Daiyonkyokai (The Fourth Boundary), a group of Japanese creators known for crafting experimental alternate reality games such as the Silent Hill Historical Society website, has unveiled its newest project, Yuukai Shoumei Shashin (informal translation: ID Photo of Abduction). This game is available to play for free through a web browser, though it currently only supports the Japanese language.
Yuukai Shoumei Shashin centers on Tsumugi Tachibana, a college student who seems to attract supernatural occurrences. After escaping a haunted apartment and facing financial difficulties, she seeks a part-time job. The plot takes an eerie twist when she attempts to take a photo for her resume and becomes trapped within a photo booth.
While the game can be played on a computer, it appears that using a smartphone provides a better experience. Gameplay involves communicating with Tsumugi through a messaging app interface to unravel the mystery of her abduction. Special commands like “send me a selfie” will also elicit photo responses from her.
Tsumugi isn’t the only character contributing to the narrative. Exclusive passport photo designs are available at various Ki-Re-I brand photo booths throughout Japan, each advancing the story. Each photo session costs 880 JPY (approximately $6 USD) and includes a snippet of a short story. Feedback from players suggests that there are multiple endings based on how you interact with Tsumugi.
Yuukai Shoumei Shashin can be played for free via web browser.
Mido