Nintendo Switch Critic Reviews

There's not really much else I can add to those two reviews for this Nintendo Switch release, but Goichi Suda and NISA bringing these two visual novel classics together to the Nintendo Switch is a good thing. Both are magnificent examples of what can be done to give games a literary quality, and going forward, no study of crime fiction or noir could be complete without considering The Silver Case up there with the likes of The Big Sleep or Chinatown. Japan actually has a very deep tradition in noir storytelling, and this is an excellent introduction to it.

The Silver Case and The 25th Ward are both testament to the talent of one of the most picturesque, brilliant and punk directors of the videogame scene, capable of amalgamating, no one knows how, a series of themes, influences, styles and characters that in the hands of others would have turned into a disaster.

It is true that there are works capable of going far beyond what has been done by The Silver Case and The 25th Ward, but it is also true that it is extremely difficult to find two works held together by such a valid internal coherence and, above all, a level of character writing so high.

This is a great way to enjoy two quite obscure games, as unique as their creator, Goichi Suda. It was also a great chance to offer a translation to more languages that unfortunately was missed.

The Silver Case 2425 may contain some of SUDA51’s oldest work, but that doesn’t stop it from feeling like a fun, fresh, and (appropriately) frightening experience for those who have yet to play it (and even those who already have!). If you haven’t delved into the world of SUDA51 and want to check this game out, just know that you’ll be getting into something wonderful and weird, and that it’s not going to be your fault if you find yourself not understanding everything at first. And if you DO know what SUDA51 is all about… well, then, enjoy.

The Silver Case 2425 is a stunning experience, but it’s only perfect for the lovers of this genre.

The Silver Case 2425 is a tribute to Suda51 and his style. If you love the famous author, we are in front of a unique game. If not, it is difficult to recommend it lightly.

Suda-written games have a lot of author appeal in them; the wrestling fandom (he used to write story modes for Fire Pro Wrestling games), violence, and language are definitely Grasshopper trademarks. The Silver Case 2425 puts it into a unique package, and it’s worth digging into if you’re already predisposed to digging into some good mysteries. Just maybe play with headphones and not in front of younger people.

A good yet simple port, the Switch version shines for its portability, while the game maintains its charm even after so many years, despite its crazy narrative.

These visual novel are both a relic of the past, and not the ideal entry point for newcomers of the genre, but are still dark and fascinating trips in the beginning of Suda 51's acclaimed career.