The Centennial Case : A Shijima Story (2022)

"The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story" is a captivating live-action mystery-adventure that plunges players into a century-long saga of inexplicable deaths plaguing the Shijima family. As Haruka Kagami, a burgeoning mystery novelist, you'll step into four distinct murder cases spanning 1922, 1972, and 2022. The game masterfully blends stunning yet thrilling live-action footage with intricate puzzles, guiding you through an immersive experience. Each case unfolds in three phases: the Incident phase, where you witness the crime and gather crucial clues embedded within the footage; the Reasoning phase, where you assemble these clues to formulate hypotheses in your cognitive space, navigating through potential red herrings; and the Solution phase, where you must deduce and pinpoint the killer by selecting the correct hypothesis, even fending off refutations with your logic. While the provided text mentions a demo and a behind-the-scenes feature, the core game itself, "The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story," stands out as a unique offering that aligns with Square Enix's broader portfolio of story-driven and engaging experiences. Although not a traditional RPG like many of their flagship titles, this game showcases Square Enix's willingness to experiment with interactive storytelling in new formats. The emphasis on a compelling narrative, meticulously crafted mysteries, and high-quality presentation, particularly with its live-action cinematic approach and a focus on character development through the protagonist Haruka Kagami, mirrors the storytelling prowess often found in Square Enix's acclaimed JRPGs. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, which encourage active deduction and hypothesis-building, add a fresh layer of player agency that appeals to their fanbase's appreciation for deep, thought-provoking games. Furthermore, the inclusion of extensive language support and a bonus "behind-the-scenes" film for those who engage with the full story demonstrates a commitment to enriching the player experience, a hallmark of Square Enix's approach to game development and content delivery.