Urban Myth Dissolution Center, developed by Hakababunko and published by SHUEISHA GAMES, brings an investigative adventure to the PlayStation 5, blending mystery with urban legends in a unique, pixel-art-driven experience. The game follows Azami Fukurai, a student with latent psychic abilities, as she takes on supernatural cases under the guidance of Ayumu Meguriya, the enigmatic director of the Urban Myth Dissolution Center. Each case unravels across an episodic structure, blending investigative work with online sleuthing to explore the blurred lines between myth and reality in an engaging and original manner.
At its core, the game leans more toward storytelling than traditional interactive gameplay. Players gather evidence from social media, piece together clues, and work toward resolving eerie urban myths, but the mechanics are heavily guided. Incorrect choices are gradually removed, ensuring progression without the risk of failure, making the experience accessible yet lacking in genuine investigative challenge. While this approach keeps the story flowing smoothly, it may feel overly restrictive for players who prefer deeper detective mechanics than an approach that is mostly story-driven.
The narrative remains the game’s strongest aspect throughout the runtime, presenting a gripping mix of horror and suspense while also exploring themes like misinformation, digital hysteria, and societal anxieties. The urban legends featured – some familiar, others unique – tie into a broader thematic arc, making each case feel like a piece of a larger puzzle. The interplay between Azami and her eccentric allies, including the lethargic yet insightful Jasmine, adds layers of personality to the storytelling. However, some cases feel more compelling than others, with occasional pacing issues that impact the momentum.
Visually, Urban Myth Dissolution Center stands out with its striking pixel art, which shifts between detailed character portraits and a more minimalist style for exploration. The color palette effectively enhances the eerie atmosphere, using muted tones punctuated by sharp contrasts in key moments. The aesthetic contributes significantly to the game’s unsettling ambiance, reinforcing its psychological horror elements without relying on excessive jump scares or over-the-top/over-used horror tropes.
Complementing the visuals is a carefully crafted soundtrack that leans into electronic and ambient influences, creating a fittingly unsettling mood. While the sound design effectively heightens tension, the absence of voice acting may slow the pacing for some players, requiring more engagement with text-heavy sequences. The writing remains strong, though, balancing investigative intrigue with moments of levity and character-driven interactions.
Ultimately, Urban Myth Dissolution Center excels as an atmospheric and narrative-driven adventure, offering a compelling take on digital-age folklore. While its guided gameplay and lack of true investigative challenge might not satisfy players seeking complex detective work, its gripping storyline, haunting presentation, and well-developed characters make it a standout experience for fans of interactive mysteries. For those drawn to eerie storytelling and psychological horror, this is a game worth diving into – despite its limitations in player agency.
Score: 7.8/10
Press Play Media 