The Caligula Effect: Overdose, developed by FURYU Corporation and published by NIS America, presents an intriguing premise set in the virtual world of Mobius. Originally released in 2019, the PlayStation 5 version aims to enhance the visuals and gameplay, offering new scenarios and a refreshed experience. And despite some flaws, The Caligula Effect: Overdose manages to entertain with its unique narrative, engaging combat system, and improved graphics.
In terms of story, the game is set in the virtual simulation of Mobius, where players find themselves trapped in a world created by a sentient vocaloid program named μ (Mu). This idyllic realm allows people to escape the pain and problems of reality and relive their high school years in bliss. However, beneath the surface, something is amiss, leading the protagonist and their fellow students, known as the Go-Home Club, to embark on a mission to escape this false paradise and return to reality. The game’s narrative tackles dark themes such as mental illness and social anxiety, adding depth to the overall experience.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose offers a blend of turn-based battles and action. The combat system, one of the best parts of the game, requires players to strategize and plan their moves using the Imaginary Chain feature. This allows for precise timing and intricate combo arrangements, leading to moments of rewarding tactical gameplay. However, battles against low-level enemies can become tedious due to the grindy design, although the newly added auto-battle function helps streamline these encounters compared to the original version of the game.
Compared to its original non-Overdose release on the PS Vita, The Caligula Effect: Overdose showcases significant improvements in graphics on the PlayStation 5. The enhanced visuals, anti-aliasing, and improved textures contribute to a more polished and immersive experience. The game’s art style, characterized by a grayscale aesthetic with vibrant accents, sets it apart from other games in the genre and adds to its overall charm.
While the game’s character models lack detail and expressiveness, the addition of new characters and locations adds depth and variety to the narrative. The Caligula Effect: Overdose attempts to explore personal arcs for each character, touching on heavy topics and emphasizing the complexity of human emotions. However, the writing occasionally falls into clichés and misses opportunities to delve into more nuanced storytelling, while the game’s audio design complements the experience, but doesn’t particularly stand out.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose may not be flawless, but it manages to captivate with its intriguing premise and unique gameplay mechanics. The improvements made in this PlayStation 5 version, such as enhanced visuals and streamlined systems, contribute to a more enjoyable experience. Despite its shortcomings, patient and curious JRPG enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate in this virtual world. The Caligula Effect: Overdose offers an interesting journey that is worth exploring if you never played the original. It’s the best version of the game thus far, but not worth buying again if you already own it for an older system.
Score: 6.8/10
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