At first glance, it looks like a standard visual novel. But is something far more sinister and sophisticated. It is a supernatural mystery wrapped in historical tragedy, a curse-driven battle royale, and a loving tribute to Japanese urban legends. If you are searching for deep narrative design, emotional gut-punches, or a game that respects your intellect, Honjo is calling you into the fog.

Every character in the game has lost someone. The curse preys on grief. The game masterfully leads you to sympathize with a murderer because you watch them cry over a photo of their dead child. Then, thirty minutes later, you watch them push an innocent teenager into a canal.

Throughout the game, characters will have internal monologues where they hypothesize about what is happening. You, the player, can "Focus" on specific keywords or phrases. Doing so either confirms their hypothesis (progressing the story) or, if you are wrong, triggers a "Fatal Error."

According to the lore, there is a real curse attached to the Seven Mysteries of Honjo. The person who uncovers the truth behind these spirits can obtain the "Stone," a catalyst that allows them to perform Resurrection Rites. Here is the catch: To resurrect a dead person (someone you lost), you must kill a living person.