999 proves that games can be a good story telling medium. What cannot
be done with books can be done with games, as it allows one to interact with
the characters and move the story forward. Another name this would be ‘visual
novels’. Personally, I’ve never really played visual novels outside of the Sono
Hanabira series and some indie ones.
The game starts with your character waking up in a room on a ship.
Discovering that you are locked in, you try to find your way out when BAM.
Disaster strikes. The only window in the room begins to crack, and water
streams through the opening like an unending waterfall. At that point, I got a
glimpse of what playing 999 was going to be. This game could easily have fallen
flat on its face if it wasn’t fun and gripping. But it was.
And I’m glad. The puzzles are surprisingly enjoyable. Some are easy
while others require a bit of thinking to get you going. Sure, the puzzles were
irritating sometimes but mostly, I felt that they complimented the game
perfectly. The puzzles weren’t just a means to an end. And the best part is
that when trying to complete a puzzle, your character slowly discovers the
truth behind the Nonary game or the backstory of game’s characters.
It may seem totally random, but as you play on, you begin to realize
that every bit of info is important. Every piece of seemingly unrelated
information are small scraps of cloth. Once you get enough, you begin to piece
them together to try and see the whole picture.
One the first play through, I can almost guarantee that the ending will
be a sucker punch to your gut. You’ll go ‘wtf?’ and end up with more questions
than answers. Personally, I recommend that you play through two or three times
in order to at least understand what the hell
is going on.
But boy will it be worth it.
Story gets and gameplay 10/10
because honestly. It is mind blowing yet fun. That’s a difficult combination to
achieve in visual novels. This is strictly speaking based on my personal
experience though, so feel free to think whatever you want. People with more
experience with VN may not agree and that’s okay. I’m simply stating what I think
in any case.
In terms of characterisation, I’m am pleased and shocked to find that
the reactions from the people in 999 (main character included) are extremely
realistic, and to some extent, very accurate. You cannot take anything at face
value, and if you do, you’ll best hope that the character you trust doesn’t
stab you in the back.
Everyone has their motivations and selfish reasons for getting out. And
the worst part is; none of them are care about stepping on toes to achieve
their goals. Thankfully, Junpei is a somewhat enjoyable character, flaws and
all, though there were some times I wanted to scream at my 3ds and say ARE YOU
INSANE? June on the other hand, I have mixed feelings about. Sometimes, June is
an independent woman. Other times, she follows Junpei around like a lost puppy.
So yep, mixed feelings.
I don’t want to touch on the other characters, because it is best to
get a feel of it yourself once you’ve started the game.
Characters get an 8/10.
The music is pretty brilliant as well, though I didn’t particularly
notice it during some scenes. But they managed to convey the heaviness and
creepiness very well, so I have nothing to dislike.
Music gets a 7.5/10.
At the end, what 999 is, is up to you. Is it a tale of friendship? A
tale of star crossed lovers? Or simply just a good old fashioned revenge story,
or even perhaps just a mere coincidence caused by the pickings of a madman?
It’s up to you to decide.
Recommended: 5/5
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