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The world of video game mysteries is vast and diverse. From the third-person investigative adventures of Sherlock Holmes Chapter One to the point-and-click deduction of Chinatown Detective Agency and the visual novel courtroom dramas of the Ace Attorney series, developers have explored various approaches to storytelling within the genre. Square Enix’s The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story carves its own unique path, utilizing full-motion video (FMV) to present a captivating murder mystery. But does this reliance on cinematic storytelling sacrifice interactivity and depth? Let’s delve into the enigmatic world of the Shijima family and uncover the truth.

Haruka Kagami investigates the Shijima family mysteries

A Century of Secrets: The Shijima Family Saga

The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story casts players as Haruka Kagami, a bestselling mystery novelist. Eiji Shijima, a researcher and friend of Haruka, enlists her help to investigate a series of unexplained deaths that have plagued his family for generations. The Shijima family, renowned for their pioneering research into longevity and anti-aging, harbors dark secrets that have remained unsolved by authorities. Eiji believes Haruka’s expertise in unraveling complex mysteries is the key to finally understanding the truth behind these tragic events.

The captivating world of The Centennial Case

A Cinematic Mystery Experience

As an FMV game, The Centennial Case emphasizes watching over playing. However, the narrative unfolds with a compelling pace, revealing information about the Shijima family’s history, customs, and relationships gradually. Each case adds another layer to the overarching mystery, keeping players engaged and invested in uncovering the truth. The game cleverly presents each case through historical documents, allowing Haruka to step into the shoes of the primary investigator and imagine those around her as key figures in the past.

The changing roles of the actors throughout the game

This time-hopping narrative is further enhanced by the impressive performances of the cast, who seamlessly transition between different roles across various time periods. One actor might be the perpetrator in one case and the victim in another, adding a layer of complexity and intrigue. The “whodunit” nature of the mysteries, reminiscent of classic detective stories like Detective Conan, creates compelling scenarios where players must deduce motives and methods within a confined group of suspects. The unpredictable twists and turns ensure that the culprit remains shrouded in mystery until the very end.

The game's deduction mechanics

Shallow Gameplay Mechanics: A Missed Opportunity

While The Centennial Case excels in delivering a cinematic experience, its gameplay mechanics fall short. The four-stage investigative process, consisting of an initial introduction, hypothesis formation, reasoning construction, and finally, the accusation, lacks depth and meaningful interaction. The hypothesis phase involves a simplistic puzzle where players match information tiles to questions based on visual cues rather than logical deduction.

The hypothesis puzzle

Incorrectly matched tilesCorrectly matched tiles

The subsequent reasoning construction phase feels inconsequential, as player choices have no impact on the final outcome. Even in the accusation phase, vague hypothesis descriptions can lead to accidental incorrect choices, forcing players to repeat sections unnecessarily. A more engaging approach might have incorporated a “lives” system, representing Haruka’s credibility, where repeated mistakes would have more significant consequences.

The accusation phase

Conclusion: A Captivating Story Hampered by Limited Interaction

The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story presents a compelling narrative with strong performances and intriguing mysteries. However, the shallow gameplay mechanics prevent it from fully realizing its potential. The over-reliance on passive viewing undermines the interactive element expected from a video game. While the cinematic presentation is undoubtedly impressive, a more engaging investigative process would have elevated The Centennial Case from a captivating film to a truly immersive gaming experience.