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Premise and setting
Side Kicks! beyond is a crime-suspense visual novel set in the made-up Californian city of Sakurada. You take the role of Inori, a young woman haunted by prophetic dreams who is recruited into a special police unit investigating a strange drug outbreak. The story leans heavily on mood, twists, and dramatic reveals as the investigation deepens.
Presentation and audio
This edition has been refreshed from its original 2017 release, with updated artwork and smoother systems that improve the overall flow. The production includes full voice work and a standout soundtrack — featuring performances by Shotaro Morikubo — which helps sell the game’s noir atmosphere.
Characters and structure
Players join a tight-knit squad of detectives, each with distinct backgrounds and abilities. Narrative choices shape relationships and outcomes, producing multiple possible endings. The title also includes crossover appearances from BUSTAFELLOWS, expanding the world and offering familiar faces for returning fans.
Strong points to expect
- Deeply written character arcs that reward attention and repeated playthroughs
- Polished presentation and enhanced visuals compared to the original edition
- Meaningful branching decisions that lead to several different conclusions
- High-quality voice performances and a memorable musical score
- Additional scenario content that broadens the story beyond its first release
Potential drawbacks
- The pacing can slow between major incidents, with extended expository passages
- Players seeking fast-paced interaction or action-heavy gameplay may find it quiet
- Some scenes linger on dialogue, which can stretch the momentum for impatient players
Who will enjoy it
If you appreciate narrative-driven detective stories, character-centered romances, and stylish visual novels with multiple outcomes, this remastered release is likely worth your time. Those after a rapid, gameplay-forward experience should temper expectations for frequent action.
Technical
- iPhone
- Free
