Finally released worldwide, The Caligula Effect: Overdose is making a come back on updated systems for the masses to play. Trapped in a Matrix-like world, the group must find a way to escape their virtual world and get back to reality. For anyone that enjoys turn-based RPGs and anime, FuRyu Corporation has a game for you.
Mobius, created by the Virtuadoll “μ” is taking people from the real world that have some pretty serious issues in their life. The best part is that Mobius is a happy place. The downside is these people are forced to live a happy existence in high school over and over. High school years are said to be the best years so who wouldn’t want to relive them? Mostly, the group called the Go-Home Club. Up against the Virtuadoll herself and her guards the Ostinato Musicians. Each character dives deeper into why the others are here and what they can do to go back to reality but the answers may not be what you want to hear as the protagonist.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose deals with some pretty heavy content, so much so the website requires age verification. The game doesn’t seem like this at first since you, the protagonist, take on the role and look of a high school student. Eventually, you have to start playing both sides to get all of the mysteries cleared up. So, you’re basically working with and against the enemy here. One of the best parts of getting to do this is to see the the different characters and their styles.
Newly added to the game is the availability to play as a female protagonist instead of just the male. Depending on who you choose, there will be new routes to follow. Specifically, characters will react differently to you, your appearance will change and parts of the story are new as well. The Musician Route is the newest addition to the game and probably the most exciting. In this route, you lead the double life confronting the Go-Home Club and deal with the Musician Club. Doing this will get you added character profiles that make the story much than it already is.
The Caligula Effect: Overdose seems like a visual novel at first with a turn-based element. Each character has their own traits and XP and defense that can be changed. They receive different weapons which just look amazing. But at first, the game just seems to be slow. If you really want to fall into the plot here, this game is going to do that for you. This isn’t a face paced shooter that jumps around wildly. Using your mind to figure everything else has to be part of the fun for you.
Overall, the style and design looks great. The characters have their own unique things to say and the addition of the new route is a lot of fun to explore as well. Now that everyone can experience this game, the game will look a lot better, easier to see and even easier to share. There seemed to be a point where the pace of the game seemed a bit slow but in the end, this didn’t really matter.
7.5/10
Available on Switch, PC and PS4
https://nisamerica.com/games/caligula-effect-overdose/agegate.html
