SHADOWS (Free School Crime Suspense ADV) Introduction, Impressions, and Strategy Notes

This is an article introducing 'SHADOWS', a game created using RPG Maker MV by Uratsuka.
As this is a direct sequel to the previous game, "SHADOW," we strongly recommend playing it after completing "SHADOW."
Also, since characters from the previous game, "Murasame," appear in this one, we recommend playing that one as well if possible.

The completion time was approximately 6 hours.

Game Overview (Warning: Spoilers for previous titles)

Due to the decrease in student numbers following the events of the previous installment, Kurusu and his classmates are transferred to a different school.
However, the new high school was in a situation just as dangerous as the previous one.
Will Kurusu and his friends be able to safely overcome the dangerous troubles that keep piling up?

This game consists of four chapters (the paid version includes extra content).
Basically, each chapter contains multiple episodes.
During free time, you can start an episode by talking to a character with a "?" speech bubble.
Please note that once an episode begins, you cannot move on to other episodes until you have completed it.

When an episode begins, you will be presented with the objectives you must achieve to complete it.
Since there is a time limit to complete the game, explore the map efficiently and trigger the necessary events.

In some cases, you will be presented with choices, and you must select the correct answer.
In most cases, if you answer incorrectly, time will pass.
Therefore, if you keep making mistakes, the deadline will expire and it will be game over.
However, even if you get a game over, you can restart from a specific point in time, so you won't get stuck even if you haven't saved for a long time.

Once the preparations for the solution are complete, the judgment scenario (essentially the resolution phase) will begin.
Even in the solution section, choices may appear, so think carefully before making your selection.
It's quite easy to get a game over, which adds to the tension.

Review (no spoilers)

I saw both endings and completed the game.
It was as entertaining as always, and I became more and more engrossed as the story progressed towards the end.

Since it had been quite a while since I played the previous game, I appreciated that there were explanations for each character at the start of the game.
However, since I didn't remember the details of each case from the previous game, there were times when I wondered what kind of case it was.
For those who are about to play, I think you'll enjoy it more if you play "SHADOW" followed by "SHADOWS" without any time in between, so that you retain your memories more clearly.

Playing "SHADOW" or "Murasame" will not affect the game's progression.
However, since playing 'SHADOW' is a prerequisite for this game, you should play it first.
I also recommend playing "Murasame" if possible.
However, since you can view the details of the case within the game, I wouldn't say it's absolutely essential.

Now, just like in the previous installment, you can enjoy Kurusu's brilliant case-solving skills.
The protagonist solving the problem using unethical means has a satisfying quality, much like the recently animated series "Tomodachi Game," and provides a cathartic feeling when the problem is resolved.
While the deadline for resolving the issue sometimes felt a little tight, the ease of retrying and the resulting sense of urgency meant it didn't bother me too much.

The school felt somewhat large when exploring the field.
However, since access to unrelated areas is restricted, it didn't seem as spacious as it appeared from the outside.
Aside from the school, the exploration area was rather small, so I don't think there were any particular problems.

There are two endings: "ANOTHER END" and "THE END".
I felt it was a bit difficult to find the way to see "THE END," which I assume is the official ending (though I might have missed some hints).
I will explain how to view it later, so I hope that those who don't want to find it on their own will refer to it.

Paid version available for purchase at 100 yenThis includes a follow-up story lasting approximately 30 minutes to an hour.
This game is a must-play for fans of the series, so I recommend purchasing it as a way of showing your support (direct marketing).
If the funds go towards production costs for a new project, I think it would be a great benefit for the fans as well.

Strategy Notes (Contains Spoilers)

This section contains the answers to the game's walkthrough.
Those who want to complete the game on their own should be careful.

If you look at the "Notes" section on the menu screen, you'll find hints for completing the game.
Instead of guessing, it would be best to consider this information as a reference.

[Chapter 1]

- Slave Duty Edition
Instructions to Soma → Pick a fight with Miyajima
Instructions for Akutsu → He unilaterally declares that he will stop being a slave.
Instructions to Watase → Threate and force him to comply

Romance scams
Instructions for Kurihara → The story is that Fukamizu has a lot of savings.
Instructions for Fukamizu → Have him make eye contact with Amamoto multiple times.
Actions taken towards Koda → Have Koda talk about Amamoto.

- Popularity poll edition
Choosing "Each of the four people casts one vote" gives you three days of leeway, making it easier to cover the correct answer with subsequent choices.
You should be able to proceed by selecting all but one of the four options for each character, but I haven't been able to narrow down which option is necessary.

Shirai → Three things other than "treatment of those who leave"
Hikawa → Three things other than "the usual content of chat conversations"
Fujiyama → Three options other than "If you come in first in the popularity poll"

Trouble that may occur → Invite new participants

[Chapter 2]

- Witch Trials
First stage: Let's talk about the popularity voting system.
Stage 2: Tell lies to lower Fujiyama's reputation.
Phase 3: No one responsible will be assigned.

- Whistleblower Newspaper
(There are other correct routes as well.)
Day 1: Class 3-3 (front): Kurihara; Staff Room: Ueno Hikaru
Then, talk to Ueno and choose "to have him read the serialized novel."
Playing the role of the weakest person to the fullest extent

- The Duel of Salvation
Day 1 - Emphasis on defense, in front of the science lab, Mineyama
Day 2 - Defense-focused, in front of the science lab - Mineyama, in front of 3-1 - Amamiya, Gymnasium
Day 3: Focus on defense, and mention that you have connections in the media.

[Chapter 3]

・School trip edition
There is no specific strategy information available.

- Murder at the Mountain Villa
Deduction 1: Yamada was killed first, the location of the murder weapon, and Yamada managed to evade Sagara's watchful eye.
Deduction 2: Sagara wasn't on watch; another lookout let Yamada go.
Deduction 3: Sagara had no choice but to be killed, therefore there was an accomplice.
Deduction 4: Ueno Hikaru, only Yamada's murder, Ueno Hikaru, Clue 8: Irie's testimony

[Chapter 4]

Survival Edition
*Please note that if you speak to Amamiya immediately after starting the action, the personnel allocation process will begin.
She emerges from the bushes and speaks to Irie and the others → She makes a meek and sincere request.
Join forces with Hajime
Lend a hand to Akutsu
*Save here
(In front of the hut) Shall we go inside? → Yes
→ANOTHER END

*Load data
(In front of the shed) Shall we go inside? → No
After this, you'll be able to head to another location from the south of the map where Akama and the others are, so move there.
Entering the mountain lodge → No one is actually in command on the scene → The organization's leader is someone else → ??? (Any player who has made it this far should know! Think about it or try all possibilities!)
→THE END

[Chapter EX]

- An unsafe place, a smartphone left behind, someone in the family

Thoughts and screenshots included (spoiler alert)

In this section, I will write my impressions, accompanied by screenshots from the main story.
Please be aware that this contains spoilers.

It's so important that it's been said twice.
Personally, I find Kana to be a calming presence, and her smile makes me feel gentle and peaceful.

Akutsu's expression here is quite provocative, and it shows his growth as a person.
Although he didn't have many appearances this time, I feel like he's gained more depth by embracing both the good and the bad.
However, since it's based on a sense of justice, the fact that it's difficult to control is certainly a drawback.

I thought the intellectual Inui was pretty cool (in terms of his looks).
It's impressive that you can recite the multiplication table for 7.

I never imagined he had such a past.
I doubt he has the same fighting power as Inui or Shirai, but I'm curious to know just how good he is.

It's reassuring to see that she's looking forward to the school trip; she's just like any other typical high school student.
In a cast lacking many ordinary characters, Soma feels like a valuable asset as the one with common sense.

Soma is kind in many ways, so it's easy to imagine him listening to her even though he's fed up with it.

A rare scene that delves into Kurusu's true nature.
Rin isn't exactly known for being thoughtful, but perhaps because she observes Kurusu closely, her analysis seems to be spot-on.
I felt like she was establishing herself as the main heroine.

It's rare to see Amamiya blushing, so I couldn't resist taking a screenshot.
In one way or another, I'm starting to look just like the protagonist of a harem anime.

The vice-principal is an incredibly nice person.
That's why I instinctively knew he was going to die, and it made me sad.
As was the case in "Murasame," it's a shame that good teachers die so quickly.

Hearing the stories of Sezaki and Tsukimura, I can't help but worry whether Sezaki is truly happy.
In that sense, I personally thought Asagi seemed happier.

This information suddenly appeared in this film, but it's funny how everyone already knows it.

This line feels very significant.
I've heard that once you solve a problem by murder, you might be tempted to use it again the next time something similar happens.
Setting aside the ethical and moral issues, it could certainly be a quick and rational solution.

I read the explanation on the author's blog.
While these lines evoke various thoughts, I'm glad I was able to convey them, even if it's already too late.
From the end of Murasame, it felt like the time I had spent with Takashima, which had been stopped for so long, had finally started moving again.

In "Occultic Dead," Takashima's brother seemed harmless, but now there's a slightly suspicious atmosphere about him.
There seems to be some connection to the Yuan Se Society, and there are concerns that they might misuse loopholes.
While details about the Won Se Society are still unclear, it may become more prominent in future works.

The fact that Kana, who usually has poor grades, manages to get 88 points despite her best efforts, must mean that she worked hard for Mai's sake.
It seems that Mai has a certain degree of appreciation for Kana's efforts, and I get the feeling that their relationship is gradually improving.

Both seem to have problems, but Mai definitely gives off the vibe that you shouldn't spend your daily life with her.
That's correct.

While she does have a somewhat unstable personality, I didn't feel particularly threatened by her. However, the way she naturally distinguishes the sounds of Kurusu's smartphone is a little unsettling.
I quite like Kasumi as a character.
In any case, let's hope that this overwhelming love doesn't turn into hatred.