Besides all the cases, there are also certain things to collect in the game such as filling out the Detectives Report Book which have 5 empty pages to record events in the game, both main and sub events. You dont actually get to view cutscenes again but, you do get to read Rinas comments on the events via the top screen and also view a few hand drawn pictures. Then there is also the Touch Emotions Book that has room to record 50 different objects you interactive with. It is then shown what type the object is, its mood and the rating Rina gives them. Most of the entries are filled in as you play through the mysteries casually although if you do miss any, you can always replay them to fill in the missing entries..

Rather than give you the traditional menu of words at the title screen, you control Rina in her room once you have a saved file which is a nice change from the norm. Each object in the room represents a choice and the top screen gives you a key map of what each object does. In the room you can go touch books to load the game, view a report or a list of items you have found. There is also a sound test via a retro radio and a tutorial option. More options can then be found outside in the living room where you can delete saved data via the bin, go on with another main case or, go around town for some side cases. Unfortunately, there is only one save file in the game so you will have some problems if youre sharing the game with someone.

Animations in Osawari Tantei are very smooth and detailed, mostly concentrating on the main characters. Every time you reach the title screen, you watch as Rina wakes up in the morning with some well animated motion taking place as she gets out of her bed, smoothes out the quilts and her dress with her tiny little arms. This is all very cute for a while but eventually, it becomes a sort of time waster as there is no way to skip this after watching it several times. Once you touch the phone and start a new case, Rina sits in her leather sofa sipping away tea that Jii pours for her until the client arrives. None of the characters seem to have expressions and those huge round, staring eyes never changes. The only one who does get facial expressions is Chitose as she sighs at her friends or nods her head frantically when she figures out something.

The cast of characters have a variety of personalities just like nearly all Japanese Anime style games and only the protagonist feels anywhere near normal. Cases revolve around a nave girl named Manami who likes to repeat things again and again. Theres also Rinas rival Chitose who is always looking for a chance to beat Rina in solving cases first and always doing things in a rush. Then there is the cute little pet Funghi who acts as a helper here and there, following Rina around in her adventures. The rest of the town seems to be filled with skeleton citizens.


Skeletons everywhere and a sleeping Chitose in the park.

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