Best games by MAGES. Inc.

PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness (2017)

**PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness (2017)** PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness (2017) plunges players into the dystopian future of the *Psycho-Pass* universe, where the omnipresent Sibyl System quantifies every citizen's mental state and disposition. This 'Psycho-Pass' value, along with the 'Crime Coefficient' that measures criminal potential, dictates individual lives, promising a path to a 'good life' and 'attaining happiness.' As new Inspector Nadeshiko Kugatachi and Enforcer Takuma Tsurugi of the Public Safety Bureau's Division 1, players navigate a society where peace is maintained by detectives who walk a fine line between justice and their own latent criminality. This visual novel expertly leverages the established world, offering fresh perspectives through its original protagonists as they confront the system's inherent contradictions and the 'ugly truths' of humanity, just as described. This MAGES. Inc. developed visual novel doesn't just re-tread familiar ground; it delves deeper into the ethical quagmire of the Sibyl System. Introducing a new antagonist, Alpha, the game forces players to confront what true happiness means when it's enforced, rather than freely chosen. Through a branching narrative guided by player choices, *Mandatory Happiness* explores profound philosophical questions about free will, justice, and the inherent flaws in a society striving for a 'perfect' crime-free existence. MAGES. Inc. excels at crafting compelling and often morally ambiguous sci-fi narratives, as evidenced by their acclaimed works like *Steins;Gate*. With its intricate plot, memorable new characters, and a narrative that genuinely challenges the player's understanding of utopia and dystopia, *PSYCHO-PASS: Mandatory Happiness* stands as a prime example of the developer's ability to create immersive, thought-provoking experiences and is undoubtedly one of their best.