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Urban Myth Dissolution Center

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Urban Myth Dissolution Center
Item: Urban Myth Dissolution Center
Author: Monster Critic Editorial Team

2025

GenresAdventure, Side View Perspective, Visual Novel, Single Player

AvailableFeb 12, 2025

PlatformPlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch

DeveloperHakababunko

Overview

Join forces with the psychic Director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center and solve a variety of cases involving cursed relics, rental properties with shady histories, and dimensional anomalies. Monstrous oddities and otherworldly planes abound in this occult mystery adventure game!

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Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Critics largely praise Urban Myth Dissolution Center for its compelling narrative and engaging characters, especially protagonist Azami Fukurai and its exploration of dark themes like social inequality. The game’s mix of urban myths and psychological thrills keeps players invested. However, some note flaws in writing and pacing, with certain paranormal cases feeling clichéd. Despite these issues, the consensus is positive, highlighting the game’s captivating mysteries and societal depth that enrich the overall experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

85%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

15%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the story of Urban Myth Dissolution Center is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its compelling narrative and engaging characters. NintendoWorldReport highlights the game's focus on urban myths and clairvoyance, emphasizing how these elements keep players invested. Similarly, critics like COGconnected and Shacknews appreciate the psychological thriller aspect of the narrative, noting its exploration of dark themes such as social inequality and misinformation. The protagonist, Azami Fukurai, is frequently mentioned as a compelling character, with her unique ability to see echoes of past events enhancing the story's intrigue. Critics like Loot Level Chill and Multiplayer.it commend the episodic structure and blend of supernatural elements with rational conclusions, which contribute to an engaging and immersive experience. However, some reviewers have pointed out notable shortcomings in the narrative. Checkpoint Gaming criticizes the awkward writing and pacing, suggesting these elements hinder the overall engagement with the story. Eurogamer also mentions that the cases involving paranormal phenomena feel tame and overly familiar, lacking the depth expected from Japanese urban legends. This sentiment is echoed by Eurogamer Germany, which, while recognizing the engaging aspects of the story, hints at a need for more originality in its execution. These critiques suggest that while the narrative has strong foundations, there are areas where it could have been more polished. Despite the criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics leans towards a favorable view of the story in Urban Myth Dissolution Center. Most reviewers, such as Noisy Pixel and Siliconera, highlight the engaging mysteries and well-developed characters that contribute to a captivating narrative. The game’s ability to weave together urban legends with societal issues, as noted by Gamersky and Shacknews, adds a layer of depth that resonates with players. In summary, while there are some concerns regarding writing and pacing, the majority of critics agree that the narrative is compelling and engaging, making it a strong aspect of the game that enhances the overall experience.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

"Urban Myth Dissolution Center" offers engaging investigative gameplay reminiscent of the Ace Attorney series, praised for its clever mechanics and narrative depth. However, critics highlight issues like repetitiveness, glacial pacing, and a lack of challenge, leading to a divided player experience. While newcomers might enjoy the story, seasoned players may find it lacking in complexity and challenge.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Urban Myth Dissolution Center has garnered a mix of opinions, with several critics highlighting its engaging aspects. NintendoWorldReport appreciates the gameplay's resemblance to the Ace Attorney series, emphasizing the rewarding nature of investigation, clue gathering, and deduction. Loot Level Chill also praises the clever mechanics that keep players involved, noting the effective use of Clairvoyance to uncover clues. Additionally, Siliconera points out the structured case system and the blend of humor and dark themes, which adds depth to the investigative experience. These elements contribute to a sense of fun and immersion, particularly for players who enjoy narrative-driven gameplay. However, many critics have raised concerns about the game's shortcomings. Checkpoint Gaming and Gamersky both highlight the repetitiveness of the investigation processes and dialogue sequences, which can detract from the overall engagement, especially in the early chapters. Eurogamer mentions the glacial pacing and tediousness that arises from repetitive elements, while COGconnected notes that the lack of penalties for mistakes makes the experience accessible but ultimately disappointing for those seeking a challenge. Furthermore, Multiplayer.it echoes this sentiment by pointing out the linearity and formulaic nature of the gameplay, which can lead to a lack of real investigative challenge. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that Urban Myth Dissolution Center presents an intriguing premise with its investigative gameplay, but it struggles with execution. While some, like NintendoWorldReport and Loot Level Chill, find value in the engaging mechanics and storytelling, the majority of critics express dissatisfaction with the linearity, repetitiveness, and minimal challenge. This duality creates a divide in player experience, where those seeking a rich, challenging investigation may find themselves disappointed, while others who appreciate narrative-focused gameplay might enjoy the journey. The game ultimately seems to appeal more to newcomers to the genre, as INVEN suggests, but may leave seasoned players wanting more depth and complexity.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center wows critics with its stunning pixel art, praised for its creepy atmosphere and anime-inspired designs. While minor critiques include accessibility issues and a preference for more complex visuals, the game’s unique style and atmospheric presentation overwhelmingly impress, solidifying its graphics as a standout feature.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

92%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The graphics and visual design of Urban Myth Dissolution Center have garnered widespread acclaim among critics, with many praising its distinctive pixel art aesthetic. NintendoWorldReport highlights the game's effective use of shades of blue and reds, which enhance the creepy atmosphere, while Checkpoint Gaming describes the pixel art as "gorgeous and stylistic," contributing positively to the overall ambiance. COGconnected emphasizes the impressive anime-inspired pixel art, noting that it creates a haunting atmosphere with expressive character designs that build tension. Eurogamer and Eurogamer Germany both commend the stunning visual presentation, with the latter noting the unique style reminiscent of interactive manga. This sentiment is echoed by other critics, such as Gamersky and Hooked Gamers, who appreciate the retro pixel art style and charming character designs that enhance the visual appeal. Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, a few critics have pointed out some drawbacks. Eurogamer mentions the lack of color-blind options, which could hinder accessibility for some players. While the minimalistic presentation noted by Noisy Pixel is generally seen as a strength, it may not resonate with all players, as some may prefer more elaborate visuals. Shacknews describes the art direction as simple yet effective, but this simplicity could be perceived as a limitation by those seeking more intricate designs. However, these criticisms are relatively minor compared to the overall praise for the game’s visuals. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Urban Myth Dissolution Center excels in its graphics and visual design, with the majority finding it to be very good. The unique pixel art style, effective use of color, and atmospheric presentation contribute significantly to the game's eerie and immersive experience. Critics like Siliconera have noted the stunning spritework and detailed character portraits, which further enhance the aesthetic. While there are some minor concerns regarding accessibility and the simplicity of the art direction, the overall impression is overwhelmingly positive, solidifying the game's visual design as one of its standout features.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

music and sound design

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Voice Acting

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TL;DR

voice acting

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Technical Performance

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TL;DR

technical performance

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Replay Value

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TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with a captivating story and character depth that entice some players to replay for more narrative layers. However, critics highlight its short length, repetitive gameplay, and linear structure as major drawbacks that limit replay value. While the narrative pulls you back, the gameplay mechanics may leave you hesitant to dive in again.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

11%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

67%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

22%

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Urban Myth Dissolution Center showcase a blend of positive sentiments, particularly concerning the game's engaging narrative and character development. NintendoWorldReport highlights that the story and characters are compelling enough to entice players to revisit the game for a deeper exploration of its details. Similarly, Loot Level Chill suggests that the game leaves players eager for more mysteries, indicating a potential for replayability driven by the narrative's allure. This sentiment is echoed by Noisy Pixel, who acknowledges that while the gameplay may be repetitive, the engaging narrative could motivate players to return for another experience. On the flip side, several critics point out significant limitations that may hinder the game's replay value. COGconnected notes that the relatively short completion time of around 11 hours could deter players from replaying it, while Eurogamer and Gamersky emphasize the game's repetitive gameplay and investigation mechanics as factors that diminish its replayability. Furthermore, critics like Hooked Gamers and INVEN highlight the linear nature of the narrative, suggesting that the lack of meaningful choices and multiple paths could lead to a less engaging experience upon subsequent playthroughs. Eurogamer Germany also reinforces this point by stating that the focus on reading and story rather than varied gameplay contributes to a lower replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a cautious view of the game's replay value. While some, like NintendoWorldReport and Loot Level Chill, find merit in the narrative's ability to draw players back, the majority of reviewers express concerns about the linearity and repetitiveness of the gameplay. This duality in opinions suggests that while the story may be a strong point that encourages replay, the structural limitations of the game significantly reduce its overall replayability. Thus, players may find themselves torn between the desire to experience the narrative again and the constraints imposed by the gameplay mechanics.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

65%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

35%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment towards Urban Myth Dissolution Center is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its unique blend of narrative and atmospheric elements. NintendoWorldReport highlights the game as a "unique and well-made experience," emphasizing its successful integration of detective thriller aspects with urban myths. Similarly, COGconnected commends the game for its storytelling and immersive atmosphere, marking it as a must-try for fans of psychological horror. Critics like Loot Level Chill and Shacknews also echo this sentiment, celebrating the game's compelling narrative and engaging mystery, which contribute to its appeal as a standout title in the genre. The art direction and visuals have received accolades as well, with Siliconera noting the game's strong aesthetic appeal. However, the game is not without its criticisms. Several reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Multiplayer.it, point out issues with repetitive gameplay and a lack of depth in investigative mechanics. The linearity of the game is a common concern, with critics like Noisy Pixel and Eurogamer mentioning that while the narrative is gripping, the gameplay mechanics can feel simplistic and restrictive. Additionally, some reviews, such as those from Eurogamer Germany and Gamersky, indicate that while the narrative is creative, the overall pacing and familiarity may detract from the experience, particularly for seasoned players looking for more complexity. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a captivating narrative experience that is particularly well-suited for fans of visual novels and urban legends. While the game excels in storytelling and atmosphere, it faces criticism for its linear gameplay and repetitive mechanics. Overall, it is recommended for those who appreciate narrative-driven experiences, with many critics suggesting it serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers to point-and-click adventures, as noted by INVEN. Despite its flaws, the game has carved out a niche for itself, appealing to a dedicated audience eager for mystery and psychological horror.

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a critically acclaimed game praised for its captivating narrative and atmospheric blend of detective thriller and urban myths. While it excels in storytelling and visuals, it faces criticism for repetitive gameplay and a linear structure. Ideal for fans of psychological horror and visual novels, it serves as a solid entry point for newcomers, despite some pacing and depth issues.

MONSTER

Reviews

43 reviews found

Siliconera

Feb 6, 2025