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Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
Item: Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
Author: Monster Critic Editorial Team

2023

GenresFantasy, Adventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableJun 30, 2023

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperToo Kyo Games

Overview

A brand new dark fantasy detective action game from the minds behind the Danganronpa series! Yuma, an amnesiac detective-in-training, and Shinigami, the spirit haunting him, tackle unsolved mysteries in a strange city caged by unending rain.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE wows critics with engaging storyline, unexpected twists, and dark detective drama. While some find the twists overwhelming and lack character depth, the game is praised for its compelling narrative and unique cyberpunk setting. Overall, it's a highly enjoyable experience for mystery game fans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

86%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

14%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the game's engaging storyline, intriguing mysteries, and unexpected twists. Critics such as Checkpoint Gaming and Impulsegamer highlighted the entertaining and satisfying nature of the murder cases, with each chapter focusing on a different case that keeps players informed of their objectives. The narrative drive and satisfying twists in the final chapters were also commended by Digital Spy. The game's dark and kooky detective drama setting, as mentioned by Press Start Australia, adds to the overall appeal of the story. The story's noirish cyberpunk setting and strong anti-capitalist message, as noted by Digitally Downloaded, provide a unique and thought-provoking experience. The rain motif, symbolizing oppression and corruption, adds depth and visual impact to the storytelling. However, there were a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. GameSpot mentioned that the game doesn't reach the same greatness as the Danganronpa series, citing a lack of character development and attachment as a drawback. Twinfinite commented on the storyline's tendency to go in completely different directions with numerous twists and turns, which may be overwhelming for some players. Vooks mentioned that while the story is compelling overall, there is one twist towards the end that feels out of place. Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that The Story of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a very good game. The engaging and well-written storyline, intriguing mysteries, and unexpected twists were praised by multiple reviewers. The game successfully balances mystery and uncertainty, as noted by Player 2. The dark and entertaining adventure, as described by NintendoWorldReport, creates a playful mood with tension. The colorful cast of characters and memorable narrative, as mentioned by Screen Rant, further contribute to the game's appeal. The compelling tale with twisted scenarios and endearing characters, as highlighted by RPG Fan, keeps players on the edge of their seat. Overall, the positive sentiment expressed by the majority of critics indicates that The Story of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a highly enjoyable and engaging experience for fans of mystery and detective games.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Critics had mixed opinions on Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE gameplay. Positives included engaging mix of minigames, rhythm combat, and investigation elements. Negatives mentioned wasted time in minigames and disappointing Mystery Labyrinths. Overall, gameplay praised for its unique twists and action elements, but criticized for dated features and lack of exploration.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the gameplay of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, it is evident that there are both positive and negative aspects to consider. Starting with the positives, several critics praised the gameplay elements of RAIN CODE. COGconnected highlighted the heart-pounding experience created by the mix of minigames and rhythm combat sequences, while Digitally Downloaded commended the game for remixing Danganronpa tropes and providing an open world experience. GamesHub also noted that the gameplay mechanics added a distinctive sense of action to the game, combining 3D action-adventure elements with visual novel elements. Impulsegamer further emphasized the engaging elements of investigation, dungeon exploration, retort mechanics, decision-making, and unique twists and additions. However, there were also negative opinions expressed by some critics. Checkpoint Gaming mentioned that the minigames in RAIN CODE can feel like wasted time, and Digital Spy considered the Mystery Labyrinths to be disappointing and a waste of time. Hey Poor Player found the mystery labyrinths to be uninteresting and lacking in exploration, while Screen Rant criticized the dated and unimaginative feel of the gameplay elements, particularly the Mystery Dungeon. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that RAIN CODE offers a mix of engaging gameplay elements, with investigation, puzzle-solving, and mini-games being highlighted as enjoyable aspects. The game's similarities to Danganronpa were both praised and criticized, with some critics appreciating the iterative nature of the gameplay, while others felt that it didn't mesh well or felt repetitive. The inclusion of unique twists, action-oriented segments, and the overall combination of investigative adventure mechanics were generally seen as positive aspects of the gameplay experience. However, the negative feedback regarding wasted time, uninteresting elements, and dated aspects suggests that there are areas for improvement in the gameplay of RAIN CODE.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Critics generally praise the unique and striking art direction of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, highlighting its neon cyberpunk aesthetic, vibrant colors, and immersive world design. However, some critics criticize the stiff and blurry 3D character models, graphical glitches, and technical issues, especially on the Switch version. Despite these flaws, the game's visuals are still considered visually appealing and striking, with attention to detail and charm compensating for technical shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

36%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE are varied but generally positive. Many critics praised the game's unique and striking art direction, with mentions of a neon cyberpunk aesthetic, gothic architecture, and vibrant colors. Critics like Digital Spy, GamesHub, and RPG Fan specifically highlighted the game's visually appealing and immersive world design. The use of neon lights, rain-soaked environments, and small details were also commended by Screen Rant and TheSixthAxis. The character designs were another positive aspect, with critics mentioning well-designed anime characters, distinctive art direction, and charming but over-designed characters. The 2D illustrations and portraits were particularly praised by Checkpoint Gaming, GameGrin, and ZTGD. The game's emphasis on world-building and the visual style's resemblance to Blade Runner were also mentioned as positives by Digital Spy and Digitally Downloaded. However, there were some criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE. Several critics mentioned issues with the 3D character models, describing them as stiff, blurry, low-res, and rough. The 3D models during gameplay were specifically criticized by COGconnected, Checkpoint Gaming, Impulsegamer, and ZTGD. Some critics also mentioned graphical glitches, frame rate drops, texture popping, and visual hiccups, which affected the overall visual fidelity of the game. The Switch version, in particular, was criticized for struggling with muddy-looking textures and washed-out visuals in handheld mode, as mentioned by GameSpot, Nintendo Life, and WellPlayed. The mystery labyrinths were also criticized for lacking variety and looking too similar, according to Hey Poor Player. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE has a visually appealing and unique art direction, with its neon cyberpunk aesthetic, gothic architecture, and vibrant colors being standout features. The game's world-building, immersive environments, and attention to small details were also praised. However, there were some notable issues with the 3D character models, including stiffness, blurriness, and low visual fidelity. The game's visuals on the Switch were also criticized for occasional technical issues, such as muddy textures, graphical glitches, and frame rate drops. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment is that the game's art direction and visual design make up for any technical shortcomings, with the visuals being described as lovely, striking, gorgeous, and visually appealing.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Critics unanimously praised the standout sound design and music of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, with the excellent soundtrack perfectly matching the atmosphere and enhancing the overall experience. Positive feedback highlighted the relaxing, mysterious, fast-paced, and melodic tunes, showcasing the versatility and effectiveness of the music. While some critics noted minor issues like mismatched speech animations and lack of tension in voice acting, the overwhelming consensus remains highly positive. In conclusion, the sound design and music of the game were a major strength, earning widespread acclaim from critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

68%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

32%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The majority of the critics praised the sound design and music of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, considering it a standout aspect of the game. Many critics highlighted the excellent soundtrack, mentioning that it perfectly matched the atmosphere and enhanced the overall experience. GameGrin specifically mentioned that the soundtrack was relaxing yet mysterious during investigation segments and high-energy during battles. GamesHub praised the music composed by Masafumi Takada, describing it as fast-paced jazz and melodic themes that enhanced the atmosphere and created a melancholic and beautiful world. RPG Fan also commended the catchy music and memorable main theme. TheSixthAxis noted that the music in the game, a mix of lo-fi and industrial electronica, matched the cyberpunk world design. Vooks described the music and soundtrack as phenomenal, complementing the art direction and adding to the overall experience. These positive opinions from various critics highlight the strength of the sound design and music in Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE. While the overall consensus was positive, there were a few criticisms regarding the sound design and music. COGconnected mentioned that the speech animations didn't match the voicework, which could potentially be a distraction for players. Gaming Nexus pointed out that the humor of the character Shinigami could be annoying at times, indicating a possible mismatch between the character's voice acting and the intended comedic effect. WellPlayed noted that while the voice cast did an excellent job with standout performances, there was a lack of tension or consequence in the actions, suggesting that the voice acting may not have fully conveyed the intended emotions or impact. Overall, the critics' opinions regarding the sound design and music of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE were overwhelmingly positive. The majority of critics praised the excellent soundtrack that perfectly matched the atmosphere and enhanced the overall experience. The music was described as relaxing, mysterious, fast-paced, melodic, and catchy, showcasing its versatility and effectiveness in different situations. The voice acting was also highly praised, with multiple critics commending the talent and performance of the voice cast. While there were a few minor criticisms, such as mismatched speech animations and a lack of tension in the voice acting, these did not detract significantly from the overall positive reception. As a result, it can be concluded that the sound design and music of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE were highly regarded by the critics.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics raved about the voice acting in Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, praising it as excellent and well-matched to the characters. Despite a minor critique about localization, the overwhelming sentiment was highly positive, making the voice acting a standout feature of the game according to reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

93%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The majority of the critics praised the voice acting in Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, with many considering it to be very good or excellent. Critics such as GameGrin, Gaming Nexus, God is a Geek, Nintendo Life, Noisy Pixel, Press Start Australia, RPG Fan, Siliconera, Wccftech, WellPlayed, and ZTGD all expressed positive opinions about the voice acting. They commended the performances of the voice actors and how well they matched the characters in the game. NintendoWorldReport specifically highlighted the pairing of Yuma and Shinigami as a standout example of well-written and well-voiced characters. TheSixthAxis also mentioned that the voice work enhanced the charm of the characters and compensated for their over-designed appearances. This overall positive sentiment towards the voice acting indicates that it was a strong aspect of the game. While the majority of critics had positive opinions about the voice acting, there were a few minor criticisms mentioned. Vooks noted that there were moments where the localization felt off, which could potentially impact the overall experience. However, this criticism was not echoed by other reviewers and was only mentioned by one critic. Therefore, it can be considered a minor concern rather than a widespread issue. In conclusion, the voice acting in Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the critics. The majority of reviewers praised the performances of the voice actors and how well they portrayed the characters in the game. The voice acting was described as well-matched, well-done, outstanding, on point, and a real highlight of the experience. While there was a minor criticism regarding the localization from one critic, it did not significantly impact the overall consensus. Overall, the voice acting was considered to be a strong aspect of the game, contributing to its positive reception among the critics.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed views on the technical performance of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE on the Nintendo Switch. While some praise its stable 30fps and good visuals, others criticize graphical glitches, frame rate drops, and muddy textures. Overall, there are concerns about technical issues like long load times and laggy animations that may affect gameplay experience. Pros and cons exist, so buyers should weigh these factors before deciding on the Nintendo Switch version.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

89%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the Technical Performance on the Nintendo Switch, there are some positive aspects mentioned by the critics. Impulsegamer states that the game runs quite well at a mostly stable 30fps with no issues, glitches, or bugs. Vooks also mentions that the frame rate is mostly solid and the game looks good. These positive comments indicate that the game performs adequately on the Nintendo Switch without any major technical issues. However, there are several negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the Technical Performance on the Nintendo Switch. Checkpoint Gaming mentions graphical glitches and frame rate drops. GameSpot points out that the Switch sometimes struggles with muddy-looking textures and slowdown. Nintendo Life mentions that the visuals can look washed out in handheld mode, and Player 2 states that there are occasional visual glitches and texture popping. These criticisms highlight the presence of technical issues that can negatively impact the gameplay experience on the Nintendo Switch. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Technical Performance of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE on the Nintendo Switch is mixed. While some critics, like Impulsegamer and Vooks, found the performance to be satisfactory with no major issues, others, such as Checkpoint Gaming and Nintendo Life, noted the presence of graphical glitches, frame rate drops, and other technical problems. The general sentiment leans towards a less favorable view, with critics like Siliconera and WellPlayed mentioning long load times, laggy animations, and various glitches. It is important for potential players to consider these technical issues before making a purchasing decision on the Nintendo Switch version of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on the replay value of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE. While some praise its entertaining gameplay that justifies multiple playthroughs, others criticize its limited replayability due to incomplete side quests and lack of significant consequences. Optional collectibles and leveling up mechanics add some replay value, but overall, the game's lasting appeal may vary depending on individual preferences.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

17%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE are varied, with some positive and negative aspects mentioned. COGconnected states that while the replay value is limited once the mysteries are solved, the overall game is entertaining enough to be worth playing more than once. This suggests that despite the lack of replayability in terms of solving the main mysteries, the game still offers enough enjoyment to warrant multiple playthroughs. Gaming Nexus highlights the game's side requests and leveling up mechanics, which encourage replayability. This indicates that there are additional activities and progression systems in place that can provide a fresh experience upon replaying the game. On the negative side, Noisy Pixel mentions that the game's side quests cannot be completed after progressing to a certain point in the chapter. This limitation reduces the replay value for players who enjoy completing all available content. Press Start Australia also notes limited replay value, but mentions that optional collectibles unlock additional conversation scenes. While this adds some replayability by offering new dialogue options, it may not be enough to significantly enhance the overall replay value for players seeking more varied gameplay experiences. Overall, the critics' opinions suggest that the replay value of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is somewhat limited. While there are positive aspects such as side requests, leveling up mechanics, and optional collectibles that can provide some replayability, there are also negative aspects like the inability to complete certain side quests and the lack of significant consequences to actions, as mentioned by WellPlayed. The consensus seems to lean towards the game lacking substantial replay value, with the enjoyment of replaying the game primarily dependent on the player's personal preferences and willingness to engage with the available content.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

40%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The overall sentiment of the critics regarding the Overall Verdict of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is mostly positive. Many critics praised the game for its engaging storytelling, intriguing mysteries, and captivating characters. COGconnected commends the game for its fascinating writing, strong themes, and strong visual style. Digitally Downloaded describes Rain Code as a bitter, insightful, and thought-provoking experience with a strong and blunt message, successfully combining humor with dark themes. GameGrin states that the game is a must-play for fans of mystery-solving and interesting stories, offering a unique combination of elements and an over-the-top sense of humor. RPG Fan highly recommends the game to Danganronpa veterans and fans of narrative adventure titles, describing it as a lost relic of the PlayStation Vita. However, there are some negative aspects mentioned by the critics. Some reviewers, like Player 2, criticize the game for incorporating unnecessary sexist and immature tropes, presenting themes of morality, integrity, and identity through a juvenile lens. Hey Poor Player also mentions weak gameplay and uninteresting mystery labyrinths as drawbacks. Nintendo Life points out repetitive mechanics and locations as stumbling blocks for the game. Screen Rant mentions some flaws but still considers the game to offer an enjoyable narrative adventure with satisfying detective work. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is an enjoyable and engaging game, particularly for fans of the Danganronpa series. The game is praised for its fascinating writing, strong themes, captivating storytelling, and intriguing mysteries. It successfully fills the void left by Danganronpa, providing a satisfyingly twisty adventure. Critics appreciate the game's unique combination of elements, over-the-top sense of humor, and thought-provoking experiences. While there are some technical and replayability issues, the overall sentiment is positive, with many critics recommending the game to fans of mystery-solving and narrative adventure titles.

TL;DR

Critics mostly love Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE for its engaging storytelling, captivating characters, and unique sense of humor. Praise for its strong themes and fascinating writing abounds, with comparisons to the Danganronpa series. However, some reviewers criticize the game for incorporating unnecessary sexist tropes and weak gameplay elements. Despite flaws, the consensus is that RAIN CODE offers an enjoyable narrative adventure with satisfying detective work, recommended for mystery-solving fans.

MONSTER

Reviews

105 reviews found

100

Digitally Downloaded

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Rain Code offers a bitter, insightful, and thought-provoking experience with a strong and blunt message. It successfully combines humor with dark themes and challenges player expectations. The creative team behind Danganronpa and Rain Code knows how to entertain while offering something intensely thoughtful.

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Wccftech

Nintendo Switch

Jul 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code expands and improves on the Danganronpa formula with a more developed world, bold visuals, refined gameplay, and a collection of well-crafted mysteries. It is one of the best, most ambitious visual novels in recent years.

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GameGrin

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a must-play game for fans of mystery-solving and interesting stories. It offers a unique combination of elements and an over-the-top sense of humor.

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PlayStation Universe

Sep 23, 2024

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus is a fantastic mystery detective game with exceptional writing, voice work, and engaging gameplay, making it a must-play title for mystery enthusiasts.

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Noisy Pixel

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code delivers an excellently paced detective mystery with clever writing, memorable characters, and a balanced mix of dark themes and fun

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RPG Site

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is a wild ride with an excellent story and engaging gameplay, despite some technical issues.

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RPG Fan

Nintendo Switch

Jun 30, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer greatly enjoyed their time with Rain Code and highly recommends it to Danganronpa veterans and fans of narrative adventure titles. It is described as a lost relic of the PlayStation Vita.

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Press Start Australia

Nintendo Switch

Jun 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Captivating and refreshing mystery game with a satisfying and immersive experience.

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Gaming Nexus

Nintendo Switch

Jul 26, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is an engaging detective-style game with a compelling story and interesting gameplay mechanics. The Mystery Labyrinths can be a bit long and the game may not be suited for shorter play sessions, but overall it is enjoyable.

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COGconnected

Nintendo Switch

Aug 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An enjoyable game with fascinating writing, strong themes, and a strong visual style, despite some technical and replayability issues.

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