The Silver Case (USD$19.99) by Grasshopper Manufacture
One cannot mention weird games without discussing Grasshopper Manufacture, whose CEO, Goichi Suda (aka Suda 51), has become something of a cult figure in gaming circles. Their first title localised outside of Japan was the cult classic killer7, followed by No More Heroes, Shadows of the Damned and Lollipop Chainsaw, to name a few. Whether GHM’s games have maintained a high quality bar in recent years is up for debate, but fans of Suda 51’s contemplative, deeper style of weirdness can celebrate. The company’s first game and the Holy Grail of their backlog, The Silver Case, has finally been released in English.
The Silver Case originally came out in 1999 and explores the mysterious events, past and present, behind the titular Silver Case. At the centre of the case is a serial killer named Uehara Kamui, who seems to transcend mortal comprehension. The game is heavily story-driven and is presented as a visual novel with some light adventure game and puzzle elements.
Even if you’ve never played a GHM game, if you’re a fan of detective stories and the early world wide web, this is one to check out. Now, where’s Moonlight Syndrome?
Buy for USD$19.99 on various platforms
