Spike Chunsoft, Inc. revealed that Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE+, a captivating lucid-noir detective adventure crafted by the creators of the Danganronpa series, will debut on Sony PlayStation 5, Microsoft Xbox Series X/S, and PC platforms via Steam in Western regions on October 1, 2024.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE+ represents an upgraded edition of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, initially launched in June 2023 for the Nintendo Switch, the flashy upgraded rendition will also release in Japan on July 18th.
The enhanced edition boasts all previously released side story DLC as a free bonus alongside reduced loading times and enhanced graphical fidelity. Given the initial release as a Nintendo Switch exclusive, these improvements come as little surprise.
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE was a collaborative effort between Too Kyo Games and Spike Chunsoft, with Kazutaka Kodaka, the mastermind behind the Danganronpa series, leading the charge.
Danganronpa unmistakable and evocative stylization is evident throughout the game with Kodaka credited as the original concept designer, planner, and main scenario writer, Kodaka’s creative vision shaped the lucid noir detective adventure.
Publications criticized Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE for its notably lengthy load times which will be corrected in the revised release, a critique often attributed to the hardware limitations of the Nintendo Switch, resembling a decade-old mobile phone.
Considering the visually impressive nature of the game, it’s evident that Too Kyo Games and Spike Chunsoft have pushed the handheld system to its limits.
Despite its imperfections, the game has emerged as a niche success, with over 300,000 copies sold worldwide within its inaugural month of release which for small scale Japanese games is actually quite the success story.
Its success has likely warranted a port to other platforms including the PC, which will make several enhancements to the original game, with pre-orders already being available though it’s quite apparent that Spike Chunsoft are heavily favoring the Sony PlayStation release above all other platforms as first print editions of PS5 physical copies will include a special tie-in prequel novel.
“How to Be a Master Detective: A Halara Nightmare Case” is a fresh and original novel centered around Halara Nightmare, a Master Detective renowned for her Forensic Forte “Postcognition.” This narrative serves as a prequel to the main storyline of the game, meticulously crafted to avoid any spoilers.
Furthermore, for enthusiasts who relish limited edition physical copies with added bonuses, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE+ will offer a “Lucid-Noir” limited edition package. This special edition includes a unique outer box adorned with artwork by Rui Komatsuzaki, the illustrator behind both this game and the Danganronpa series.
Alongside, there’s a “steel book” cover case for the game; it’s worth noting that “SteelBook” is a registered trademark, so it’s likely crafted from metals like tin. As part of this deluxe set, you’ll also receive a 6.5-inch Shinigami plushy and the “Noise of Neon” soundtrack.
I’m quite disappointed that such an elusive collector’s edition is exclusive only to the Sony PlayStation 5. I harbor strong disdain towards Sony due to their anti-Japanese sentiment and benign censorship practices.
Unfortunately, it seems to be the only commercially viable platform for special physical copies outside of the Nintendo Switch itself as when it comes to PC, a modern “physical” release merely translates to a licensed code redeemable on platforms like Valve’s Steam Store or, even worse, the Epic Game Store.
Reef Entertainment will oversee the distribution of physical copies in Europe. For further details about the game or specifics on where to pre-order Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE Plus, you’ll have to visit the official website: https://www.spike-chunsoft.co.jp/raincode/en/plus
