Visual novels are still a budding market, where even major Japanese titles can struggle to find publishers willing to invest in localization and distribution. Yet, this landscape has still allowed for unique niches and dedicated audiences to emerge. With their parent company also owning the developer Design Factory, Idea Factory International has spent years introducing audiences to a variety of Otome visual novels, including Hakuoki, Amnesia, and Cupid Parasite, among others – starting with their pursuits on the PlayStation Vita, which continued onto modern day hardware. Their latest release, 9 R.I.P., launched last month, blends supernatural horror with romance, promising an experience that’s both distinctive and engaging.
9 R.I.P. places players in the role of Misa Isshiki, a young woman navigating the weight of expectations and the uncertainty of approaching adulthood. Under pressure from her mother to pursue a prestigious career path she feels ambivalent about, Misa’s internal struggle becomes the emotional core of the game. This grounded narrative takes a turn when Misa is mysteriously drawn into realms beyond the mortal world, filled with supernatural entities. Through branching storylines that mirror her journey of self-discovery, Misa encounters ghosts, spirits, and otherworldly figures, each building upon and reflecting aspects of her inner conflicts and challenging her choices about her future.
Across four main arcs revolving around different themes from school ghost stories to alternate realms, each of 9 R.I.P’s arcs features its own set of male characters to woo and strikes a good balance between the romantic element and the supernatural elements which sets the game apart from the variety of other otome visual novels on the market. Players are encouraged to see Misa’s supernatural encounters not only as romantic escapades but as steps in a personal transformation, with each love interest representing an aspect of Misa’s own desires and fears. The game’s choice system is structured to give players a sense of control over her fate, from gauging her romantic interests to influencing her insanity meter – a subtle feature that can lead them down specific routes. Though the game is filled with branching choices, it rarely loses focus on the core of Misa’s journey, using horror as a thematic device rather than the dominant force… this is not a narrative experience like Corpse Party where the aim is to scare you.
However, this is an otome game and is very much aimed at its specific target audience. Therefore, if you don’t enjoy stories about female protagonists forming potential relationships with male characters or something very different from the range of eroge visual novels on the market, which are aimed at a completely different demographic, then it may not win you over. However, from a purely writing approach, it is captivating and enjoyable for its runtime.
Featuring art design by Yuuya, who has worked on many of Design Factory’s other otome visual novels, 9 R.I.P’s artistic style successfully immerses players in its world – merging both familiar and uncanny aspects. The rich, moody colour palette captures the eerie beauty of the supernatural landscapes, where ethereal tones and dark shadows play a role in heightening the game’s suspenseful atmosphere. The character designs are full of flair and heavily draw upon the Japanese supernatural and folklore to make each character easily identifiable and unique. Furthermore, 9 R.I.P’s music and voice acting are also impressive enough, with a decent and fitting assortment of tracks to suit every mood and situation, and some strong Japanese voice acting from the male characters.
9 R.I.P. is a thoughtfully crafted visual novel that seamlessly blends supernatural themes with emotional, character-driven storytelling and romance that remains tasteful and engaging. The balance of classic otome elements with themes of horror, romance, and self-discovery creates a well-rounded experience, appealing to those seeking a compelling story without overpowering or explicit content. 9 R.I.P. showcases Idea Factory International’s dedication to bringing nuanced narratives to the Western market, where such stories remain rare. Paired with strong audiovisual components, it makes a compelling choice for anyone looking for something distinct in the visual novel genre.
A digital Nintendo Switch review code of 9 R.I.P. was provided by Idea Factory International to facilitate this review.
9 R.I.P. is now available to purchase on the Nintendo Switch.
