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Overview
Top-down anime style detective game where a teen idol and her holographic assistant investigate a mysterious crime.
You say...
NEC strategically positioned the game by leaning into the strengths of the CD-ROM² format, such as its large storage capacity for extensive animations and full voice acting. These features not only deepened the game's immersion but also served as a central selling point. The decision to use a cast of prominent voice actors was a key part of this marketing strategy.
Gameplay and Story
The game follows Mei Star, an aspiring idol singer who moonlights as a detective. She's supported by her partner, an AI (Artificial Intelligence) named Navi. The story unfolds across three chapters as Mei solves cases while uncovering the mystery behind her father's death.
Private Eye Dol sets itself apart from the shallow "Gal-Games" of the era with its challenging and engaging gameplay. It combines typical detective work with 2D top-down map exploration, similar to an RPG. Players must search for evidence and conduct interviews, requiring them to use logic and deduction rather than simply trying out random options.
Visuals, Audio, and Legacy
The game's visuals are highly praised for their "beautiful animations and detailed visuals," which fully utilize the PC Engine's capabilities. A "constant stream of dialogue" with full voice acting significantly enhances the atmosphere, while the theme song "Koi wo Shiyou yo" reinforces the idol concept.
Initially, Private Eye Dol was often misunderstood as a typical "Gal-Game" due to its art style and theme. However, later reviews recognized its narrative depth and sophisticated detective elements, re-evaluating it as a "serious mystery adventure" and a "masterpiece among adventure games" on the console. It's a game that surprises you, as what seems like a "girly game" at first quickly reveals itself to be a true detective story. The early game takes an unexpected turn when the cast and crew, on their way to a film set, are asked to go to the remote location ahead of the management team. This leads them to a mysterious, secluded mansion, and that's when the fun really begins!
Note for Players: If you don't speak fluent Japanese, be sure to get your hands on the American CD-ROM. The US version is beautifully designed, with the original Japanese voices playing while English text appears at the bottom of the screen. The fantastic Japanese music is also preserved, making it the ideal way to experience the game without language barriers.
Martin Aeberhard |
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