my favourite game of the year and it’s been a beautiful, captivating experience I urge everyone to try. With a compelling plot and characters, alluring visuals and a catchy soundtrack, it isn’t difficult to not call Root Letter one of the best games released this year. If you like the sound of it then please buy and experience it for yourselves, and I’m excited to see what else is coming in Kadokawa’s Game Mystery series.
Average score from votes.
