Interview with Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE scenario writer Kazutaka Kodaka at Game Developers Conference 2023.
The Game Developers Conference (GDC) 2023 was held recently, where various developers showcased their upcoming games. Among them was Spike Chunsoft’s Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE, a game about solving mysteries. Gematsu conducted an interview with the scenario writer of the game, Kazutaka Kodaka, who shed some light on the game’s development.
Kodaka revealed that the game features a unique gaming experience with 3D exploration and battles with Mystery Phantoms. The protagonist, Yuma, investigates cases with the help of Master Detectives who have unique skills called Forensic Fortes. Moreover, Kodaka aimed to create high-stress situations for the characters to grow in the face of obstacles. RAIN CODE offers a different gameplay experience than Danganronpa, and the protagonist must handle a lot of stressful situations.
A Glimpse into Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is set in a “neon noir” city constantly hammered by rainfall, and the player takes on the role of a detective tasked with solving peculiar murders accompanied by other master detectives. The game’s universe features a magical power to create the Mystery Labyrinth, which is where mysteries from reality are materialized.
Players must find all the evidence in a case to progress and create the Mystery Labyrinth, making it easier to play. Hidden clues are emphasized as being hidden via specific camera angles. The game also offers a Reasoning Death Match and mini-games to obtain skills.
Kanai Ward is not an open world but rather a district-based map where players can undertake sub-quests while not investigating a case. The setting is a city with many unsolved cases that the Master Detectives, sent by the World Detective Organization, must solve.
The Exclusivity of RAIN CODE to Nintendo Switch
Spike Chunsoft has confirmed that Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE will be exclusive to Nintendo Switch, and there are no plans for its release on other platforms. Discussions regarding the game’s exclusivity were presented in an interview with Kodaka back in November 2022, where he stated that the game would just be buried if it launched on multiple platforms simultaneously.
The Inspiration behind Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
Kazutaka Kodaka drew inspiration from his childhood fascination for detective novels while creating Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE. He credits Nine Lives, Detective Conan, Sherlock Holmes, and Ranpa Edogawa as significant influences on the cases featured in the game. Rain Code is the first game Kodaka has created since forming Too Kyo Games with fellow ex-Spike Chunsoft employees.
Kodaka doesn’t feel pressure regarding the success of the game and wants to create what he wants to create. Kodaka’s creative vision is evident in the game’s design, with drastically improved visuals compared to Danganronpa. A rain-slicked city with excellent 3D environments and characters allows for exploration and interaction.
Release Date of Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code will launch on June 30th on Nintendo Switch and will be in competition with Final Fantasy 16. However, according to Kodaka, both games have different styles and are on different platforms. Fans of mystery-solving games can’t wait for Master Detective Archives: Rain Code’s much-anticipated release.
In conclusion, Master Detective Archives: RAIN CODE is a unique gaming experience coming soon exclusively to Nintendo Switch. With its fresh take on mystery-solving gameplay and excellent visuals, fans of the genre are sure to be thrilled.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
