Root Letter Reviews

Root Letter is ranked in the 28th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Oct 27, 2016

Root Letter is a game that touched me in a way I didn’t expect and it more or less came out of the blue for me, but I’m sure glad that it did! This might be my favourite game of the year and it’s been a beautiful, captivating experience I urge everyone to try. With a compelling plot and characters, alluring visuals and a catchy soundtrack, it isn’t difficult to not call Root Letter one of the best games released this year. If you like the sound of it then please buy and experience it for yourselves, and I’m excited to see what else is coming in Kadokawa’s Game Mystery series.

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9.8 / 10.0
Oct 28, 2016

Going into Root Letter, I wasn't sure what to expect, but I am glad I've been able to spend time with it. A thoroughly enjoyable experience and truly a treat for both the eyes and ears, PQube's Root Letter is one not to be missed. It speaks to the game's excellence that the closest thing to a fault I can find to mention is that minor characters aren't voiced - and that is hardly an issue when it amounts to literally characters with so few lines you won't actually remember being unvoiced. The rest of the cast of characters are brought to life with incredibly emotive voicework that makes an immersive story even more engrossing. I really hope that going forward, we see more games similar to Root Letter localised by PQube.

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Nov 8, 2016

It’s rare that we have a game that genuinely deserves to be called “elegant”, but Root Letter is that game. It takes a romantic, nostalgic idea, wraps it up in a mystery that is fun to piece together, and does all of that within the context of one of the most beautiful examples of anime art you’ll ever see.

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8.5 / 10.0
Nov 3, 2016

Root Letter is a great visual novel with superb production values that’s only held back by some localisation issues but excels in atmosphere and one that will remain with you for a long time.

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8.5 / 10.0
Nov 12, 2016

Root Letter takes up the name of the Japanese visual novel proposing an adventure full of mystery and fascination. The title stands at above-average levels of quality thanks to a good script and impressive stylistic choices.

Review in Italian | Read full review

9 / 10
Jun 29, 2017

Root Letter is a very good visual novel on PlayStation 4 and PS Vita that will keep you engaged from start to finish. It's premise and story are great, while its gameplay mechanics (that will remind you of entries in the Ace Attorney series) will make for a fun experience. If you're a visual novel fan, I highly recommend that you buy Root Letter!

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8 / 10
Oct 28, 2016

Those looking for a Phoenix Wright-style experience on PS4 should look no further – Root Letter scratches the itch whilst also presenting a more compelling and mature story.

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8 / 10.0
Nov 18, 2016

An interesting visual novel that incorporates some interactive elements to keep you engaged. Great story and some really nice visual design. Unfortunately the game frustrates in some areas and doesn't leave as much of a lasting impressions as it could have, however this is a solid, enjoyable experience nonetheless.

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7.5 / 10.0
Dec 19, 2016

A fantastic and mysterious thriller-lite. Though the protagonist has non-existent motives and the ‘choice’ isn’t really choice at all, the supporting cast and story arc make this difficult to put down.

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7.5 / 10.0
Nov 16, 2016

Root Letter is an intriguing title with an interesting story that manages to stay engaging throughout.

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3.5 / 5.0
Nov 14, 2016

Root Letter is a strange visual novel, but one that keeps players interested throughout.

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7 / 10.0
Nov 20, 2016

Root Letter aims to be a game changer in the visual novel genre with its interactive segments. Unfortunately its gripping story line concludes rather blandly. Nevertheless it should prove entertaining, provided that you can bear with the protagonist.

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3.5 / 5.0
Nov 10, 2016

Root Letter wasn’t the most mind-blowing experience that I’ve ever had with a visual novel, but it was definitely solid overall. If you’re looking for something super-exciting, this game might not be the one for you. If, however, you want an enjoyable story with a great setting, solid cast of characters, and an amount of intrigue that is neither too heavy nor too light than I would definitely check this one out.

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67 / 100
Dec 8, 2016

Root Letter does offer something for Nipponophiles and fans of the genre. People used to this kind of pacing might find refreshing a story like this one, one that feels even mature compared to similar games, and that invites the player within the plot so they can be part of the mystery solving process.

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6.5 / 10.0
Nov 25, 2016

Root Letter provides a fun and engaging experience for those that enjoy the mystery genre, pretty art, and interesting character development. There are misleading dialogue options and Max Mode is just strange. Overall this game is about experiencing the story that’s put in front of you and it does that in an engaging way.

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6.5 / 10.0
Nov 16, 2016

Despite some of my negativity, anyone who loves visual novels should certainly consider adding Root Letter to their collection, just maybe wait for a lower price. It's a love / hate relationship right down to the roots!

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65 / 100
Dec 1, 2016

All in all I thought Root Letter was okay. Again it was a great idea of a story but I finished all the endings and I am still confused about a few things that I wish were cleared up. I would say this game is for you if you’re into visual novels along with mysteries, but if you’re looking for a great story due to the fact that this is a visual novel, I think you will be slightly disappointed.

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6 / 10.0
Nov 23, 2016

Less-discerning players with a tolerance for bad localizations, or maybe Matsue residents, will find a pleasant diversion in Root Letter, but for everyone else, it's difficult to recommend, especially at its current price tag.

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GameMAG
xtr
Top Critic
6 / 10
Feb 6, 2017

Root Letter is not the worst example of the modern visual novel, that suffering from a lingering story, routine, almost zero interaction and stereotyped characters. Of course, if you love Japanese culture, then you will be pleased to experience all facets of local life. But to be honest Root Letter is too similar with Telltale games only without pathos and with static cute graphics.

Review in Russian | Read full review

6 / 10
Nov 15, 2016

As the first entry in Kadokawa Game’s attempt at a visual novel mystery, Root Letter does succeed in bringing a engrossing story that manages to throw in a few captivating revelations throughout its short tale.

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