The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story is a detective game that had the potential to be an engaging and thrilling experience. However, it falls short in several aspects, leaving players disappointed.
One of the major flaws of The Centennial Case is its lackluster storytelling. The game attempts to weave a complex and intriguing narrative, but it fails to deliver a cohesive and engaging plot. The characters are poorly developed, and their motivations are shallow and unconvincing. The dialogue feels forced and unnatural, making it difficult for players to immerse themselves in the game's world.
Another area where The Centennial Case falls flat is its gameplay mechanics. The detective work feels simplistic and repetitive, with little challenge or depth. The puzzles are uninspired and lack originality, often feeling like mere filler content. The game also suffers from technical issues, with frequent glitches and crashes that disrupt the overall experience.
Visually, The Centennial Case is a mixed bag. While some environments are beautifully designed and detailed, others lack polish and appear unfinished. The character models are stiff and lack expressiveness, further hindering player engagement. The sound design is also underwhelming, with forgettable music and lackluster voice acting.
In terms of replayability, The Centennial Case offers little incentive to return once the initial playthrough is completed. The lack of branching storylines or meaningful choices limits the game's longevity and diminishes its overall value.
Despite its shortcomings, The Centennial Case does have a few redeeming qualities. The game's art style is unique and visually appealing, creating a distinct atmosphere. Additionally, the game's concept of blending detective work with supernatural elements is intriguing, even if it is poorly executed.
Overall, The Centennial Case: A Shijima Story fails to live up to its potential. With lackluster storytelling, repetitive gameplay, technical issues, and limited replayability, it falls short in delivering an engaging detective experience. Fans of the genre would be better off exploring other options.
