Originally published as a series of posts at J-List Blog
I’m here to introduce you to the game that needs no introduction. DRAMAtical Murder is among the most famous BL visual novels in the English-speaking world already, even though its official English release is only arriving now.
DRAMAtical Murder — DMMD for short — is a gorgeously bright cyberpunk story about Aoba, a young man whose life is upended after he starts getting strange messages on his wrist phone.
This game grabs the player by the brain and heart and doesn’t let go, with incredible music and unforgettable visuals. The story may surprise some players with how dark it can become at times, beneath the glorious pop visuals, but anyone who’s played earlier Nitro+CHiRAL titles such as Togainu no Chi – Lost Blood – or sweet pool will know that these intense moments are a mark of the brand.
The Cast
Each of Aoba’s love interests stands out as a unique and memorable figure in the game’s cast.
Koujaku
Aoba’s womanizing childhood friend, who works as a local hairdresser and wields a large samurai sword. He’s happy go lucky on the surface, but is that the real truth?
Noiz
A local information dealer and hacker, who spends his time playing the popular virtual reality game Rhyme. He seems like a brat, but is he hiding a dark secret about himself?
Mink
The leader of the notorious criminal gang, Scratch. It seems that he’ll do anything to achieve his goals, but why is he so driven? Can Aoba break through and reach the man’s real self?
Clear
The most enigmatic of the four, hiding his face behind a gas mask and speaking in incomprehensible riddles. Why is he devoted to Aoba? Can he unlock some of the mystery surrounding the island where they live?
The rest of the cast is as wonderful as the four I’ve outlined above, with fantastic characters to meet and secrets to uncover.
A Gorgeous World
DRAMAtical Murder is set in a world that’s a new spin on a classic cyberpunk trope — a world of class inequality where some people scrabble to survive while others exist in luxury.
Set on the island of Midorijima, the narrative revolves around Platinum Jail, an ultra-modern resort, partitioned into varied sections, each reflecting a unique user experience. Whether it be a lavish interpretation of traditional Japan, a pulsating cyber world, a maze of gritty alleyways, or a serene urban landscape, the exploration of these zones hinges on the player's decisions guiding our protagonist, Aoba.
The different settings are much more than just aesthetic backgrounds, though — they set the tone for each of the routes, allowing the player to explore different facets of what makes Platinum Jail seem so appealing, and uncover some of the insidious secrets hiding beneath the polished gleam.
The game's complexity only fully reveals itself near the end, when Aoba, after journeying through the multifaceted regions of Platinum Jail, finally unveils its true heart. This revelation unravels the full spectrum of this visually stunning yet merciless cyberpunk world.
DRAMAtical Murder is defined by so much more than its romantic elements — it’s a true work of narrative art, with all the twists and reveals of the top tier of the visual novel medium. Preorder your copy today and experience it for yourself.
Cyberpunk Turf Wars
In the vibrant cyberpunk setting of DRAMAtical Murder, there are two main pastimes among the disaffected population: Rib, a real-world turf war between gangs whose members are called Ribsteez; and Rhyme, a virtual reality battle game that can deal real-world damage to its participants.
Ribsteez and Rhymers have very low opinions of one another, aleading to regular skirmishes. Controlling Aoba, the protagonist of DRAMAtical Murder, players have to decide which group to align with during these confrontations.
Rhyme takes place in digital battle arenas, each crafted to mirror the initiating player's preferences. Official battles occur in a standard blue space, while unofficial clashes can take on uniquely distinct, sometimes unsettling, appearances.
Players in Rhyme are assisted by their Allmates — small robotic companions in the real world. Think of them as fluffy iPhones! In the game, they morph into more complex digital forms equipped for attack and defense.
Rib gangs, Rhyme matches, and Allmates all play key roles in the intricate, twisting plot of DRAMAtical Murder, giving the game a techno-pop feel unlike any other.