Paranormasight The Mermaid’s Curse is the second entry in the series. It was a surprise announcement at the February Nintendo Direct. The game continues the tradition of delivering a mystery-driven visual novel with a distinct visual and gameplay style. However, the sequel drops the horror elements that made the first game so compelling and easy to recommend. On the other hand, it does include some improvements, and the new mystery it explores is intriguing enough to grab our interest from the start.
The game is set in the early 1980s on the fictional Kameshima Island. Once again, the Storyteller appears in the introduction and returns with a new mystery. If you have not played the first game, he may seem like a new character, but for returning players, there is a nice callback, including a reference to the first game and its story. While the two Paranormasight titles tell different stories and feature different casts, they share similar gameplay elements and characters, including the Storyteller.
The story centers on a young man named Yuza Minakuchi, who returns to the island after the death of his parents. His goal is to train as an ama diver, which simply means a diver who searches for shellfish and other resources under the sea. However, things do not go as planned. He soon encounters ghostly spirits and supernatural events tied to the island’s history and the other tragedies that have taken place there.
As a visual novel, the story delves into various themes, but discussing them in detail would lead to spoilers. The narrative is presented clearly and engagingly. Additionally, there is an in-game encyclopedia that provides explanations of key events and locations. The lore is intriguing, as it draws inspiration from real-world ideas and presents them within a fictional context. Several characters play significant roles in the story, and their lives and experiences revolve around a central theme that gradually comes together as the game approaches its conclusion.
The gameplay is fairly simple, with multiple dialogue options to choose from. Progression depends on reaching certain key conversations or events. The recollection mechanic allows players to revisit earlier scenes and gather more information. The game also includes puzzles where players must name characters or places, which requires a solid understanding of the story and its background. This is where the in-game encyclopedia becomes especially useful, making it an important part of the overall experience.
There is also a small diving mini-game that lets players explore underwater in first person and collect resources. It even includes a basic leveling system, though it remains straightforward. I also appreciated how some choices can lead to unexpected deaths, yet a game over does not necessarily mean the end. It encourages players to explore and interact with every option the game provides.
One major issue with the game is its user interface and the way cursor navigation works. Since the Switch 2 includes a touchscreen, playing in portable mode is less of a problem because you can tap directly on what you want. However, in docked mode with a controller, the cursor feels awkward and imprecise. The game also makes heavy use of a chromatic aberration effect to style the visuals. Depending on personal taste, this can either enhance the presentation or become distracting.
Despite offering multiple branching story paths, the game is not very long. Even if you explore most options, it will take around ten hours to complete. That said, it is a budget-priced release, so the overall value feels fair. There is also a substantial amount of reading, with detailed lore and backstories for the characters and locations.
The visuals in the sequel are impressive, especially in portable mode on the Switch 2. The character models look good, and the blend of 2D and 3D elements works well, even if the 3D aspects appear modest in scope. If you can get past the slow opening and give it a fair chance, there is a strong possibility you will enjoy it. It is particularly well-suited for fans of visual novels who want something engaging and thoughtful. For those who appreciated the first game, this sequel delivers a solid continuation of its gameplay style and narrative appeal.
Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse Game Information
- Price: $24.99
- Publisher: Square Enix
- Developer: Square Enix
- Platform: Switch 2 (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
