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74

MONSTER

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Urban Myth Dissolution Center

2025
GenresAdventure, Side View Perspective, Visual Novel, Single Player
AvailableFeb 12, 2025
PlatformNintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PC
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!

Score icon

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

82

TL;DR

A genre-blending narrative with socially relevant themes and a compelling protagonist, but its formulaic twists, underdeveloped satire, and awkward pacing prevent it from standing out in a crowded market.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

82

Positive Reviews (80-100)

79%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

21%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The Story of Urban Myth Dissolution Center receives普遍 praise for its engaging narrative structure and thematic depth, with critics highlighting its compelling exploration of urban myths, supernatural phenomena, and societal issues. Digitally Downloaded and Gameblog.fr commend the game’s linear yet competent storytelling, noting its blend of paranormal investigations with social commentary on topics like media influence and mob mentality. NintendoWorldReport and RPG Fan emphasize the well-developed characters and mysteries that maintain player investment, while Adventure Game Hotspot and Game8 appreciate the unpredictable twists and episodic format that balance horror, comedy, and mystery. The narrative’s focus on Azami Fukurai, a clairvoyant protagonist navigating ghostly encounters and conspiracy-driven plots, is frequently lauded for its creativity and emotional resonance, with IGN Italia and COGconnected pointing to its unexpected finale and psychological undertones as standout elements. These reviews collectively paint a picture of a story that is both accessible and thought-provoking, leveraging its core premise to deliver a satisfying, if not groundbreaking, experience. However, several critics express concerns about the game’s execution, particularly its reliance on familiar tropes and lack of originality. Finger Guns and Eurogamer describe the narrative as formulaic and overly predictable, with the latter criticizing the "tame and overly familiar" urban legends that fail to meet expectations. Adventure Game Hotspot and GamingTrend note that individual cases often feel generic, while Checkpoint Gaming and GameCritics point to awkward pacing and design flaws that detract from immersion. The game’s attempts at social satire and dark themes, such as those mentioned by COGconnected and Gameblog.fr, are sometimes seen as underdeveloped or overshadowed by clichéd storytelling. Additionally, some reviewers, like Eurogamer Germany and Multiplayer.it, suggest that while the overarching plot involving secret organizations or online networks is intriguing, it doesn’t fully capitalize on its potential, leaving certain elements feeling unpolished or rushed. Despite mixed reactions to its originality and pacing, the overall consensus among critics leans toward appreciation for the game’s thematic ambition and character-driven approach. While some, like Game8 and Loot Level Chill, celebrate its episodic charm and blend of genres, others, such as Eurogamer and GamingTrend, find it lacking in challenge or innovation. The recurring praise for Azami’s character and the game’s ability to weave supernatural elements with real-world issues—highlighted by RPG Fan, GameCritics, and Siliconera—suggests that its narrative strengths lie in its relatable protagonist and thought-provoking premises. However, the recurring criticisms about formulaic twists, slow development, and reliance on tropes indicate that while the game is engaging, it struggles to fully distinguish itself in a crowded genre. The reviews collectively suggest a title that is enjoyable for its ideas and execution but could benefit from more nuanced storytelling and creative risk-taking.

TL;DR

story and narrative

A genre-blending narrative with socially relevant themes and a compelling protagonist, but its formulaic twists, underdeveloped satire, and awkward pacing prevent it from standing out in a crowded market.

65

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with immersive storytelling, clever mystery mechanics (think Ace Attorney-esque deduction and social media-driven clues), and a narrative that feels like an interactive novel—but its repetitive tasks, minimal challenges, and formulaic structure leave players bored, with critics split between praising its accessibility for newcomers and slamming its lack of depth for veterans.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

65

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

75%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

8%

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

The gameplay of Urban Myth Dissolution Center receives praise for its engaging mystery-solving mechanics and narrative-driven approach, with several critics highlighting its strengths. NintendoWorldReport draws a favorable comparison to the Ace Attorney series, noting the rewarding and fun aspects of investigation, clue gathering, and deduction. This Is Game emphasizes the appeal of collecting evidence and piecing together information, particularly through character interactions and story progression, while RPG Fan appreciates the episodic structure that creates a sense of choice and engagement via social media and interactive elements. Loot Level Chill commends the clever design of mechanics like Clairvoyance, which keeps players involved through online research and real-world exploration. Additionally, Shacknews acknowledges that the game’s simple mechanics are elevated by strong writing and character reactions, making it feel like an interactive novel. These positives suggest the game succeeds in crafting an immersive, story-focused experience that resonates with fans of investigative narratives. However, the gameplay faces consistent criticism for its repetitiveness, lack of challenge, and restrictive design. Gameblog.fr and Finger Guns both note that the point-and-click adventure mechanics, while initially engaging, become tedious due to repetitive tasks and excessive reading. IGN Italia and Adventure Game Hotspot criticize the minimal interactivity and simplistic deduction systems, arguing that the absence of meaningful stakes or consequences undermines immersion. COGconnected and GamingTrend highlight the lack of penalties for mistakes and predictable case structures, while GameBlast and Gamersky point to backtracking issues and monotonous dialogue sequences that hinder exploration and engagement. Critics like Eurogamer Germany and Multiplayer.it also mention that the focus on storytelling over active gameplay leads to a formulaic experience, with some mechanics feeling overly hand-held or patronizing. These drawbacks suggest the game struggles to maintain depth and variety in its investigative processes. Overall, the consensus among critics leans toward a mixed reception, with the gameplay praised for its accessibility, narrative focus, and clever mechanics but criticized for its repetitive nature and lack of challenge. While titles like NintendoWorldReport and Loot Level Chill celebrate its engaging mystery-solving and structured case system, others such as Gameblog.fr, IGN Italia, and Adventure Game Hotspot emphasize its shortcomings in player agency and complexity. The game appears to cater well to newcomers with its straightforward approach, as noted by INVEN, but may disappoint those seeking deeper puzzles or consequences. Despite these polarizing views, the recurring themes of storytelling and investigation suggest that Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a unique, if imperfect, experience that balances charm with structural limitations.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with immersive storytelling, clever mystery mechanics (think Ace Attorney-esque deduction and social media-driven clues), and a narrative that feels like an interactive novel—but its repetitive tasks, minimal challenges, and formulaic structure leave players bored, with critics split between praising its accessibility for newcomers and slamming its lack of depth for veterans.

86

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with its bold, atmospheric pixel art, blending 80s nostalgia and psychedelic style to craft a haunting, emotionally resonant experience—though minor flaws like tiny text and no color-blind options linger, they’re drowned out by universal praise for its artistic brilliance and storytelling power.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

86

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

13%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The majority of critics praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Urban Myth Dissolution Center for its distinctive pixel art style and atmospheric storytelling. Reviewers consistently highlighted the game’s stylized aesthetic, with Gameblog.fr noting its “stylish aesthetic with a mix of blue and red” and NintendoWorldReport emphasizing how the “distinctive pixel art aesthetic enhances its creepy atmosphere.” ThisIsGame lauded the “unique pixel art that enhances storytelling,” while Finger Guns described the visuals as “psychedelic” with “expressive character designs.” The use of color was a recurring strength, with IGN Italia pointing to “minimalist pixel art during exploration and more elaborate visuals during dialogues,” and Eurogamer praising “characterful pixel art and a striking use of color.” Critics like RPG Fan and Adventure Game Hotspot also celebrated the haunting, horror-inspired visuals that evoke nostalgia for 1980s adventure games, while Siliconera highlighted “stunning spritework” and “beautiful CG and animated segments.” These elements collectively created a visually immersive experience that reinforced the game’s narrative and emotional tone. While the overall reception was overwhelmingly positive, a few critiques pointed to minor flaws. Digitally Downloaded noted that “text can be small on handheld devices,” a practical concern for Nintendo Switch players, and Eurogamer mentioned the lack of color-blind options, which could hinder accessibility. These issues, however, were isolated and did not detract from the game’s broader visual appeal. Most reviewers focused on the strengths of the pixel art, with only a handful acknowledging these technical limitations. For instance, while Game8 praised the “minimalist color palette” for its emotional impact, the text size issue mentioned by Digitally Downloaded remained a niche concern compared to the widespread acclaim for the game’s artistic direction. The overwhelming consensus among critics is that Urban Myth Dissolution Center delivers excellent graphics and visual design, with its pixel art style being a defining strength. Over 90% of the reviews highlighted the creativity, atmosphere, and emotional resonance of the visuals, with critics like COGconnected, GamingTrend, and Shacknews praising the “haunting atmosphere” and “unsettling mood” crafted through deliberate color choices and expressive character designs. Even reviewers who mentioned minor drawbacks, such as Eurogamer’s note on color-blind accessibility, acknowledged the game’s artistic merits. The game’s ability to balance minimalism with elaborate cutscenes (as noted by IGN Italia and Siliconera) and its nostalgic yet innovative approach to pixel art (as highlighted by Gameblog.fr and RPG Fan) solidified its reputation as a visually compelling title. Despite the few criticisms, the majority of reviewers agreed that the game’s visual design is a key factor in its success, making it a standout example of how retro aesthetics can enhance modern storytelling.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with its bold, atmospheric pixel art, blending 80s nostalgia and psychedelic style to craft a haunting, emotionally resonant experience—though minor flaws like tiny text and no color-blind options linger, they’re drowned out by universal praise for its artistic brilliance and storytelling power.

75

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center's sound design is praised for its atmospheric, immersive, and eerie Japanese electronic soundtrack, masterfully enhancing horror and mystery. Critics highlight its spooky, memorable blend of humor and shadowy synths, with vocal songs adding variety. But repetition, simplicity, and a narrow palette of synthesized tracks, plus sparse sound effects and no voice acting, are called out as flaws. While some demand more diversity, the music remains a core strength, driving the game’s unique charm and thematic cohesion—a haunting, if occasionally monotonous, symphony.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

75

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

62%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The sound design and music of Urban Myth Dissolution Center are widely praised for their atmospheric and immersive qualities, with multiple critics highlighting their effectiveness in enhancing the game’s tone. Digitally Downloaded and NintendoWorldReport both commend the soundtrack as "spooky," "memorable," and "great," emphasizing its role in creating an engaging and eerie environment. IGN Italia notes the soundtrack’s alignment with contemporary Japanese electronic music, which complements the narrative and amplifies the game’s mysterious ambiance. RPG Fan appreciates the blend of humor and horror, particularly the shadowy electronic music during investigations, while also praising the vocal songs in each chapter for adding variety. Similarly, Eurogamer Germany and Game8 describe the music as a "mix of good tracks" and "exceptional," respectively, with the latter crediting its genre-blending approach for reinforcing the game’s thematic elements. These reviews collectively underscore the soundtrack’s success in fostering immersion and emotional resonance, especially during key moments like cutscenes or investigative sequences. However, several critics point to limitations in the sound design, particularly regarding repetition and lack of diversity. Adventure Game Hotspot and COGconnected both note that the synthesized tracks, while mood-appropriate, become "repetitive" and "simple," reducing their impact over time. Gameblog.fr criticizes the overall lack of variety, despite acknowledging the standout "Phase of Dissolution" section, while RPG Fan also expresses a desire for more musical diversity beyond the vocal songs. Additionally, the absence of voice acting and sparse use of sound effects are mentioned as drawbacks, with Adventure Game Hotspot and Game8 pointing out these omissions as missed opportunities to deepen the experience. These critiques suggest that while the soundtrack is strong in its core execution, its reliance on a narrow palette of sounds and repetitive motifs may detract from its long-term appeal. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among reviewers leans heavily positive, with the sound design and music being a significant strength of the game. Most critics agree that the soundtrack effectively supports the game’s eerie and immersive atmosphere, even if some aspects—like repetition or genre constraints—fall short of expectations. The blend of electronic elements, narrative cohesion, and emotional depth in tracks like the "notable theme song" (as noted by INVEN) and the "vocal songs" (RPG Fan) are frequently highlighted as standout features. While a few reviewers call for greater diversity or more dynamic soundscapes, the majority view the music as a critical component of the game’s identity, contributing to its unique charm and thematic consistency. This balance of praise and constructive criticism reflects a generally favorable reception, with the soundtrack serving as both a highlight and a point of nuance for further refinement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Urban Myth Dissolution Center's sound design is praised for its atmospheric, immersive, and eerie Japanese electronic soundtrack, masterfully enhancing horror and mystery. Critics highlight its spooky, memorable blend of humor and shadowy synths, with vocal songs adding variety. But repetition, simplicity, and a narrow palette of synthesized tracks, plus sparse sound effects and no voice acting, are called out as flaws. While some demand more diversity, the music remains a core strength, driving the game’s unique charm and thematic cohesion—a haunting, if occasionally monotonous, symphony.

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

NA

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

technical performance

Description unavailable

58

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers compelling storytelling and characters for repeat plays, but repetitive mechanics, brief runtime, and technical flaws (no manual saves) alienate others. Replay value splits between narrative lovers and gameplay purists.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

58

Positive Reviews (80-100)

17%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

56%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

28%

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

The overall sentiment toward the replay value of Urban Myth Dissolution Center is mixed, with several critics highlighting its narrative strengths as a key driver for multiple playthroughs. Reviewers like Digitally Downloaded, NintendoWorldReport, and This Is Game emphasize that the game’s engaging story and well-developed characters create a compelling reason to revisit the experience, even if the total runtime is brief. RPG Fan and Game8 also praise the narrative’s depth and mechanics, noting that exploring different outcomes or theories can enhance the appeal for fans of investigative storytelling. Additionally, Loot Level Chill suggests the game’s design leaves players eager for more mysteries, implying that its thematic hooks could sustain interest beyond a single completion. These perspectives indicate that the game’s emotional and intellectual engagement may outweigh its structural limitations for some players. However, several critics point to significant drawbacks that diminish its replayability. Finger Guns and IGN Italia argue that repetitive tasks and minimal stakes make the game feel uninviting for multiple playthroughs, while Adventure Game Hotspot and Gamersky criticize the slow pacing and lack of meaningful choices or varied experiences. COGconnected and GamingTrend note the short duration (around 11 hours) and straightforward mysteries, which may not justify repeated sessions for all audiences. GameBlast specifically highlights technical issues, such as the absence of manual saves or a chapter menu, which hinder accessibility for revisiting content. Eurogamer Germany and INVEN also point to the game’s linear structure and focus on passive storytelling over interactive mechanics, suggesting that its design prioritizes narrative over replayable elements. These critiques underscore concerns about the game’s gameplay repetition and structural rigidity. The consensus among critics reflects a divide between narrative-driven and gameplay-focused expectations. While Digitally Downloaded, RPG Fan, and Game8 see the story as a strong selling point for replayability, others like Finger Guns and Adventure Game Hotspot find the mechanics insufficient to justify multiple sessions. Eurogamer and GamingTrend acknowledge the game’s content for a single playthrough but note its limitations in offering varied experiences. Despite these differences, many agree that the game’s narrative depth and mystery-driven structure could attract dedicated fans, even if it falls short for those seeking high interactivity or extended gameplay. Ultimately, the replay value appears to hinge on individual preferences, with the story and character development serving as a potential lure for some, while the repetitive design and linear progression deter others.

TL;DR

replay value

Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers compelling storytelling and characters for repeat plays, but repetitive mechanics, brief runtime, and technical flaws (no manual saves) alienate others. Replay value splits between narrative lovers and gameplay purists.

Overall verdict

Overall Verdict

74

MONSTER

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OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

74

Positive Reviews (80-100)

62%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

38%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

0%

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

The overall sentiment of critics toward Urban Myth Dissolution Center is largely positive, with many praising its engaging story, artistic presentation, and unique concept. Several reviewers highlight the game's compelling narrative and thought-provoking themes, with This Is Game and RPG Fan noting that it successfully immerses players in a world of urban myths and supernatural investigations. Digitally Downloaded and NintendoWorldReport both describe the game as a novel and well-made experience, emphasizing its blend of detective elements with urban legends. Loot Level Chill and Shacknews commend its clever storytelling and atmospheric design, calling it a standout title in the adventure genre. The visual design is also a recurring strength, with This Is Game and RPG Fan pointing to impressive aesthetics and Gameblog.fr referring to it as a "pleasant surprise" with strong writing and an engaging look. Despite these positives, several critics point out notable flaws, particularly in gameplay mechanics and pacing. Finger Guns and IGN Italia both criticize the lackluster gameplay and repetitive mechanics, suggesting that the experience may not satisfy players looking for deeper interactivity. Adventure Game Hotspot and Checkpoint Gaming mention slow pacing and limited gameplay depth, while GamingTrend and Multiplayer.it note that the game is predictable and lacks investigative challenge. COGconnected and Noisy Pixel acknowledge the simplicity of the gameplay, though they still recommend the title for its narrative and atmosphere. These criticisms suggest that while the game excels in storytelling and visuals, it may fall short in delivering a more dynamic or complex gameplay experience. The overall consensus among the critics is that Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a worthwhile experience for fans of visual novels and mystery-driven games, despite its shortcomings. While some reviewers, like Digitally Downloaded and This Is Game, emphasize its strengths and recommend it highly, others, such as Finger Guns and IGN Italia, point out its gameplay limitations. However, many agree that the game’s narrative and artistic merits make it a standout title in its niche. Siliconera and GameCritics both acknowledge minor issues but still recommend it, and Eurogamer Germany and INVEN suggest it is a good entry point for newcomers to the genre. Overall, the game is seen as a unique and atmospheric adventure that prioritizes storytelling over gameplay, making it a must-try for fans of mystery and urban legends.

TL;DR

Urban Myth Dissolution Center dazzles with immersive storytelling, atmospheric design, and striking visuals, but falters due to repetitive gameplay and sluggish pacing. A niche gem for mystery fans, prioritizing narrative over mechanics despite flaws.

74

MONSTER

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Reviews

47 reviews found

90

NintendoWorldReport

Nintendo Switch

Feb 10, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is highly recommended as a unique and well-made experience, blending elements of detective thrillers with urban myths.

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Full review

90

Loot Level Chill

PC

Feb 6, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a delightful and spooky adventure game that combines narrative and gameplay effectively, making it highly recommended for fans of mysteries.

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Full review

90

Siliconera

PC

Feb 6, 2025

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

Overall, the game is highly appreciated for its art direction, gameplay, and story, with only minor issues noted. It is recommended for fans of adventure games.

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Full review

90

Shacknews

PC

Feb 12, 2025

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

The reviewer expresses a strong affection for the game, highlighting its clever storytelling and engaging mystery, making it a standout title in its genre.

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Full review

86

RPG Fan

PlayStation 5

Mar 20, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a captivating visual novel that combines intriguing storytelling, engaging gameplay, and a unique aesthetic. It successfully immerses players in a world of urban myths and supernatural investigations.

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Full review

85

GameBlast

PC

Apr 8, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a compelling narrative and immersive visuals, but suffers from gameplay design flaws that affect player experience. Overall, it is rated 8.5.

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Full review

84

This Is Game

Nintendo Switch

Mar 11, 2025

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

Overall, Urban Myth Dissolution Center is highly recommended for its captivating story, engaging gameplay, and impressive visual design, making it a standout title in the genre.


82

Game8

PC

Mar 22, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a must-play for story lovers, offering a captivating narrative and unique gameplay experience, though it may not appeal to those seeking action-heavy titles.

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Full review

80

Eurogamer Germany

PC

Mar 7, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is recommended for fans of mystery stories, providing a unique indie experience that fills a niche while waiting for other titles. It offers a compelling narrative but may not satisfy those looking for extensive gameplay.

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Full review

80

COGconnected

PC

Feb 19, 2025

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

Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a unique and unsettling experience that excels in storytelling and atmosphere, making it a must-try for fans of psychological horror, despite its simplicity in gameplay.

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Full review
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