Yurukill: The Calumniation Games

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Yurukill: The Calumniation Games is a 2022 video game by IzanagiGames and G.rev for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S. It mixes visual novel storytelling with vertical-scrolling shoot ’em up action.

Premise
Six convicts aboard a ship wake up on Yurukill Land, a funhouse-like island. Each prisoner says they’re innocent of the crimes they were convicted of, and they pair up with a civilian “executioner.” The teams race through a series of attractions, and the winners have their records erased and the executioner’s wish granted. As the challenges unfold, clues about guilt or innocence appear, and the executioners reveal they are survivors of the crimes their partners were accused of. The mystery deepens until the final showdown, where the truth about Izane and the Yurukill company comes to light. In the end, most prisoners are acquitted, but Izane’s fate is sealed.

Gameplay
- The game blends two genres. The story mode is a visual novel: you read text, watch character art, and make choices that affect reactions.
- Between chapters, you enter “brain reality” challenges that switch the game to a vertical shoot ’em up. You pilot a ship, dodge bullets, and shoot enemies across multiple stages and bosses.
- Four playable pilots exist in the shoot ’em up sections, each with unique moves. You can play the shoot ’em up in story mode, or in extra modes: all-attack (21 stages, in story order) and practice (pick a level, set lives, etc.).
- A hint system helps with puzzles in attractions. There are power-ups, energy mechanics, and special moves that unlock as you progress.
- The game supports a global leaderboard for scores.

Development and release
- Concept and development were led by IzanagiGames and G.rev, with the story idea contributed by Homura Kawamoto (creator of Kakegurui).
- The game was first shown in 2019 and was intended for PS4 and PC, later expanding to Nintendo Switch and PS5.
- It was delayed several times, finally launching in Japan for consoles on May 26, 2022 and on Windows July 8, 2022; North America released on July 5, 2022 and other regions on July 8, 2022.
- Localization for international markets was handled by NIS America. A free demo appeared in Japan in April 2022, with a broader demo in June 2022 before the full releases.
- The soundtrack was composed by Yuko Komiyama and features vocal tracks for key characters. A stage adaptation and various merchandise and novelizations were released around the game.

Reception
- Critics gave mixed to average reviews. People liked the unusual blend of visual novel and shoot ’em up and enjoyed the soundtrack and characters.
- Some praised the premise but felt the storytelling and execution didn’t quite reach the best in related series. Famitsu gave solid scores, and the Switch version had modest early sales in Japan.

Summary
Yurukill invites players to solve a dark mystery wrapped in a playful, carnival-like setting. With a dual-genre approach that combines reading-and-choices storytelling with fast-paced shooting sequences, it offers a distinctive experience, even as opinions on how well the two parts come together vary.