As a gamer, I have to say that this game is fine if you are Japanese or have a firm grasp of Japanese culture *and enjoy such*, but if you have no idea about things such as Souseki and the multiple readings for Kanji, then you’re doomed. This may put off many otherwise interested gamers.

Unless by localization, you mean rewriting the script. Oh yeah, and there’s a very tiny character limit. Good luck with that.

Anyway, interesting game. You basically just run around and talk to people, check internet cafe message boards, read peoples’ minds, etc. Basically, it’s a detective game, yet quite enjoyable. I’ve never played a dating simulation or any kind of game where you only talk, so this is a new experience for me. I like the dark atmosphere (group suicides, animal abuse, bullying, murders, hateful intentions, loneliness…) and music as well. The characters say interesting things so that means you’re having fun gathering information and looking for clues. Story is compelling. Voice acting is superb (it’s Japanese after all). Everybody has a voice for like half their lines.

There are 21 episodes in the game. I am on episode 2. I’m just trying to blast through and only do what I have to do, but it’s taking time. I’d say, it takes at least one hour to finish an episode. So yeah.

@Mazen - there aren’t that many puzzles in this game though, it’s really more like a novel than anything, so might not suit everyone’s taste, it was quite thrilling to me.. Also the background art is based on real location shots except touched up by photoshop, so has a rather distinctive Japanese feel (the chars look Japanese too rather than the univeral anime look like Phoenix Wright). If they translate it to English, I’d buy it again. I still need to play Jake Hunter.. My next most anticipated PSP game is Infinite Loop.

The first 3 cases have you investigate extramarital affairs. It might sound petty, but we’re told that a lot of the detective work in reality is actually comprised of tailing cheaters. Of course these cases eventually escalate to something more unpredictable. Then the last two cases is about the main story.

One could make some choices that could bring to an immediate gamecover, but you can save at any time and there’s also a handly skip function. But be prepared though this is more like a visual novel, so most of the time you can just hold the PSP single-handedly and read it like a book, and get to pick some choices w/ the analog stick from time to time.

After you beat the game, you have a menu to access any chapter and sub-chapter, I still haven’t gotten 100% for any of the case, I would go back to try the diff. routes later.

I’ve waited months for the price to come down, I thought it would go on sale since it’s so text heavy, but I finally plunged $40 for a new copy, really worth it. I’m picky w/ cover art so I can’t stand the greatest hits cover :(… Unfortunately I think chances of this coming over here is rather slim though.. I would get the sequel if there ever is one.

@Aoshi00 - How good is Anata wo Yurusanai? I’ve been considering it since it’s going to be a budget re-release from AQ soon.

@EvilAkito - Higurashi no Naku Koro ni… that would be a surprise if it ever came out. I think split licensing might play a role in the decision.