On February 13, 2025, mystery gaming enthusiasts will receive a new gem: Urban Myth Dissolution Center. Developed by Hakababunko and published by Shueisha Games, this title will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. With its distinctive psychedelic pixel art and a narrative centered on urban legend investigations, the game promises a unique experience blending visual novel elements with adventure gameplay.
In Urban Myth Dissolution Center, players will step into the shoes of Azami Fukurai, a rookie investigator with the special ability to perceive residual thoughts of people through her glasses. Under the guidance of Ayumu Meguriya, an S-rank psychic and head of the center, Azami will tackle cases involving urban legends, cursed objects, and supernatural phenomena. The game is structured into episodes, each dedicated to a different urban myth, offering a deep and immersive narrative.
What About the Gameplay?
Urban Myth Dissolution Center is an episodic mystery adventure where each chapter delves into a different urban legend circulating in both the real and digital worlds. Players, as Azami, must gather circumstantial evidence and social media posts to uncover the truth behind each legend. The gameplay combines visual novel elements with traditional point-and-click mechanics, allowing players to explore environments, interact with characters, and solve puzzles that reveal hidden secrets in each case.
The game’s psychedelic pixel art style not only offers a unique aesthetic but also enhances the mysterious and occasionally unsettling atmosphere surrounding each story. This artistic choice, paired with a carefully crafted narrative, immerses players in a world where the line between reality and the supernatural is constantly blurred.
What Makes It Stand Out?
One of the standout innovations in Urban Myth Dissolution Center is the protagonist Azami Fukurai’s special ability. Her glasses allow her to see the intentions and residual thoughts of people, which serves as an essential tool for unraveling the mysteries she faces. This mechanic adds an extra layer of depth to the gameplay because players must interpret these visions to progress in solving cases.
Additionally, the game offers support for multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified and Traditional Chinese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, and Hindi, making it accessible to a global audience. This linguistic diversity reflects the developers’ commitment to reaching players from different cultures and regions.
Development and Focus
Since its official announcement in August 2024, Urban Myth Dissolution Center has captured the attention of the gaming community, positioning itself as one of the most anticipated mystery titles for 2025. The game was first revealed during a special event hosted by Shueisha Games, where its focus on pixel art and urban legend-driven narrative took center stage. Shortly afterward, it began appearing at major events such as Gamescom and PAX West, where attendees had the chance to try out an exclusive demo. Early impressions were overwhelmingly positive, praising both the originality of its gameplay mechanics and the quality of its narrative, which are key features that set it apart from other titles in development.
The creation of Urban Myth Dissolution Center is a collaboration between independent studio Hakababunko and publisher Shueisha Games. Hakababunko, known for crafting narrative games with complex themes, brings its expertise in designing immersive experiences. Meanwhile, Shueisha Games ensures the title reaches a broad and diverse audience with its global publishing efforts. This joint venture has not only tackled technical and narrative challenges but also guaranteed the game is fully optimized for multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The dedication and attention to detail from both companies are evident in every aspect of the game, from its distinctive visual style to the depth of its stories.
A Series of Supernatural Events
In Urban Myth Dissolution Center, players dive into the life of Azami Fukurai, a young rookie investigator who joins the Urban Myth Dissolution Center, an organization dedicated to solving mysteries related to urban legends and paranormal phenomena. This center, located in a fictional city where the supernatural seems to intertwine with the mundane, is led by Ayumu Meguriya, an S-rank psychic renowned for solving impossible cases. Alongside Azami, the team includes Jasmine, a multifaceted operative who brings unique expertise in the paranormal field. This mix of characters with diverse abilities forms the foundation of a rich and complex narrative that explores not only mysteries but also the emotional and human dynamics behind each case.
The main plot unfolds across standalone episodes, each centered on a different urban myth the team must investigate. Players will encounter everything from tales of cursed objects to dimensional anomalies and spectral figures defying the laws of physics. However, the focus goes beyond solving cases superficially. As Azami delves deeper into each mystery, she begins to uncover hidden secrets about the cases and her own colleagues. These revelations, along with the often-unexpected consequences of solving each myth, keep the narrative intriguing and full of twists, ensuring players remain immersed in the story until the very end.
We Agree We’ll Play This, Right?
Urban Myth Dissolution Center offers a unique experience that combines an immersive narrative with innovative gameplay. Azami’s ability to perceive residual thoughts adds a fresh dimension to the mystery adventure genre, while the psychedelic pixel art creates a distinctive atmosphere that captivates players from the start.
For those interested in deep stories, unique gameplay mechanics, and an intriguing exploration of urban myths, this title stands as a must-have addition to their collection. The combination of a well-crafted narrative, charismatic characters, and captivating visual aesthetics ensures that Urban Myth Dissolution Center will leave a lasting impression on everyone who ventures into its mysterious world.
So, since we’re all in agreement that this title adds to our reasons to eagerly await February, why not drop by the comments and share your thoughts about it? You know, gamer, we’ll be reading you! 😉
Images Source: PlayStation Official YouTube Channel, Urban Myth Dissolution Centre Official Website
