Eastasiasoft is diving deeper into the murky underworld of organised crime with the release of two new visual novels: Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect and Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids.
Available now on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch, these titles expand upon the narrative established in Crime Opera: The Butterfly Effect.
However, before you rush to grab these new entries, it’s worth noting that our experience with the first game was less than stellar. In our review, we gave Crime Opera: The Butterfly Effect a 2/5 score, stating that it “fails to capitalise on its unique premise and setting by falling short where it matters. The writing is juvenile, cringe-inducing, and at times even offensively embarrassing.“
Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect
This sequel picks up nine years after the events of the original, focusing on the consequences of Xander Gallo’s actions. Bitter, alone, and out of control, Xander causes problems for both rival families and younger members within the Gallo syndicate. Loyalties are tested, and family bonds are strained as characters are forced to choose sides in a struggle for power and survival.
Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect offers two distinct narrative styles:
- Kinetic: Experience the story in a linear fashion, focusing on the unfolding events.
- Dynamic: Influence the narrative’s progression by making key decisions that impact the characters and their relationships.
The game features hand-drawn visuals, a variety of scenes and scenarios, and an atmospheric soundtrack that complements the dark and gritty narrative.
Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids
And then we go further. Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids is an anthology collection that delves deeper into the Crime Opera universe with a series of short stories that explore events before, during, and after The Butterfly Effect.
Gain new insights into the characters, their relationships, and the criminal underworld they inhabit.
The stories include:
- “A Day in the Strife”: Focuses on the daily life of Terry Childers, a side character from The Butterfly Effect.
- “Recollections”: Molly and Alice reminisce about the past, revisiting critical moments from their lives.
- “Aftermath”: Explores the immediate consequences of The Butterfly Effect and its impact on the characters.
Like its counterpart, The Caterpillar Candids features hand-drawn visuals and a gallery mode to revisit unlocked scenes.
Key Features (Both Games):
- Expanded Narrative: Dive deeper into the Crime Opera universe and its characters.
- Multiple Perspectives: Experience the story from different viewpoints.
- Choices and Consequences: (In The Floodgate Effect) Make decisions that shape the narrative.
- Hand-Drawn Visuals: Enjoy a visually appealing art style.
A Second Chance for Crime Opera?
While our initial experience with Crime Opera: The Butterfly Effect was less than favourable, these new releases offer an opportunity for the series to redeem itself. Perhaps with a more mature and nuanced approach to its narrative and characters, Crime Opera II and The Caterpillar Candids can deliver a more compelling and engaging experience.
Double the Trouble, Double the Drama
If you’re a fan of visual novels and intrigued by the dark and dangerous world of organised crime, Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect and Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids are available now on Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch.
Dive into the gritty underworld and experience the latest chapters in the Crime Opera saga.
Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect Description
Experience a new chapter in the mafia tale surrounding the Gallos family! This story begins 9 years after the original. Xander Gallo is now bitter, alone and out of control. He’s causing problems for not only other families within the syndicate but also for younger Gallo members as well. Those who remained behind to continue the family legacy are soon forced to take sides with or against Xander Gallo, while others who have seemingly moved on with their lives are pulled back in against their will.
Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids Description
In this new anthology release of Crime Opera, explore a variety of short stories that take place before, during and after the events of the original visual novel, all presented in beautifully crafted hand-drawn style to convey the drama, emotion and gritty truth surrounding characters’ lives in the criminal underworld.
