Collar X Malice Review for Nintendo Switch

Collar X Malice, by Idea Factory and Aksys Games, is a visual novel first released in Japan in 2016 but was recently released for the Switch. This visual novel follows a young police officer, Ichika Hoshino, in the middle of a social disturbance. Shinjuku, Tokyo has fallen under attack by a group of criminals. During what is known as the “X-Day Incident,” several police officers being killed was broadcasted across the city. This and several other attacks have lead Shinjuku to be placed under quarantine and every citizen is issued a handgun. Ichika Hoshino is attacked and wakes up to find a collar full of poison has been placed around her neck. She and five former police officers now need to figure out the mysteries of the “X-Day Incident” before it is too late.

The first thing I want to address about this game is the plot. As an American, (and more specifically a Texan), the idea of people having guns to protect themselves and people being irresponsible with those guns is not a foreign idea. Collar X Malice, however, being developed and set in Japan, it makes a lot of sense. In Japan, there are very strict gun laws. According to Business Insider, if someone in Japan wants to have a gun they must go through several tests, background checks, and mental-health evaluations. Even then they are not allowed handguns, only shotguns or air rifles. Police also didn’t start carrying guns until 1946 when American troops made them and now use mostly martial arts and striking weapons when needed. So it is very understandable how uncomfortable Hoshino was when threatened by restless citizens with guns.

With all that being said, it does make less of an impact as an American playing this game since we are desensitized to the idea of armed civilians. However, we are going through our own social disturbance, though much different from the one in Shinjuku. We are currently experiencing our police abusing their power rather than the civilians. Also with Shinjuku under quarantine, it reminds us of the global pandemic and our own quarantine that has lasted much longer than any of us hoped. So while some aspects of this visual novel seem unrelatable, there are many themes and plot points that hit close to home. I do suggest being mindful when playing this game if you have been feeling anxious or triggered by what is happening this year. This game is definitely not an escape from our current reality.

While I do leave you with that warning, I do definitely suggest this game. Collar X Malice is one of the best visual novels I have played, both visually and audibly. The intro, cut scenes, and design of this game are phenomenal. It is so well thought out and designed that it honestly feels closer to an anime than a video game. It also has amazing sound and voice acting. A lot of visual novels don’t have voice acting because it is a lot of dialogue but Idea Factory went above and beyond. The voice acting is in Japanese so reading the dialogue in English makes it feel even more like an anime. The music and sounds are also really amazing and immersive.

I am a big fan of visual novels because I am all for a good story, and honestly, Collar X Malice has really impressed me. The quality is fantastic and there is a whole 40 hours of gameplay if you are a completest. I do suggest being aware of the content of this game, as it is rated Mature and has a lot of possibly triggering content, especially with what is going on in the world right now. However, if you have time and want to experience an awesome dystopian like story, this is one you have to check out.

9/10

Check Out the Collar X Malice Trailer:

For additional information, please visit aksysgames.com/malice