Players of visual novels who are weary of predetermined choices and seek a more immersive experience will appreciate Crimsooon Sun. Drawing inspiration from the 1998 PlayStation mystery visual novel Mikagura Shoujo Tanteidan, which employs “contradiction spotting” gameplay over conventional branching storylines, this title challenges you to meticulously examine files and dialogues to resolve a linear mystery.
Set in Shirase, a fictional city within Japan’s Tohoku region, Crimsooon Sun’s plot centers on Mio Fujimaru, a university student who reappears after an absence of nearly six months. Although Mio remains tight-lipped about her disappearance, a disturbing video shown at the university festival depicts her being wheeled down a wedding aisle by an unseen figure. Additionally, Dual Suns are visible reflected in a window, a meteorological occurrence that defies explanation.
While the game involves conversing with key characters and perusing vital documents in a linear, text-based format, Crimsooon Sun distinguishes itself through its Trigger system, which mirrors Mikagura Shoujo Tanteidan’s Inference Trigger system.
When you encounter details that conflict with prior information—or if something simply strikes you as odd—you can activate the Trigger to accumulate Information Bullets (clues) for unraveling the case. Even if you miss a crucial point, the narrative progresses without interruption, and there are no game over scenarios. In the concluding phases, a deduction phase awaits, where you utilize the 26 clues gathered to reconstruct the mystery.
Crimsooon Sun’s absence of branching narratives and multiple endings may impact its replay value, but it also facilitates a more concentrated narrative approach, akin to reading a classic detective novel, as the developers note. Not all elements can be deduced from the files and dialogues you review, necessitating educated guesses to reach the game’s conclusion. If something or someone seems dubious, it’s likely time to deploy your Information Bullets to uncover further details.
Created and distributed by solo developer Buri Kino under their indie label Old Retina Museum, Crimsooon Sun was initially launched for iOS and Android in 2025, with a forthcoming release on Steam for Windows, SteamOS, and Linux in 2026. It’s worth noting that AI-based translation tools were employed for the in-game text and store page descriptions, which the developer subsequently reviewed.