ANONYMOUS;CODE Review Summary

Excellent character development: The characters, especially the main duo Momo and Pollon, are well-written with excellent arcs. The character designs are memorable, and the chemistry between characters is highlighted. The brother-sister relationship between JUNO and Xian Dou is also noted as enjoyable.

Engaging and fast-paced story: The story is described as engaging, fast-paced, and action-packed. It combines sci-fi and conspiracy elements seamlessly and features a deep, twisty plot. The linear structure enhances emotional beats, and the story does not overstay its welcome.

High production values and art style: The game is praised for its fantastic music, gorgeous background art, and distinct art direction. It features a unique manga-style presentation, expressive character animations, and high-quality visuals. The production values are noted to be far higher than in any earlier entry, with detailed visuals and dynamic comic scenes.

Unique save/load mechanics: The game features a unique and enjoyable save/load mechanic that integrates well into the narrative. This mechanic is praised as fresh and exciting, and it is used effectively in puzzle-solving and advancing the scenario.

High-quality voice acting: The game offers both English and Japanese voice acting, with top-notch performances in both languages. The voice acting is described as excellent, with a good quality English dub that exceeds expectations.

High Price for Limited Content: Many players feel that the game is overpriced for the amount of content offered. The game is relatively short and lacks the depth and volume expected for a full-price game.

Narrative and Story Issues: The game's narrative is criticized for being linear, predictable, and lacking depth. Many players found the story unengaging, with a weak plot and underdeveloped characters. The latter half of the game is particularly criticized for its confusing and rushed storyline.

Pacing and Structure Issues: The game's pacing is criticized for being too fast, particularly towards the end, which sacrifices character development and emotional engagement. The structure is also criticized for being too linear and predictable.

Lack of Innovation: The game is criticized for not innovating much and feeling like a watered-down version of previous entries. It lacks the depth and complexity that players expect from the series.

Character Development Problems: Characters in the game are often described as flat, underdeveloped, and uninteresting. There is a lack of character routes and personal lines, leading to insufficient character portrayal and development.

Save and load mechanics central: The game prominently features a save and load mechanic that is deeply integrated into the storyline and gameplay. This mechanic is not just a utility but a core element that drives the narrative and player decisions.

Hacking trigger system: A unique hacking trigger system is featured, allowing players to influence the story and gameplay. This mechanic adds a layer of complexity and interaction beyond traditional visual novel elements.

Linear narrative with multiple endings: The game offers a linear structure with a focused narrative but includes multiple endings. Players are encouraged to explore different paths to avoid several bad endings and find the true ending.

Fast-paced and action-oriented: The narrative is fast-paced and action-oriented, skipping unnecessary daily life segments to keep the story moving. This pacing is designed to maintain player engagement and excitement.

Dynamic comic-style scenes: The game includes dynamic illustrations and comic-style performances, especially during intense and action-packed moments. This artistic choice enhances the visual appeal and engagement.

Audio mixing issues: Players report various audio problems, including issues with audio mixing and sound no longer working after a recent update. These issues detract from the immersive experience of the game.

Frequent crashes and freezes: The game experiences frequent crashes and screen freezing issues, which significantly disrupt gameplay. These technical problems are widespread and affect the overall stability of the game.

Technical improvements for multi-monitor support: Recent technical improvements have allowed for better multi-monitor support, enhancing the gaming experience for users with multiple monitors.

Compatibility issues with Proton: The game does not work out of the box on Proton due to its usage of Media Platform, limiting its accessibility on certain systems.

Window mode limitations: The game has limitations when running in window mode, which can affect the gaming experience for those who prefer or need to use this mode.

Buy on sale: The game is recommended to be purchased at a discounted price, especially for those who are not hardcore fans. Waiting for a significant price drop or a good sale is advised.

Recommended for SciAdv fans: The game is highly recommended for fans of the Science Adventure series, including those who enjoy science fiction and cyberpunk themes. It is suggested to play other main titles in the series first for a better experience.

Not for newcomers: The game is not recommended for those unfamiliar with the SciADV series. Newcomers should start with other mainline games like Steins;Gate or Chaos;Head.

Use Committee of Zero patch: Players are advised to use the Committee of Zero patch to fix localization issues and improve the overall gaming experience.

Steam Deck: The game experiences frequent crashes and significant compatibility issues, requiring additional patches and custom Proton versions to run. Text readability and lack of controller support are also major concerns, impacting the overall user experience.