Other modes included in the game are an “Extras Mode” where you can view the in-game character portraits freely without the need of unlocking them first. You can also play around with a sound test and view animations of characters saying their special lines. However, as you’ll probably have seen enough of these already by the time you finish the game in Story Mode, an original CG gallery filled with illustrations like those mini fold-out posters from the Manga would probably have been a much better offering. A mini or two would have been interesting too.


The main gameplay screen is easy to use with the stylus only controls.
Presentation quality of the game is very good in terms of the interface. Despite the number of character portraits, speech bubbles and text used in the game, it doesn’t feel too cluttered. Information you need can be found on the screen with a quick glance. All the interactive elements are easily accessible with the stylus and that’s good since the game is touch screen only! Graphics are well presented with rich looking Manga style graphics that Death Note fans will recognise right away but could do with a bit more variety.

Excellent music also helps keep the dark atmosphere of the story going. Although there is currently an Anime show running in Japan, the game doesn’t feature any voice effects or acting unfortunately so you’re stuck with reading the text.

Fans of Death Note will feel right at home with the graphics.

On the whole, “Death Note: Kira Game” is another unique offering for the DS. It’s fairly hard to lose in the Kira Games but it’s fun trying to manipulate the characters’ suspicions towards your own suspect and gaining their trust. Also, with the characters’ behaviours changing in almost every new Kira Game you play, Death Note has plenty of replayability. However, in terms of the story there’s not much to see if you’ve already read the Manga apart from a few minor changes to try and blend in the Kira Game. Another game to try if you’re looking for a unique experience!

While the mechanics behind the game is fairly complex, the actual gameplay is very simple which means you can very much get a grasp of what’s happening after a bit of fiddling about. Despite saying that, you’ll probably benefit from using the translation guide on this site to clear those bonus conditions!

• Unique original “Kira Game”.
  
• Quality Manga style graphics in colour.
  
• Great dark music that suits the mood.
  
• Highly replayable.
  
• Can save and resume the game whenever you want.
  
• Skip button for dialogues and even tutorial.

• Sometimes it feels like you’re just gauge balancing.
  
• Extras mode doesn’t offer much content for fans.
  
• Perhaps a more original side story would have been better.