Official Score
Overall - 80%
80%
The game is only subtitled and it takes place during the beginning of the first season of the anime. As stated above, it is a visual novel, so you're really just along for the ride. Still, the story is pretty good, and if you are a fan of Psycho-Pass and want a little bit more from that series, you should give it a go.
Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness is a visual novel based on the Psycho-Pass series. Does the novel hold true to the series, or should you give this one a pass? Check out this Psycho-Pass: Mandatory Happiness review to help make your choice.
Psycho-Pass Mandatory Happiness Review
As the game begins, you view the story through an unknown man looking to find a new toy. His objective is to use that toy to help make everyone happy. Players are given the choice to play as Nadeshinko or Takuma, who serve important roles as Inspectors and Enforcers. The early part of the story revolves around your character, their past, and how they got to where they are now. The story also shows off the personalities of the other characters in the game. All of the main characters from the anime series are in Mandatory Happiness, and you will be working side by side with them. As the first case unfolds, you start to get an idea of what the main villain has in mind when he says “he wants to make everyone happy”.
Although you are aware that the villian Alpha is influencing the first case, it’s not until the second case that the other characters become aware. While you are busy sorting cases Alpha has caused, you begin to wonder if you are actually doing more harm than good to the victims of his crimes. Saving them may result in them not dying, but ultimately their lives are changed for the worse thanks to the events that unfold during the cases. There are only a few main choices to pick, and the game is short enough that you can quickly play through as both characters. You can even go back and change certain choices on the second playthrough.
The main form of control in this game comes down to choices. You will make choices on whose team you will join for a case, whether or not to take a mental supplement, and which calls you should take for your cases. These will vary from person to person – for instance, making a choice to join Akane’s team for a case will have you miss out what happens with Ginoza’s. There are also choices to take the mental supplements to keep your Psycho-Pass hue low. As Takuma, it’s not a big deal because he is an Enforcer with a “clouded hue” that cannot be changed. However, if you are playing as Madeshinko and neglect your Psycho-Pass, you might end up losing access to certain perks of being an Inspector.
There is also a mini-game you can play outside of the main story, which has you matching cards to get a number shows. It’s an alright addition, but I doubt anyone would spend much time there.
The game is only subtitled and it takes place during the beginning of the first season of the anime. As stated above, it is a visual novel, so you’re really just along for the ride. Still, the story is pretty good, and if you are a fan of Psycho-Pass and want a little bit more from that series, you should give it a go.
