【Masterpiece x Visual Novel】 Suspense, and Emotion......! What Are the Points of Praise for CHAOS;HEAD, a Famous Science Adventure Game That Was Also Adapted into an Anime?

“Hey, if your delusions could become reality, what would you imagine?” That's a question that could start the unusual adventure game “CHAOS;HEAD.” Set in modern-day Shibuya, Tokyo, the extraordinary, hidden beneath the skin of the ordinary, slowly but surely encroaches upon you. Swirling with romance, suspense, violence, and sci-fi conspiracies, this game cannot be confined to the simple framework of a visual novel. If you want to experience the feeling of your imagination being tested while being assailed by both terror and excitement, there is no more suitable work than this.

The true essence of this work lies in its “Delusion Trigger” system. The delusions that unfold in the mind of the protagonist, Takumi Nishijo, can be turned positive or negative by the player's choices, and both are depicted with very intense visuals and direction. They can be sexual, grotesque, or sometimes even comical...... However, the moments where these choices directly affect the story are limited, as the main axis of the plot is a single path. Therefore, even first-time players can feel secure in following the story without getting lost. That said, after your second playthrough, you can proceed to different heroine routes and alternate endings, so it's also well-equipped with the fun of replayability.

The story's perspective is basically fixed on the protagonist, Takumi, and the process of his unstable mental state and the blurring boundary between reality and delusion is depicted with great care. As a result, the player is trapped inside his inner world, gradually being forced to share the sensation of “Is this real? Or is it a delusion?” This immersion is arguably the greatest appeal of this work. How eerie, how lonely, and how full of hope the world looks through Takumi's eyes—. After playing, it will surely be etched deep into your heart.

At first glance, it may seem like a suspense work that follows a series of bizarre murders, but what “CHAOS;HEAD” depicts is “the human heart,” “the rampage of science,” and “the power of belief.” The interactions Takumi has with the girls he meets, the abnormal phenomenon of delusion invading reality, and the huge conspiracy lurking in the shadows. The story gains more depth with each chapter, eventually converging on one major truth. This is not just an adventure game; it's also a story about “confronting yourself.”

Even for people whose hearts aren't moved by the typical developments in visual novels, the ending of “CHAOS;HEAD” will surely make them feel something. What awaits at the end of a series of shocking and impactful scenes is not just surprise but a definite “emotion.” I, the author, was also unable to shake the lingering feeling for a while after finishing it. It was a long-awaited experience to be so moved by a game, making it a work truly worthy of being called a masterpiece.