Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus Review – Disappointing Upgrade

Ali Haider October 7, 2024

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus is a well-crafted game, but it struggles with issues related to its narrative and pacing. It is not an entirely new release, as the original game was first launched on the Nintendo Switch, which we have reviewed before. However, this updated version includes some additional content, supports higher resolution, and offers minor visual enhancements. The main attraction of this version is the new content, along with all the post-launch DLC that was originally available on the Switch.

The game is set in a world where individuals with special powers can join the World Detective Organization. The protagonist, Yuma Kokohead, wakes up with amnesia in a train station and slowly uncovers his true purpose. The first chapter, which takes place entirely on a train, pays homage to Agatha Christie’s classic novel Murder on the Orient Express. Unfortunately, this opening chapter is one of the game’s strongest points, as the later chapters do not measure up. As the story progresses, the game begins to lose its appeal, leading to a somewhat disappointing conclusion.

One of the key draws of RAIN CODE Plus is that it was developed by some of the team members behind the Danganronpa series, including Kazutaka Kodaka, the lead designer of Danganronpa, who plays a similar role here. The protagonist, Yuma Kokohead, can solve various mysteries by summoning the god of death, Shinigami. The game alternates between real-world locations and a supernatural realm called the Mystery Labyrinth. Yuma explores this Astral world to solve the mysteries surrounding each case he encounters.

One of the main disappointments with this port is that the visual upgrades are minimal. While I understand the game had a limited budget, it feels like the developers merely increased the resolution without addressing other graphical issues. Despite running on the PS5, the game still has low-quality textures, inconsistent shadows, and noticeable aliasing. These flaws make the upgrade feel underwhelming, though the inclusion of new content might still appeal to players who have only experienced the base game.

The new content in RAIN CODE Plus consists of about five substories, each focusing on different characters. These substories revolve around smaller-scale mysteries and are relatively brief. Although you can access the substories directly from the main menu, it is recommended to complete the main game first, as they are tied to the overall storyline. Other new features include a gallery and a BGM mode, which allow players to enjoy existing content in the game with more flexibility and control.

The main game itself is enjoyable, provided you can overlook some pacing issues. Most of the game takes place in Kanai Ward, where you investigate various mysteries to gather solution keys. Once you collect the clues, the gameplay shifts to the Mystery Labyrinth, where you use the evidence to solve the case. Occasionally, this involves a boss fight with a phantom, similar to the court cases in Danganronpa. However, these encounters are less engaging and can feel a bit cumbersome.

Overall, I find this port to be disappointing, despite the game itself being enjoyable. The story remains engaging, and the five new substories offer a nice opportunity to learn more about the world and its characters. While the game does not reach the same level as Danganronpa, it serves as a solid starting point for a new IP that could be further refined in a sequel. The art style and character designs are well-executed, though, at this stage, the Danganronpa aesthetics are starting to feel a bit too familiar, at least to me personally.

If you enjoy mystery-themed visual novels with adequate gameplay elements, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus is a decent addition to your collection. The visual upgrades in this port are not groundbreaking and do little to differentiate it from the original Nintendo Switch release. However, it does bundle all the post-launch content and a few minor new features into a single package, which may appeal to those who have not yet experienced the game.

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus Game Information

Price: $59.99
Publisher: Spike Chunsoft
Developer: Spike Chunsoft
Platform: PS5 (Reviewed)
Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher

Score

Summary

Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus offers engaging mystery-solving gameplay with unique supernatural elements. However, the upgraded version struggles to stand out due to minimal visual improvements and pacing issues. The new substories and bundled DLC add some value, but underwhelming graphical enhancements, especially on PS5, leave the game feeling dated.