The Silver Case Reviews
An intriguing but often incoherent mystery that’s bogged down by long-winded dialogue and terrible puzzles.
The Silver Case is pure Goichi Suda, riveting and moody in idiosyncratic ways, but also frequently confounding
Suda 51's first game finally debuts on Western shores, the game fails to deliver on its best concepts.
Were one to be completely honest, the gameplay found in The Silver Case would garner it a middling score.
The Silver Case isn't a bad game by any means, but it is definitely suited to a specific audience due to its story-heavy nature and difficult puzzles.
The Silver Case is a mix between an awesome plot and a very "old style" control system that provides the player of a retro and very visual experience based on hours and hours of reading.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
The Silver Case HD Remaster might seem visually dated and it has that unapologetic approach to puzzle solving that only retro games can provide, but the characters and story connecting them truly stands the test of time. I was completely drawn into the mystery and world of the game that it became difficult to take breaks or attend to daily activities. The Silver Case HD Remaster will join the catalog of other great Suda51 games that I have come to respect over the years, this westerner is happy to have the opportunity to finally play it.
After being released exclusively for PlayStation in the Japanese market in 1999, Goichi Suda's visual novel crosses over to the West. In its PS4 edition, it is also enriched with two new chapters. A mature and interesting script and an excellent soundtrack are the strong suit of this otherwise slow paced game, with a weird and clumsy control interface.
Review in Italian | Read full review
The Silver Case is definitely not for everyone. While it's visuals and presentation may prove interesting to some, the issues with its gameplay and some of its storytelling could turn off others. Those unfamiliar with Suda's style may find the themes and pacing of the game remarkably slow. But fans of Suda's work will definitely enjoy The Silver Case as it showcases his unique style incredibly well. Regardless of its setbacks, the PS4 release of The Silver Case is a unique and complex experience that could easily draw in those who are open to playing something undeniably strange and different.
The Silver Case is best enjoyed as an intriguing historical document: a statement of intent from a developer that would go on to bigger and better things. Removed from that context, however, it is difficult to recommend. An utterly glacial pace combined with often nonsensical dialogue means the experience is dull at best – and frustrating at worst.
In the end, The Silver Case is a strange, but interesting title.
Although redesigned for a modern audience, much of The Silver Case is left behind in the past. The avant-garde storytelling and newly added chapters are the only things to properly stand the test of time.
The Silver Case is a difficult game to review: the first work of Suda51 still has an intriguing gameplay, but there's no denying that time took its toll. Anyway, if you love Suda51, and you love graphic novels, it's really a no-brainer.
Review in Italian | Read full review
In the end what you’re left with is an interesting curio, a relic from a bygone era by a talented developer. Whilst it’s clear to see the game’s ambition and the fact that it’s utterly unique, it’s also encumbered by a bizarre control scheme, some experimental storytelling techniques that don’t pull together well, and some cringe-worthy navel-gazing dialogue that disappears up its own bottom.
The Silver Case is not an easy game. Its visual-novel story needs to be carefully followed, as it can be confused at certain points. However, the game's atmosphere and Suda51's style can overcome some of its limitations.
Review in Italian | Read full review
A visual novel with a good story, but a bad rythm, no voices, and poor gameplay. Like Deadly Premonition, only the most hardcore gamers may enjoy it.
Review in French | Read full review
The Silver Case tells a fascinating murder mystery tale in a way only Suda 51 himself could. If you like visual novels give it a shot, but if you want good gameplay look elsewhere.
The Silver Case's uncanny brand of Erotic Grotesque Nonsense absolutely isn't for everyone, but those willing to penetrate its deliberately obtuse shell will find a deeply thoughtful mystery.
Fans of Suda51 may find something to love, but The Silver Case is a mess whose flaws far outweigh its strengths.
A solid HD release of a game that remains not for everyone.