ANONYMOUS;CODE, the latest addition to the Science Adventure series, thrusts players into the busy cyberpunk world of 2037 Tokyo. The narrative centers around Pollon Takaoka, a somewhat reluctant hacker seeking meaning in his digital exploits alongside his friend Cross Yumikawa. Their normally rather mundane routine takes a dramatic turn when they encounter Momo, an enigmatic young woman, setting off a chain of events that unravel the very fabric of reality.
At its core, Anonymous;Code introduces a fascinating gameplay mechanic to its visual novel style narrative – the ability to “Save & Load” is an integral part of the game, allowing players to alter the course of events in a fourth wall-breaking kind of way. This collaborative dynamic between the player and Pollon imbues the experience with a sense of immersion rarely seen in visual novels.
The narrative itself sprawls across a tapestry of high-stakes quests, weaving together elements of the occult, time travel, parallel worlds, and artificial intelligence. While the sheer density of thematic content can initially be overwhelming, the game’s excellent pacing and storytelling as well as the characters themselves provide a steady handhold throughout the journey. The quests themselves, which become more intense and suspenseful over the course of the narrative, culminate in an emotional crescendo that showcases the strength of the storytelling.
Pollon’s unique ability to Save and Load forms the basis of the gameplay. While initially a little confusing, this mechanic is actually the core of a delicate dance between player and protagonist, where knowing when to intervene and change the course of events is paramount. The learning curve is steeper than expected though, as you have more control than you would in a typical visual novel. Some scenarios therefore might leave players scratching their heads for a bit, but once mastered, your control over the various possible timelines becomes a powerful tool for shaping the narrative.
Visually, Anonymous;Code is excellent. The “Live2D” visual style breathes life into character portraits, imbuing them with an array of emotive expressions and poses that elevated the game well above the static images of other games in the genre. Dynamic scenes, presented in manga-inspired panels with vivid watercolors, add an extra layer of immersion.
The soundtrack complements the narrative and visuals beautifully as well, punctuating moments of tension and introspection with fitting melodies. Additionally, the inclusion of a well-executed English dub enhances the overall experience, showcasing a level of dedication to localization that certainly isn’t the norm in the genre.
All that polish, however, does come with some caveats. For a visual novel, the brevity of Anonymous;Code will stand out for genre fans, especially those looking for a lengthy exploration of character backgrounds and relationships. Additionally, the echoes of Steins;Gate in the game’s foundational structure may feel somewhat familiar to long-time fans of the series – though for many fans of that classic this will also be a positive.
In conclusion, Anonymous;Code is a visually stunning, narratively captivating visual novel that explores themes of technology, time, and the human condition. Its innovative Save and Load mechanic offers a unique level of interactivity, though it may require a bit of patience to fully grasp. Anyone who’s enjoyed the developer’s previous titles will certainly not want to overlook this one.
Score: 8.3/10
Press Play Media 