[ Science Adventure Series ] A Milestone and the Long-Awaited Fourth Entry! A New Incident Begins in Shibuya, Six Years After the Previous Story......! Here’s What the Popular Adapted Work CHAOS;CHILD Is About!

If you’re tired of ordinary suspense or horror, CHAOS;CHILD will shatter that notion with ease. Released by 5pb. in 2014, this game is the fourth entry in the *Science Adventure Series*, and it delivers on its name with overwhelming immersion and chilling realism that swallows players whole. The stage is set six years after *CHAOS;HEAD NOAH*, in 2015, when Shibuya—once destroyed by an earthquake—has been rebuilt. Though it seems peaceful on the surface, “madness” begins to stir once again......

The protagonist, Takuru Miyashiro, is a high school boy who considers himself an “Information-savvy person.” While attending the newly established Hekiho Academy, he begins investigating a series of mysterious incidents known as the “Return of the New Generation Madness” as part of his self-founded newspaper club. At this point, he already believes his story has begun—or rather, that he has started it himself. But in truth, that choice was the beginning of a journey that would deeply erode his mind—a cruel irony. Between the ordinary and the extraordinary, Takuru begins to seek truth, wandering the border between delusion and reality.

One of the standout features of CHAOS;CHILD is its ingenious system. The “Delusion Trigger” from the previous title returns, but here it’s integrated more naturally into the story, without even a screen transition. Rather than presenting clear choices, the game continually questions the player’s instincts. In addition, the new “Mapping Trigger” system requires players to organize case details and theorize like a detective drama. This gameplay elevates the title beyond a mere visual novel into an immersive “participatory psychological thriller.”

The theme of this game is “erosion of the mind.” Instead of sudden jump scares, it depicts fear that creeps in slowly and quietly eats away at the psyche. Subtle unease seeps into everyday life. Is it delusion, or reality? Unknowingly, players—like Takuru Miyashiro—find their own “hearts” worn down in pursuit of the truth. In particular, the seemingly silly “Rikishi Sticker” gradually takes on an eerily symbolic role, showcasing the creators’ brilliance.

The characters surrounding Takuru are far from mere side roles. His childhood friend Serika, his best friend Shinji, and his self-proclaimed stepsister Nono Kurusu—all are deeply tied to his “past” and “choices.” As the story unfolds, their hidden sides and true intentions emerge, delivering major shocks to the player. The relationships are bound not by simple friendship or romance, but by emotions like “conviction” and “obsession,” adding depth to the story.

This story does not follow a single path. Which delusions you choose and how you connect information drastically alter Takuru’s fate. And the cruelty is that not all of them can be called the “right” answer. Yet you must keep choosing, or you’ll never reach the truth. The player’s own choices shape the “truth” of the world. That’s why this game also tests your own heart. A decision that seemed rational may in fact hurt someone—and that realization creeps in long after you’ve played.