Tantei Opera Milky Holmes

The story takes place in an imaginary world in “the Age of Detectives”, where private detectives and phantom thieves overwhelm the cities. Both detectives and phantom thieves have special powers known as Toys. Former great detective Kobayashi Opera, who lost his Toys five years ago in a battle with Phantom Thief L, is tasked with leading a team of four junior detectives as they battle against the newly formed Phantom Thief Empire.

From VNDB

Came to my attention because it got fan translated. I like following the scene, it was what introduced me to games like Higurashi and Umineko before anyone even considered localizing them. I respect fan translators, and I don’t think they’re trying to steal/profit but rather spread their love and make it accessible because no one else does it. So thanks to this, I found a very interesting game. To start with this has gameplay, point-and-click, chase scenes and a lot of deductions going on.

I love it! I really, really like gameplay in my VN’s that aren’t RPG/tactical/shooter/fighting, so I got super ecstatic when the first chase scene happened and I had to use arrows and buttons to follow and catch the thief. I’d been pleased with the investigation scene that happened first, but that chase scene really showed me that the type of gameplay I want does happen. Even if it doesn’t as much as I wish it did!

Each case is about collecting clues with your lady friends, who are fledging detectives, by pointing where you think the contradictions are in the places. Then after gathering the necessary clues, you can confront the culprits.

The clues and explanation scenes are the climax of each episode, reminding me of detectives shows/books in the form of a game. I very much like it! After clues and explanations scenes, the chase scenes happen. Blood pumping, and fun to play!

I like how it’s very comical, doesn’t take itself very seriously, and even the villains are funny/dumb. The banter is funny and entertaining between the girls, without becoming too corny. I like slapstick a lot ⊂(^(工)^)⊃

The game got darker and more intricate as it went on, even though it’s short. The last two cases in particular upped the stakes and brought real danger and motives to the table, culminating in a very interesting twist!

The QTE scenes made the game very involving, and I felt like a detective on a Conan case (●♡∀♡)

From the four girls, Nero was my favorite for her personality and calm voice that made me really like her scenes, but I got Sharo as my girlfriend because Sharo was easier to please (I didn’t use a guide!). My second favourite is Cordelia. She has flowers in her blonde hair and looks all cute, then is a badass bare-hand fighter and rips new holes into the bad guys. Super approved! (≧∇≦)/
After completing the game, you can immediately pick who you want to do the last chapter with to receive their CG’s. Speaking of CG’s! I really liked how this game mixed sprites with anime cutscenes and 3D CG scenes. Very fluid and flowed really well, the 3D didn’t stand out at all!

This game has a lot of lady fanservice, and even more slightly gay vibes from Hercule towards a nice girl ヽ(*⌒∇⌒*)ﾉ

Speaking of time, the first play through was something like 8 hours, so when I say the game is short, it really is. But it’s a good point, the game never dragged on and felt unwelcome (☆^ー^☆)

Speaking as someone that didn’t even know there was an anime first, I must say this made me interested to watch it, and ecstatic for the sequel (☆^ー^☆)

Conclusion:
Short, sweet and nice.
Very enjoyable and fun.
If you’re a fan of the anime, you’ll love the game! If you don’t know about the anime, I promise it’ll make you interested in it!

Happy gaming everyone, and keep playing! o((*^▽^*))o

Have you heard about this game before? Have you played it? If so, I’d love to know what you think of it!