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SHUTEN ORDER

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of SHUTEN ORDER
Item: SHUTEN ORDER
Author: MonsterCritic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Action, Puzzle and Logic, Single Player

AvailableSep 5, 2025

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNeilo

Overview

"168 remaining until the end of the world..." Humanity is approaching its end. A sudden dismemberment murder of the leader of a religious nation that advocates an apocalyptic ideology... Five adventure games are combined into one, centered around a suspenseful story full of mystery and intrigue.

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Shuten Order impresses with its captivating narrative and complex themes, following amnesiac Rei Shimobe as she solves her own murder in a dark, post-apocalyptic world. Critics applaud the engaging character interactions and rich storytelling, but execution flaws—like pacing issues and shallow secondary characters—hold it back from greatness. While the story is ambitious and thought-provoking, uneven delivery leaves players craving a more cohesive experience. In short, it’s a compelling journey with untapped potential.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

18%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

12%

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

The story of Shuten Order has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, with many praising its unique narrative and intriguing premise. The central plot revolves around Rei Shimobe, an amnesiac protagonist who must solve her own murder within a limited timeframe, set against a dark, post-apocalyptic backdrop filled with cult-like themes. Critics such as But Why Tho? and Final Weapon highlight the engaging character interactions and the depth of the story, noting that the multiple routes offer rich storytelling experiences. The complexity of the narrative, as pointed out by GamingTrend and Noisy Pixel, allows for exploration of significant themes such as identity, power dynamics, and moral dilemmas, which adds layers to the overall experience. Additionally, the sense of urgency and existential themes resonate well with reviewers, making it a compelling journey for players. However, despite the praise, several critics have pointed out notable weaknesses in the execution of the narrative. Checkpoint Gaming and NintendoWorldReport emphasize issues with pacing and character development, suggesting that the routes can feel disjointed and lack a sense of progression. The tendency for info dumping, particularly towards the end of routes, detracts from the immersive experience, as noted by COGconnected. Critics like Cubed3 and GamesRadar+ also mention that while the story has ambitious elements, it suffers from a lengthy conclusion that undermines the overall impact. Furthermore, some secondary characters are perceived as lacking depth, which can diminish the richness of the narrative tapestry. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shuten Order presents a captivating narrative filled with potential that is somewhat marred by execution issues. While the core story and its themes resonate well with many, as highlighted by critics like Pure Nintendo and RPG Site, the pacing problems and character development shortcomings prevent it from reaching its full potential. The layered narrative and complex character arcs are appreciated, but the uneven execution leaves some players wanting more. Thus, while the game is praised for its originality and ambition, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in crafting a multifaceted story within the constraints of a video game format.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

SHUTEN ORDER impresses with its ambitious multi-genre routes, combining detective adventures, dating sims, and stealth horror, earning praise for variety and engagement. However, critics highlight significant flaws, including shallow gameplay mechanics, repetitive tasks, and a lack of depth, leading to a mixed reception. While it's a treat for narrative fans, those seeking innovative gameplay may find it disappointing.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

18%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

76%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of SHUTEN ORDER has garnered a range of opinions, with several critics highlighting its positive aspects. Many reviewers appreciate the game's ambition in offering five distinct routes, each incorporating different genres such as detective adventures, dating sims, and even stealth horror. For instance, Final Weapon commends this variety for enhancing engagement and breaking the linearity typical of visual novels. Critics like Noisy Pixel and TheSixthAxis also note the diverse gameplay experiences, which allow players to explore multiple styles, from investigation to romance. Additionally, GameGrin points out the inclusion of point-and-click mechanics and quick-time events, which contribute to a chill yet engaging experience, despite the tension created by the music during battles. However, the criticisms surrounding the gameplay are significant and often echo similar sentiments across multiple reviews. Many critics, including But Why Tho? and Checkpoint Gaming, express concerns about the lack of depth and innovation in certain routes, with some gameplay mechanics feeling underdeveloped or overly simplistic. The repetitive nature of some tasks and the reliance on busywork are highlighted by Cubed3 and NintendoWorldReport, who argue that these elements detract from player engagement. Critics like Shacknews and Siliconera further emphasize that while the anthology structure offers variety, many gameplay elements feel shallow and can become tedious, leading to a sense of dissatisfaction with the overall execution. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while SHUTEN ORDER presents an intriguing concept with its multi-genre approach and varied gameplay routes, it ultimately falls short in execution. The game is praised for its ambition and the potential for engaging narratives, as noted by RPG Site and Pure Nintendo. However, the repetitive mechanics, underdeveloped gameplay features, and lack of meaningful interaction, as pointed out by critics like GamingTrend and Nintenduo, lead to a mixed reception. The game seems to cater to players who appreciate narrative-driven experiences but may disappoint those seeking deeper gameplay mechanics and innovation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Shuten Order is lauded for its vibrant, comic book-inspired graphics and dynamic art direction, enhancing the gameplay experience. Critics praise its stunning character designs and rich colors, though some note inconsistencies in 3D models and background quality. Overall, the game is a visual standout on the Nintendo Switch, despite minor technical issues.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Shuten Order is overwhelmingly positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and engaging aesthetic. Reviewers from outlets like Checkpoint Gaming and Final Weapon highlighted the game's stunning character designs and comic book-inspired visuals, emphasizing the vibrant colors that bring the world of Shuten to life. But Why Tho? and GamesRadar+ echoed similar sentiments, noting the unique art style and the effective use of color that enhances the gaming experience. Critics also appreciated the dynamic art direction, with Noisy Pixel and The Outerhaven pointing out how the visuals contribute to the immersive atmosphere and storytelling, making it a standout feature of the game. However, some criticisms were noted regarding inconsistencies in the visual design. COGconnected mentioned that the 3D character models felt out of place compared to the 2D art, which could detract from the overall cohesiveness of the visual presentation. Cubed3 pointed out that while the art direction is a strength, some backgrounds appeared low budget and inconsistent, which may affect the visual immersion. Additionally, GamingTrend noted technical issues such as a lack of anti-aliasing on the Switch version, and RPG Site raised concerns about sprite scaling, which could impact the clarity of the visuals during gameplay. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among critics is that Shuten Order boasts a compelling and visually striking design that effectively enhances the gaming experience. Most reviewers, including those from Pure Nintendo and Shacknews, agree that the vibrant colors and unique art style significantly contribute to the game's charm, making it a visually appealing title on the Nintendo Switch. The combination of comic book aesthetics and stylish character designs has resonated well with critics, solidifying Shuten Order as a visually impressive entry in the genre, despite some minor technical shortcomings.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

SHUTEN ORDER's sound design and music are widely praised for enhancing the game's atmosphere, with a standout soundtrack by Masafumi Takada that features nearly 100 tracks blending jazzy and low-fi elements. Critics commend the effective voice acting, especially Rei’s performance. However, some note that the soundtrack lacks memorable themes and can become overwhelming at times. Overall, despite some criticisms, the audio experience significantly enriches the game, earning it strong acclaim.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of SHUTEN ORDER have received a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's effective use of audio to enhance the overall experience. But Why Tho? commends the soundtrack for its fantastic collection of songs that align well with each route, contributing positively to the atmosphere. Similarly, COGconnected praises the music as "gorgeous," noting its blend of jazzy sounds and somber low-fi piano reminiscent of classic soundtracks like Castlevania: Symphony of the Night. Critics such as Final Weapon and Noisy Pixel emphasize the work of composer Masafumi Takada, whose recognizable tunes and nearly 100 tracks are noted for their ability to complement the narrative and gameplay styles effectively. The voice acting also received praise, particularly from Checkpoint Gaming, who highlighted the effectiveness of Rei's voice actress, adding to the overall quality of the sound design. Despite the overall acclaim, some critics pointed out shortcomings in the soundtrack's memorability. Nintenduo expressed that while the sound design is competent, the soundtrack itself does not stand out as particularly memorable, suggesting a lack of distinctive themes that could leave a lasting impression. Pure Nintendo echoed this sentiment, noting that while the music blends well into the background, it fails to create memorable moments. Additionally, TheSixthAxis pointed out that the sound design can become overwhelming at times due to the cacophony of overlapping voices and sounds, which may detract from the overall experience for some players. Overall, the consensus among critics indicates that SHUTEN ORDER's sound design and music are strong elements of the game, with many praising the atmospheric qualities and the effectiveness of Masafumi Takada's compositions. While there are criticisms regarding the soundtrack's memorability and occasional overwhelming sound design, the majority of reviewers, such as GamingTrend and Shacknews, agree that the music enhances the game's narrative and atmosphere, creating a compelling audio experience that complements the gameplay. The combination of well-executed voice acting and a diverse soundtrack contributes to a positive reception, making sound design a notable aspect of SHUTEN ORDER.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise the voice acting in SHUTEN ORDER for standout performances that enhance the game, particularly the Japanese dub. However, issues like flat delivery and the absence of an English dub raise concerns about immersion and accessibility, leaving some players feeling disconnected. Overall, it's a mixed bag: a highlight for many, but not universally effective.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in SHUTEN ORDER has garnered a generally positive reception among critics, with several reviewers highlighting standout performances that enhance the overall gaming experience. Checkpoint Gaming commended the voice acting as "great," particularly praising Rei's engaging performance. Similarly, Final Weapon emphasized the quality of the Japanese voice acting, noting that renowned actors bring depth to the characters, which significantly enriches the narrative across various routes. GameGrin echoed this sentiment by highlighting Himeru's well-executed performance, which adds personality and confidence to the character, further elevating the game's immersive qualities. Overall, the critics agree that the voice acting is a strong aspect of the game, contributing positively to the player's experience. Despite the praise, there are notable criticisms regarding the voice acting that cannot be overlooked. Cubed3 pointed out that while the character dialogue can be lively, it is often marred by flat delivery and uneven tone, which hampers immersion. This sentiment is echoed by GamingTrend, which noted that while most lines are fully voiced, players who speedread may miss out on emotional nuances, suggesting that the delivery may not always match the intended emotional weight. Additionally, some critics, such as Noisy Pixel and The Outerhaven, highlighted the game's exclusive Japanese dub and the absence of an English dub, which could limit accessibility for a broader audience. These factors contribute to a mixed perception of the voice acting's effectiveness across different player experiences. In summary, the overall consensus among critics regarding the voice acting in SHUTEN ORDER is one of appreciation tempered by concerns about accessibility and delivery. While several reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Final Weapon, praised the quality of performances, particularly in the Japanese voice acting, others like Cubed3 and Nintenduo pointed out issues with delivery and the limitations posed by the lack of an English dub. This duality in opinions suggests that while the voice acting is a highlight for many, it may not fully resonate with all players, particularly those who might struggle with the language barrier or prefer a more consistent emotional delivery in the performances.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

SHUTEN ORDER's performance on Nintendo Switch is hit-or-miss. While some critics praise its smooth gameplay and optimization, others report serious issues like frame rate drops, bugs, and poor localization. The game shines in action but suffers from technical flaws that mar the overall experience, leading to mixed reviews.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

14%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

57%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

29%

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

The technical performance of SHUTEN ORDER on the Nintendo Switch has garnered a mix of opinions from various critics, reflecting a range of experiences. On a positive note, Final Weapon highlights that the Switch version runs "flawlessly" with only minor issues, indicating a generally polished performance. Additionally, But Why Tho? acknowledges stable performance on PC, suggesting that the game’s core mechanics function well across platforms. Siliconera also notes that the game performs smoothly during action and exploration segments, which points to a well-optimized gameplay experience in those areas. Overall, there are moments where the technical execution shines, particularly in gameplay fluidity. However, not all reviews are as favorable, especially regarding the technical shortcomings on the Nintendo Switch. NintendoWorldReport points out significant technical issues, including inconsistent frame rates and bugs that disrupt gameplay, particularly on the Switch 2. RPG Site echoes this sentiment, mentioning poor localization with typos and formatting issues that detract from immersion. Moreover, GamingTrend notes the absence of anti-aliasing as a drawback, while Siliconera raises concerns about long loading times, audio stuttering, and lag during cutscenes. These critiques suggest that while certain aspects of the game perform well, there are notable deficiencies that impact the overall experience. The overall consensus among critics regarding SHUTEN ORDER's technical performance on the Nintendo Switch leans towards a mixed reception. While some reviewers, like Final Weapon, find the performance generally satisfactory, others, including NintendoWorldReport and RPG Site, highlight significant issues that hinder gameplay quality. This disparity indicates that while the game may excel in certain areas, such as action sequences, the presence of bugs, localization problems, and inconsistent performance across different routes creates a fragmented experience. As a result, players may find themselves navigating a spectrum of technical quality, which ultimately affects their enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

SHUTEN ORDER boasts impressive replay value with multiple routes and endings, allowing players to explore various narratives over a 40-hour playtime. Critics praise its branching paths but criticize shallow gameplay mechanics and linear choices that may hinder the desire for repeated playthroughs. While it offers potential for exploration, many reviewers caution that some routes feel repetitive, impacting overall enjoyment.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

31%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

13%

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

The reviews regarding the replay value of SHUTEN ORDER highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal. Many critics, such as But Why Tho? and Final Weapon, emphasize the game's multiple routes and endings, which provide players with the opportunity to explore different story paths and character interactions. GameGrin also notes that the game features five distinct paths, each offering unique gameplay experiences and narrative variations, enhancing the overall replayability. Critics like GamesRadar+ and Noisy Pixel further support this sentiment, pointing out that the game encourages players to delve into all routes to uncover the full mystery, with each ending designed to entice further exploration. This structure, combined with the game's total playtime of around 40 hours as mentioned by Nintenduo, suggests that players can invest significant time in experiencing the various narratives. However, despite these positive elements, several reviewers express concerns regarding the game's replay value. COGconnected and Shacknews point out that while the game allows for exploration of the Ministers in any order, the shallow gameplay mechanics could deter players from wanting to replay. Cubed3 echoes this sentiment, stating that the lack of cohesion and engaging gameplay diminishes the desire to revisit the game, even with its branching paths. Additionally, NintendoWorldReport highlights the linear nature of the routes and the absence of meaningful choices that affect outcomes, which can make the experience feel less distinct and more like a single narrative rather than multiple adventures. This critique suggests that while there are multiple routes, the execution may not be compelling enough to encourage repeated playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the replay value of SHUTEN ORDER is mixed. While there is a strong acknowledgment of the game's potential for replayability due to its multiple routes and narrative depth, many reviewers, including GamingTrend and TheSixthAxis, caution that some routes may feel repetitive or less engaging than others. This sentiment is echoed by critics who emphasize the shallow gameplay and linearity, which could limit the overall enjoyment and desire to replay. Ultimately, while SHUTEN ORDER offers significant replay value through its diverse narrative paths, the execution of gameplay mechanics and the depth of player choice remain points of contention that could affect players' willingness to return to the game.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

60%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding SHUTEN ORDER among critics is a mix of appreciation for its storytelling and visual appeal, alongside criticisms of gameplay execution and pacing. Many reviewers, such as But Why Tho? and Final Weapon, highlight the game’s narrative depth and character development, praising it as a standout title in the visual novel genre. Critics like GameGrin and Noisy Pixel commend the engaging gameplay and stunning visuals, suggesting that the game provides a rich experience that can captivate fans of visual novels. The unique blend of genres and the ambitious storytelling approach are frequently noted as significant strengths, with several reviewers, including COGconnected and GamingTrend, acknowledging the game’s thought-provoking themes and artistic presentation. However, despite these positives, several critics pointed out notable flaws that detract from the overall experience. Common criticisms include inconsistent route quality, shallow gameplay mechanics, and pacing issues. For instance, Checkpoint Gaming and Cubed3 express concerns about the underwhelming gameplay and execution, while NintendoWorldReport mentions a convoluted story and problematic representation of gender and queer identities. Many reviewers, such as Shacknews and TheSixthAxis, also note that excessive dialogue and long-winded writing can hinder the pacing, making it difficult for players to stay engaged throughout the experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that SHUTEN ORDER is an ambitious and visually appealing visual novel that offers a compelling narrative and unique gameplay elements. However, the execution is marred by pacing issues and gameplay shortcomings, which may prevent it from resonating with all players. While some critics, like The Outerhaven, deem it a must-try for genre fans, others, such as NintendoWorldReport, caution that its ambitious concepts may not fully deliver. Overall, SHUTEN ORDER is seen as a worthwhile experience for those who appreciate narrative-driven games, albeit with some reservations regarding its gameplay and pacing.

TL;DR

SHUTEN ORDER impresses with its narrative depth and stunning visuals, earning praise as a standout visual novel. Critics highlight its ambitious storytelling and character development but point to significant flaws like inconsistent gameplay, pacing issues, and excessive dialogue. While some see it as a must-try for genre fans, others warn that its execution may not meet high expectations. Overall, it's a mixed bag, offering a rich experience with notable reservations.

MONSTER

Reviews

48 reviews found

100

The Outerhaven

Nintendo Switch

Aug 29, 2025