Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a standout psycho-detective mystery adventure game, crafted by Shueisha Games and Hakababunko, making its mark on the Nintendo Switch. This intriguing game invites players on a captivating episodic journey, delving into the enigmatic world of urban myths that circulate on the internet. At the heart of the action is the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, where you, as Azami Fukurai, investigate these myths under the watchful eye of Ayumu Meguriya, the Center’s Director and a Level S psychic. As you gather evidence, scrutinize social media posts, and collect odd items, you’ll inch closer to uncovering the truth.
Azami’s unique ability to see ghosts and other unusual phenomena is what makes her so adept at her job. When she first steps into the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, Director Ayumu Meguriya reveals that he shares this extraordinary power. He even provides an enchanted pair of glasses, significantly enhancing her clarity of vision. Yet, this newfound clarity brings a startling reality: the apparitions around her are now as vivid as daylight.
The director clarifies that what Azami sees are not literal ghosts, but manifestations of her clairvoyant ability. Ayumu’s power to view a place’s past is amplified by these special glasses, enabling her to witness the memories of locations and individuals, a crucial skill for probing anomalies beyond the reach of typical law enforcement.
Playing the game on the Nintendo Switch offers versatile controls. Use the Joy-Con controllers or the console’s touchscreen when in Tabletop or Portable Mode, including when on a Nintendo Switch Lite. Since it’s a visual novel adventure, gear up for plenty of reading. Navigate each scene with the left analog stick or D-Pad, and interact with objects and characters using the A button.
The initial case, centered around a mysterious Death Chair, begins with a small blunder: Ayumu mistakenly invites Azami to sit in it, potentially cursing her. Now faced with a dire situation, Azami’s task is to unravel the mystery before it’s too late. This introductory case doubles as a tutorial, easing players into the mechanics of the game.
As you interact with your environment, including bookshelves, you’ll engage in the investigation—starting by searching for a pertinent research file. As cases become more complex, so do the paths of interaction, requiring more intricate choices. After scouring the bookshelves, you report back to the Director, prompting him to remind you about the glasses. With a press of the X button or a tap on the screen, you’re equipped to see what others cannot. The game requires players to analyze data and form hypotheses to succeed.
Utilizing the glasses, players gain the ability to see otherwise invisible “ghosts,” leading to crucial clues, like documents hidden in a book. Unfortunately, these documents reveal that the means to lift the curse elude you, and those affected suffer severe consequences. The question becomes whether you can find a remedy to break the curse—a query only the game can answer.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center stands out as a must-experience adventure on the Nintendo Switch. As Azami, players will journey through cyberspace myths, guided by Ayumu Meguriya, all while collecting evidence and unraveling the hidden truths of each urban tale.
My experience with Urban Myth Dissolution Center left a lasting impression. The game’s blend of mechanics evoked memories of classics like Ace Attorney crossed with the Shin Megami Tensei series. Add to this a charming pixel art style and an engrossing soundtrack, and it becomes an easy recommendation for any Switch owner. Available for $17.99, I suggest anyone interested in mystery adventures and unique narrative experiences give it a shot. Additionally, fans can dive deeper into the universe with the Urban Myth Dissolution Center “Case File: Kune Kune” Manga, accessible for free on Manga Plus.
Disclaimer: This assessment of Urban Myth Dissolution Center is based on a copy of the game provided by Shueisha Games for the Nintendo Switch.
