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Psychic Detective Series

From NEC Retro

PsychicDetectiveSeriesVol3Aya SCD JP dialog.png

Gameplay screenshot from the Super CD-ROM² version of Psychic Detective Series Vol. 3: AÝA.

The Psychic Detective Series is a series of seven graphic adventure games developed by Team Rabbit and published by Data West. Beginning in the late 1980s on the FM Towns personal computer, the franchise stands out for its integration of psychological and supernatural themes, setting it apart in the adventure game genre.

Starring Katsuya Furuyagi, a private investigator with the ability to delve into people's minds, gameplay typically involves navigating various scenes from a first-person perspective, interacting with characters and objects to advance the narrative. Each installment presents a self-contained story where Furuyagi uses his psychic abilities to solve complex mysteries, often revealing hidden truths and disturbing supernatural phenomena.

The Psychic Detective Series is celebrated for its deep storytelling and the innovative use of psychic abilities as a core gameplay mechanic, as well as its often-surreal presentation. The series has since been ported to other computers (such as enhanced PC-9821 and Windows 95 rereleases), and even made appearances on CD-capable home consoles like the Super CD-ROM² and Mega-CD, with the franchise as a whole developing a minor cult following in the coming years.

Only the first five entries in the series made it to NEC platforms. The final games, Solitude Volume 1 and Volume 2, would remain exclusive to the FM Towns and Windows 95.