Info about Malus Code:

Official game description:
Fixed the bug in which the save data was in the same folder as Tokyo School Life's save data.
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To restore your save data for Malus Code, please follow these steps: 1. Go to C:\\Users\\(PC name)\\Documents\\M2\\ and backup the folder named “TSL”, and also the “MC” folder if it exists. 2. Make a duplicate copy of the previous save data folder: C:\\Users\\(PC name)\\Documents\\M2\\TSL 3. Rename the copied folder to C:\\Users\\(PC name)\\Documents\\M2\\MC (If the MC folder already exists, please delete the existing folder before renaming.) 4. Start up Malus Code and continue playing as usual. If you have previous save data from our other game, Tokyo School Life, the TSL save data may still be displayed in Malus Code. You can remove those saves by overwriting them, or just deleting them after following the above steps. The same applies to if Malus Code save data is displayed in Tokyo School Life. Thanks for you playing, and we’re very sorry for the inconvenience caused by this bug.
Patch Notes：　Malus Code Ver 1.02
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We enclosed a complete save file for Tokyo School Life in Malus Code Ver 1.02. This is a save file for Tokyo School Life that unlocks all of the content in the Extra menu, meant for those who lost their data due to the bug in Malus Code Ver 1.00. ・ Do not use this save data for Malus Code. ・ You will overwrite TSL's save data file (data\_000\_0000.bin), so please back it up in a safe location first. 1. Go to C:\\Users\\(PCname)\\Documents\\M2\\TSL\\savedata 2. Rename the existing data as follows: Rename data\_000\_0000.bin to data\_000\_1111.bin 3. Locate the following file in the directory you installed Malus Code in (default path shown below): C:\\Program Files\\Steam\\SteamApps\\common\\Malus Code\\windata\\tsl\_complete\_savedata\\fdata\_000\_0000.bin Copy fdata\_000\_0000.bin to the following folder: C:\\Users\\(PCname)\\Documents\\M2\\TSL\\savedata Then rename it to data\_000\_0000.bin 4. Done! Note: This will only effect the content in the Extra menu (music jukebox, gallery), so your save slot usage will remain the same as before.
About the Game
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\- Malus Code - Do you like extreme situations? In order to study thermophiles that prefer high temperatures, Will decides to study at a university in Japan due to the many hot springs there. Amidst the cherry blossom trees, he encounters three partners in his lab. How will they spend their time together, and what conclusion will they reach? You have to see for yourself. - Romance Adventure Kinetic Novel (with horror elements) - Japanese voice acting (3 main characters, not including the player.) - Fluid animation using E-mote (Animation produced by the creators of E-mote, M2 Co., Ltd.) - Japanese vocal opening theme - Text can be displayed in English, Japanese (with furigana), Japanese (without furigana), hiragana, and romaji (alphabet), which can be useful for studying Japanese at various skill levels. We have a facebook page. Check it out please! https://www.facebook.com/DogenzakaLab/

Release date: May 6, 2016

Categories: Kinetic Novel, Visual Novel, Psychological Horror, Mystery, Episodic Structure, E-mote Animation System, Japanese Voice Acting, Dual-language Text Support

Feature scans:
- Steam Deck: score 18; verdict: Native compatibility; control-scheme friction; summary: The dataset contains one explicit Steam Deck report saying the game works fine, with no evidence of Proton Experimental, external launchers, anti-cheat errors, crashes, battery drain, or unreadable text. The main recurring friction is the control scheme, which is described as awkward and frustrating on a controller; one review also criticizes the narrative, but that is not a Steam Deck technical barrier.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $5.00 - $10.00
  - Reasoning: Reviews repeatedly reject the full price, cite the game's short length and mixed story value, and recommend buying only in a bundle, on sale, or at roughly half off. That places the community's fair base-game value in a lower-priced indie visual novel tier, around $5-$10, rather than a premium full-price range.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 10.0h
  - Story completion: 3.5h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: N/A
  - Reasoning: The reports cluster around a 3-4 hour straight story playthrough, so storyCompletion is set to 3.5 hours. For fuller completion, one translated report says about 10 hours to run all routes and another gives a 5-10 hour range, so gameCompletion is set to 10 hours. The reviews do not provide a consistent average session length or any post-story/endgame content, so those metrics are null. Wide variance and short outliers keep confidence moderate.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Reports are split: the opening is slow and confusing, but one player says the story accelerates after plot twists, while others report filler, unresolved endings, and no satisfying explanation.
  - Stance: Clicks after
  - Anchor: After plot twists
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Early scenes lack context or explanation; Slow opening; Filler dialogue and limited story progression; Route structure requires finishing one route before unlocking the next; Abrupt horror shifts break narrative flow; Unresolved core story and ending
  - Unlock drivers: Plot twists make the story roll faster; Investigating game text for clues can satisfy lore-focused players
  - Conditions: Enjoyment depends on tolerance for ambiguous, unexplained early scenes; Lore-focused players may enjoy clue-hunting; Players expecting later explanations may be disappointed; Story engagement improves only after plot twists; Route order gates progression; Unresolved endings can undermine satisfaction; Abrupt horror shifts may disrupt enjoyment
- Player Archetypes:
  - Mystery Puzzle Solver (buy)
    - Motivation: Solving the central mystery and assembling scattered clues into a coherent truth.
    - Playstyle: Reads closely for clues, theorizes about plot connections, and tolerates ambiguity to chase the reveal.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Character and Aesthetic VN Fan (buy)
    - Motivation: Spending time with cute characters and enjoying the visual and audio presentation.
    - Playstyle: Follows character routes for cute-girl and yuri appeal while appreciating CGs, music, and art.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Nekopara; Tokyo School Life
  - Value-Conscious Short VN Reader (sale)
    - Motivation: Finding a short VN that feels worth the money, often by waiting for a sale.
    - Playstyle: Compares length and value against other VNs, waits for discounts, and reads in short sessions.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: Tokyo School Life; Nekopara
  - Closure-Seeking Story Completionist (no buy)
    - Motivation: Reaching a complete, satisfying narrative payoff without loose ends.
    - Playstyle: Completes all routes and judges the story by coherence, closure, and follow-through.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Engaging and intriguing story (weight 0.95): The story is frequently described as interesting, engaging, and full of twists that keep players guessing. Many appreciate the blend of slice-of-life, mystery, and horror elements.
- Praise for art and animation (weight 0.76): The art style, character sprites, and animations are consistently praised as beautiful, gorgeous, and high quality. The E-mote animation system is specifically noted for bringing characters to life with natural motions.
- Positive character reception (weight 0.45): Reviewers widely find the characters interesting, cute, and well-developed, with multiple clusters highlighting their appeal. The distinct personalities of the three main characters are often praised.
- Good music and sound design (weight 0.43): The music and sound design are often called good, beautiful, or well-chosen, with the opening theme and horror music receiving special mention. Sound effects are also noted for effectively building atmosphere.
- Commendable voice acting (weight 0.33): Voice performances are frequently described as good, decent, or awesome, adding to the overall experience. Some note that the Japanese voice actors fit the characters well and maintain quality from previous games.
- Effective horror and suspense (weight 0.33): The horror elements, atmosphere, and suspense are highly praised for creating tension and keeping players engaged. The gradual approach to mystery and subtle scares are particularly appreciated.
- Overall satisfying experience (weight 0.28): Many reviewers find the overall experience satisfying, nice, or fun, with some calling it a masterpiece or surpassing expectations. It is often recommended despite minor disappointments.
- Funny and heartwarming moments (weight 0.21): Reviewers highlight funny parts and heartwarming character interactions that add charm to the experience. The humor and cuteness contribute to the overall enjoyment.
- Yae and crossdressing appeal (weight 0.16): Character Yae is specifically mentioned as appealing and cute, with her crossdressing twist being a notable point of interest. Some reviewers find this unique and enjoyable.
- Surreal and messed-up themes (weight 0.14): Some reviewers enjoy the surreal and messed-up aspects of the game, finding them fun to decode and appreciate the lack of extreme gore. The themes of genetic mutation and necro-viruses are intriguing.
- Specific character praise (weight 0.14): Individual characters like Suzukake-sensei receive specific praise as favorites, and the interactions between characters are noted as nuanced. The yuri route is also a highlight for some.
- Rewarding route completion (weight 0.1): Finishing all routes is considered very rewarding, with beautiful extras at the end that enhance the overall experience. The multiple endings and reveals encourage replayability.
- Good value for price (weight 0.1): The game is seen as good value at full price and even better on discount, with some noting it is more interesting than its price suggests. Its length of about three hours is also mentioned.
- Steam extras appreciated (weight 0.1): Steam profile backgrounds, cards, and other extras are praised for being rare and very good, adding value for players. The title screen and smileys are also liked.

Common complaints:
- Unresolved and ambiguous ending (weight 0.53): The ending is ambiguous and does not wrap up the story. Players report that it ends abruptly with many plot points left unresolved.
- Confusing and convoluted story (weight 0.47): Many players find the story confusing, convoluted, and hard to follow. The narrative is described as nonsensical and all over the place, lacking coherence.
- Many unanswered questions (weight 0.36): Numerous mysteries and plot points are left unexplained. Players feel the game raises many questions but provides few answers.
- Unsatisfying romance and forced scenes (weight 0.24): Romance elements are forced and cringeworthy, and players expected more romantic content. The game is dark with no happy endings.
- Underwhelming overall experience (weight 0.24): Players find the game unsatisfying, boring, and not worth the price. It ends without giving a sense of resolution.
- Plot holes and loose ends (weight 0.23): The story contains many plot holes and loose ends that are never addressed. Elements like the virus's nature and the Malus Code remain unexplained.
- Poor character development (weight 0.23): Characters lack depth, charm, and consistency. Personalities are underdeveloped and relationships feel vapid, making it hard to connect with them.
- Weak horror elements (weight 0.22): The horror portions are too brief and not scary, lacking lasting impact. They feel like jump scares rather than genuine horror.
- Lack of player choice (weight 0.21): The game is completely linear with no choices or branching paths, which disappoints players expecting agency. The kinetic structure limits the ability to shape the story.
- Short length and rushed pacing (weight 0.2): The game is very short, causing story beats to feel rushed and underdeveloped. Filler content outweighs substance, and the experience ends quickly.
- Lack of explanation for core elements (weight 0.19): Key story elements, such as the virus, the medicine, and the organization, are never explained. The game leaves important background details vague.
- Disjointed episode structure (weight 0.14): The story is divided into three episodes that feel disconnected, with inconsistent continuity and timelines that confuse players.
- Poor writing and dialogue (weight 0.12): The writing is criticized as dire, with cringeworthy dialogue and unbelievable caricatures that destroy immersion.
- Technical and optimization issues (weight 0.1): Players experience technical problems like window flickering, OP lag, and fixed 720p resolution that causes blurriness. Save files may also disappear.
- Dislike of trap character (weight 0.09): Some players dislike the inclusion of a male-to-female character, finding it unexpected and annoying.
- Clunky controls and character handling (weight 0.07): The control design feels awkward and handling the character can be complicated, affecting gameplay smoothness.
- Unconvincing character actions (weight 0.07): Character actions, such as the teacher's favoritism and the senior's behavior at the camp, feel forced and lack believable motivation.
- Poor E-mote implementation (weight 0.06): The E-mote sprites are jarring, with subtle expressions that mismatch the tone and mechanical mouth loops.
- Controller navigation missing (weight 0.04): The game lacks controller navigation for options and save screens, making it difficult to use a controller.
- Enemy AI issues (weight 0.04): Enemies sometimes forget they are in combat due to poor AI, breaking immersion.

Gameplay feedback:
- Episodic story structure (weight 0.67): The game is divided into episodes or chapters, each following a different heroine and ending with significant plot developments. The structure includes a first route, three acts, and a final episode set one year later.
- Kinetic visual novel (weight 0.51): Players describe the game as a kinetic visual novel with no choices or branching, where they simply read through a fixed storyline. Multiple reviews note the absence of dialogue options and player agency.
- Three routes with fixed order (weight 0.47): The game is structured into three routes that are unlocked sequentially, with the order fixed and unchanging. Each route focuses on a different heroine and must be completed before the next becomes available.
- E-mote animation system (weight 0.25): The visual novel uses the E-mote engine for character sprite and CG animation, giving characters and some scenes a dynamic, animated appearance.
- Blend of horror and romance (weight 0.25): The story combines slice-of-life, horror, and minor romance elements, shifting from normal daily life to thriller and suspenseful events. It is described as a horror visual novel with psychological unease and gradual revelation.
- Simple point-and-click interface (weight 0.15): The game is played by clicking 'next' to advance the story, and the user interface and controls are similar to Tokyo School Life. It also offers dual language text options and an automatic mode.
- Multiple endings unlock story (weight 0.14): The game features multiple routes and endings, and viewing all three endings reveals more of the overall story. Completing one chapter unlocks the next, encouraging replay.
- Mystery plot requires guessing (weight 0.13): The visual novel presents a mystery where the player must guess the truth without clear clues, giving more questions than answers. It is described as a suspense gal game with a time loop element.
- Start screen changes after route (weight 0.04): After completing the first route, the start screen changes to a frightening state, reflecting story progression.
- Play as a scientist (weight 0.04): The player takes on the role of a scientist studying thermophiles in Japan.
- Not a dating sim (weight 0.04): The game is explicitly noted as not being a traditional dating simulator.
- Action RPG elements (weight 0.03): One reviewer mentions action RPG elements, though this is not elaborated upon.
- 100 save slots (weight 0.03): The game offers 100 save slots for players to manage their progress.
- Disclaimer before starting (weight 0.03): A disclaimer appears before the player clicks to begin the game.
- Cameo from Tokyo School Life (weight 0.03): The bunny character from Tokyo School Life makes a cameo appearance in the game.

Performance notes:
- Save file progress loss (weight 0.05): Save file issues cause players to lose their progress. This is a serious bug that undermines trust and wastes playtime.
- Audio static screeching bug (weight 0.05): One player reports a horrible screeching static noise in the audio. This is a specific, severe sound glitch that can make play unbearable.
- Resolution locked at 720p (weight 0.05): Players cannot adjust the resolution, which is fixed at 720p. This limits display quality and flexibility on different screens.

Recommendations:
- Wait for sale or discount (weight 0.43): Many reviewers advise against buying at full price and recommend waiting for a sale, discount, or bundle. Some specify a minimum discount like 50% off.
- Not recommended by some (weight 0.28): Several reviewers explicitly do not recommend the game, citing dissatisfaction or refunds. Some advise avoiding it entirely.
- Appeals to mystery and analysis fans (weight 0.23): The game is recommended for players who enjoy solving mysteries, piecing together story puzzles, and deeply analyzing or theorizing about the plot. It suits those who like narratives that raise more questions than answers.
- Unsatisfying ending and cliffhangers (weight 0.2): Some reviewers warn that the story is unsatisfying, leaves unanswered questions, or ends on a cliffhanger, which may disappoint players seeking resolution. Others note it may leave you wanting more.
- Bundling with Tokyo School Life (weight 0.17): Several reviewers suggest getting the game in a bundle with Tokyo School Life (TSL) for a better deal or comparison. Some only recommend it as part of such a bundle.
- Cute girls and yuri appeal (weight 0.12): A subset of reviewers recommend the game for its cute girls and yuri elements, which they find appealing. Some mention it as a reason to buy.
- Good entry point for newcomers (weight 0.08): The game is considered a good entry point for players new to the suspense visual novel genre, though not recommended for experienced players of similar games.
- Not for eroge seekers (weight 0.05): Reviewers note that the game is not an eroge and advise those seeking such content to look elsewhere.
- So bad it's good (weight 0.05): One reviewer highly recommends the game for its 'so bad it's good' quality, finding enjoyment in its flaws.
- Emotional impact praised (weight 0.04): The emotional impact of Episode 1 is highlighted as a reason to recommend the game.
- Mixed overall recommendation (weight 0.04): One reviewer gives an overall score of 6.5/10, indicating a moderate recommendation.
- Protagonist's odd Japanese and cringeworthy retorts (weight 0.04): The game is recommended only for those who can tolerate a foreign protagonist with odd Japanese and cringeworthy retorts.

Other player notes:
- From Tokyo School Life developer (weight 0.33): The game is frequently compared to and identified as being from the same developer as Tokyo School Life. Reviewers reference the shared team and compare story, art, and UI.
- Short overall game length (weight 0.31): Multiple reviewers note the game is very short, with completion times ranging from under two hours to a few hours. Cluster 3 explicitly states it is even shorter than Tokyo School Life.
- Dual-language text support (weight 0.2): Reviewers highlight the ability to display Japanese and English text simultaneously. Some mention furigana options and multiple subtitle tracks for language learners.
- Compared to Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (weight 0.18): Several reviews draw comparisons to Higurashi, both favorable (atmosphere, time loop structure) and unfavorable (cheap rip-off). This indicates a strong influence or similarity.
- Steam Deck compatible and extras (weight 0.12): Runs on Steam Deck and includes Steam cards, trading cards, and profile background artwork, adding value for some players.
- Developed by M2 Co., LTD (weight 0.12): Several reviews note the game was developed by M2 Co., LTD and published by Dogenzaka Lab. This is a factual detail mentioned consistently.
- Length around 2-3 hours per route (weight 0.12): Specific playtime estimates: each route takes 2-3 hours, full voice listening about 8 hours, and total playtime around 4 hours.
- Uses E-mote system (weight 0.11): The game utilizes the E-mote system, also used in Nekopara, as mentioned by multiple reviewers. This contributes to the 3D-style visual novel quality.
- No romance, suspense gal game (weight 0.1): The game is described as a suspense gal game without romance, not an eroge, and with all-ages content despite nudity and horror tags.
- Comparisons to other visual novels (weight 0.1): Reviewers compare the game to Ever17, Remember11, L no Kisetsu, Saya no Uta, SubaHibi, and Doki2, indicating its place within the genre.
- Low longevity and replay value (weight 0.08): Reviewers note very low longevity and short length, indicating limited replay value. The game can be completed quickly.
- Full voicing and Japanese audio (weight 0.08): The game features full voicing and Japanese voice acting, enhancing immersion and useful for language learning.
- Lacks depth of larger VNs (weight 0.05): The game may not offer the depth or complexity of larger visual novels, as noted by one reviewer. This ties into the short length and simple structure.
- Protagonist is a foreigner (weight 0.04): One review mentions the protagonist is a foreigner, which may be a notable story element.
- Low score on VNDB (weight 0.04): Has a low score on VNDB (around 5), indicating mixed reception among visual novel fans.
- No updates in over 5 years (weight 0.04): No updates for over 5 years suggests the story is concluded and no further content is planned.
- Could have been a masterpiece (weight 0.04): One reviewer felt it could have been a masterpiece with a final chapter summarizing the mysteries, indicating unmet potential.

Emotions:
- Disappointment (weight 0.22): The game fails to deliver a satisfying romance-focused experience and leaves the story unfinished with many unresolved plot points. Poor enemy AI, unappealing characters, and an abrupt ending further diminish the experience.
- Frustration (weight 0.13): Players are frustrated by the convoluted, unfinished story with plot holes and no clear conclusion. Technical issues like save file loss, audio glitches, and poor controls add to the annoyance.
- Confusion (weight 0.11): The narrative is confusing with unexplained plot elements, unclear timelines, and dropped storylines. Players finish the game without understanding its core mystery or direction.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.05): Despite flaws, some find the game a short, fun visual novel with an interesting story and rewarding route completion. Horror elements and suspenseful moments are highlights.
- Dissatisfaction (weight 0.05): The lack of a final chapter and unresolved setup leaves players unsatisfied. The short length and insufficient explanation contribute to an incomplete experience.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.05): The mystery-solving aspect, unique character setting, and high production values (music, graphics, animation) make the game enjoyable. Slice-of-life segments and curiosity-driven plot keep players engaged.
- Appreciation (weight 0.04): Reviewers appreciate the artistic CGs, catchy title theme, cute characters, and improved character sprites. Audio quality and distinct character designs are also praised.
- Interest (weight 0.03): The unusual visual novel concept, mysterious backstory, and Malus Code-related sections spark interest. Distinct characters and an intriguing premise draw players in.
- Surprise (weight 0.03): Unexpected shifts to thriller/horror, similar to DDLC, and plot twists surpass expectations. The story's turns keep players guessing.
- Discomfort (weight 0.02): Psychological tension and subtle unease, along with jarring E-mote sprites compared to CGs, create discomfort. A creepy shota character's constant sexual harassment also disturbs players.
- Annoyance (weight 0.02): Controller navigation for options and save screens is cumbersome. An ugly trap character and Yae's jokes are also sources of annoyance.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Yuri's story twist is surprisingly amusing, and the game's unanswered questions are fun to decode. Some find it 'so bad it's good' and very funny.
- Excitement (weight 0.02): Seeing another visual novel from the same developer, engaging plot twists, and themes of viruses, mutation, and science generate excitement.
- Intrigue (weight 0.01): The mystery and gradual revelation in the narrative, along with the intriguing concept of Malus Code, captivate players.
- Admiration (weight 0.01): Some view the game as a groundbreaking, surreal masterpiece with beautiful art, animation, and full voice acting.
- Gladness (weight 0.01): Players are glad they listened to other reviews and purchased the game, especially after enjoying the first chapter and getting it on sale.
- Boredom (weight 0.01): Certain routes, like Yuri and teacher routes, are so dull they nearly put players to sleep. The game is mostly boring to watch.
- Apathy (weight 0.01): The mystery becomes so opaque that players stop caring about the outcome.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): The story has many unexplained holes and never follows up on its potential, leaving players saddened.
- Mixed feelings (weight 0.01): Players enjoy the visual novel but are left with unanswered questions and cliffhangers, resulting in mixed feelings.}