Urban Myth Dissolution Center plunges players into a world of chilling urban legends, blending psychedelic pixel art with gripping investigations. The game has been on our radar for months, and the tantalizing glimpses we’ve had – screenshots, trailers, and demos – hinted at a deeply unsettling experience, rich in complex gameplay and narrative design. We’re thrilled to report that the reality surpasses even our highest expectations. This game is everything we hoped for and so much more.
Delving into the Mythos
You step into the shoes of Azami, a young woman burdened by the ability to perceive the supernatural and the echoes of the past. This unsettling gift pushes her to the brink of sanity, driving her to seek help at any cost. Her desperate search leads her to the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, a place shrouded in mystery that promises answers, but at a price.
Urban Myth Dissolution Center masterfully blends the narrative depth of a visual novel with the engaging exploration of an adventure game. You’ll find yourself immersed in compelling dialogues with a diverse cast of characters, while simultaneously exploring richly detailed environments, interacting with objects and people, and piecing together intricate puzzles. This dynamic combination creates a truly unforgettable experience, brimming with entertainment, mystery, and unexpected twists.
The game quickly throws you into a chilling scenario where you believe you’ve become the victim of a deadly curse. Breaking this curse requires keen observation, meticulous exploration, and the ability to connect seemingly disparate clues. Soon, you’ll gain access to special glasses that allow you to focus Azami’s power and perceive the supernatural realm with startling clarity.
This simple mechanic is incredibly effective. The world shifts dramatically before your eyes as you toggle between the mundane and the spectral. This transition is heightened by a shift to more intense music and a striking visual transformation, populating the environment with elements previously unseen. Once you’ve gathered your contextual clues, the real challenge begins: drawing conclusions.
The Art of Deduction
Formulating hypotheses and solving each case involves analyzing evidence within interactive windows. Once you believe you’ve found a solid lead, you select the “red button” to present your theory and see where it leads. The culmination of your investigation involves testing your hypothesis to determine its validity.
This core gameplay loop provides a compelling foundation for Urban Myth Dissolution Center. While each case begins similarly, they quickly diverge into entirely new and unpredictable narratives, rooted in the investigation of local legends and rumors. After all, urban myths thrive on whispers and hearsay, and your task is to sift through the noise to uncover the truth. Often, this means digging through social media posts, searching for hidden clues within the digital chatter.
The level of detail woven into each case is remarkable. Social media posts are brimming with photos and comments, each potentially opening new avenues of investigation and sparking further conversations. New discoveries often unlock fresh mechanics, adding layers of tension and complexity to the gameplay, while providing unique opportunities to interpret and confront these urban legends.
The game’s distinctive visual style, relying on a limited color palette, cleverly highlights crucial elements within each scene, lending an air of mystery and intrigue to the world. It’s a testament to the talent of Hakababunko that they’ve achieved so much with such a minimalist approach. Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a fun, complex, and utterly unpredictable experience. It comes highly recommended for fans of visual novels and adventure games who appreciate a touch of the experimental.
and now….
…the interview!
We caught up with the game’s creators to discuss the inspiration behind their unique vision, the impact of player feedback, and the deeper themes woven into their paranormal narrative.
A Pleasant Surprise: The Demo’s Reception and Impact
The team was genuinely surprised by the positive reception to the demo, particularly from Western players. “Honestly, we assumed Western players wouldn’t be that interested in a game that leans heavily into the text adventure genre,” they confessed. The feedback proved invaluable, prompting them to “enhance the more ‘game-like’ elements to make it more engaging for a broader audience.”
Psychedelic Pixels and Supernatural Soundscapes
Urban Myth Dissolution Center’s striking visual style, described as “psychedelic pixel art,” plays a crucial role in creating its atmospheric world. “Pixel art leaves room for imagination—it doesn’t spell out every detail, which naturally makes things feel more mysterious,” the developers explained. This ambiguity perfectly complements the game’s focus on uncovering hidden truths. The episodic structure draws inspiration from shows like The X-Files, while the soundtrack evokes the moody, synth-heavy atmosphere of Stranger Things.
Haunted Sightseeing Tours and the Allure of the Paranormal
The game explores a wide range of paranormal phenomena, from cursed relics to dimensional anomalies. When asked about their favorite type of case to design, the team highlighted “The Otherworld” episode. “We packed in multiple urban legends, turning them into something like a haunted sightseeing tour,” they shared. “Designing that was a lot of fun—it lets players experience urban legends as if they were real places you could visit.”
Modern Myths and the Monstrosity of Misinformation
Beyond the thrilling mysteries and paranormal encounters, Urban Myth Dissolution Center explores deeper themes relevant to our modern world. The developers hope players will reflect on the nature of urban legends in the digital age. “Urban legends have always been fueled by rumors, but today, they spread through social media,” they pointed out. “The terrifying thing is that misinformation, half-truths, and outright fabrications spread so quickly that they can take on a life of their own. That’s one of the core themes of this game—how casual, everyday malice on the internet can morph into something monstrous.”
Advice for Aspiring Developers: Keep Creating
The team offered advice to aspiring game developers. “Our core team consists of just four people, none of whom had previous experience working at a game studio or attending a specialized game development school,” they revealed. Their journey highlights the importance of consistent effort and learning through experience. “We built our skills step by step by setting small, achievable goals. The most important thing is to keep going—just keep making games and releasing them. The more you create, the more you’ll grow as a developer.”
A Thank You and a Glimpse into the Future
The developers expressed deep gratitude for the support they received throughout the game’s development. “Even though our core team is only four people, we had an incredible amount of support from so many people to bring this game to life,” they acknowledged. “There were things we simply couldn’t have done alone, and we’re deeply grateful for everyone who helped us.” Looking ahead, the team is eager to collaborate again on new projects. “We’d love to work together as a team again and create something new. Hopefully, we’ll be able to share news about our next project soon!”
