”Mystery no Arukikata” — if you are already captivated by that title, please read on. This is not just a game. It is a mystery adventure packed with surprises and emotion, making you feel as if you are experiencing an entire high-quality TV drama series.

The story is set in the fictional town of ”Narumizawa,” which evokes a sense of nostalgia. In this place, known as a summer resort, lies an unsolved murder case from 30 years ago. The setting is ”Sanmeisou,” and the incident has been quietly passed down as the ”Murder Case of Narumizawa's Landscape Artist.” A famous painter met a suspicious death by the pond, and the truth is still lost in the mist...... Players dive into such a story, transcending time and space.

The biggest feature of this work lies in its innovative structure of unraveling the story while freely traveling between the past and the present. In the modern-day segments, beautiful backgrounds and lively conversations told in full voice unfold, making it feel like watching a drama. In contrast, the past segments exude nostalgia with pixel art and command-selection gameplay, tickling the hearts of mystery fans. The sensation of tracking down clues to the truth while enjoying the generational gap is irresistible.

Those pursuing the case are Associate Professor Ayame Minato, a specialist in criminal psychology, and her seminar students. They are not just students. Each carries pasts and feelings hidden deep in their hearts, and the way their inner selves are gradually revealed is one of the highlights. Secrets they don't want to tell anyone, hearts trapped in the past...... As the story progresses, the characters become increasingly human, and you find yourself drawn into their personal dramas even more than the truth of the incident itself.

If you listen closely to the voices, you will surely be surprised by the masterful performances of talented voice actors. ”Unexpected casting,” such as a famous voice actor playing a role like this, is a joy unique to this title. Every single line breathes life into the characters, making them feel as if they are living right in front of you.

With a structure of 10 episodes plus a prologue, the story progresses at a good tempo, and at the end of each episode, an exquisite cliffhanger makes you think, ”I need to know what happens next!” With a structure exactly like a TV drama, you will find yourself starting the next chapter before you know it. The way foreshadowing is laid out is brilliant, and the game is full of developments that challenge the player's deductive reasoning.

”Mystery no Arukikata” is a work that makes you feel the potential of a new genre: a ”playable serial drama” that goes beyond a simple adventure game. Not only is the story's perfection high, but the gameplay, presentation, and character depictions are all fused at a high level. It is a luxurious title where you can simultaneously experience the satisfaction of finishing a mystery novel and the lingering afterglow of completing a season of a TV drama.