MMM: Murder Most Misfortunate

Being a nine-time widow herself, Miss Fortune is no stranger to sudden death of men around her. But this time, she had nothing to do with it – and the real killer is trying to frame her as the culprit. Two hours remain until the police arrives at the scene. Time to question all guests of the late host, gather evidence and expose the murderer – or someone else to take the fall.

I liked...

• The cast (Miss Fortune steals the show as the charismatic anti-hero, other characters also have fun personalities)
• The spoken dialogue (the game really comes alive thanks to its brisk script and good voice acting—it's fully voiced!)
• The endings (while the mystery is not very complex, a case can be made against anyone—and the game lets you run with it, even if you don't uncover the whole truth)

I didn't care for...

• The confused sensibilites (the high-society private party evokes late 19th/early 20th century, if not for the hacker girl in shorts and crop top)

Verdict

I enjoyed MMM: Murder Most Misfortunate for its humor, lively cast and delightful Miss Fortune, which I'd love to see in a sequel or another story. The voice acting really fits and takes the game to the next level, even if the plot itself probably leaves something to be desired to the dedicated Agatha Christie fan. To a more casual player (like myself), I can highly recommend it.

Buy MMM: Murder Most Misfortunate on Steam
VNDB entry

Rituals in the Dark

Aspen has always been a pushover. When she invited her friends to stay at her place however, she didn't imagine Pippa would literally push her into the abandoned house next door. Maybe it's just her bad luck, like when she found the old lady dead a few months back, in this very house. Or maybe her friends... just aren't. But Aspen is not the only one in there. After meeting a mysterious girl Althea in the dark, Aspen has to uncover who she is.

I liked...

• The atmosphere (the writing, music and art really come together to create a moody atmosphere of night and being lost in life)
• The characters (typically for Ebi-hime, we get to look into main character's head more than in some other VNs)
• The story (while short, it does reach a satisfying ending)

Verdict

Despite its name, Rituals in the Dark isn't a horror, but a moody romantic story. It's beautifully produced and I enjoyed reading it, just don't expect a novel-length work. Definitely recommended.

Buy Rituals in the Dark on Steam

VNDB entry