You can chain up to three attacks each turn, and you can even see how these moves might play out before you commit to them.

Your party consists of four characters, the main protagonist along with three other classmates, and battle plays out in a turn based fashion. The combat system here is one of the highlights of Overdose, as it puts an emphasis on planning and thinking ahead to set up a sequence with all your party members. It’s a bit silly, but I appreciate that the game tackles some extremely dark themes such as mental illness and social anxiety. In this simulated world, you are able to materialize your trauma as weapons, thus resulting in characters wielding various guns and swords. Those who wish to reside in Mobius permanently and the supporters of μ are known as the Ostinato Musicians. You play as a nameless protagonist, assisted by Aria, leading what is known as the Go-Home Club, whose members want to, you guessed it: go home. Mobius serves as an escape from suffering in the real world, but now μ is preventing people from returning back to reality, and thus two opposing factions are born. The Caligula Effect is set in a virtual simulation, a metaverse of sorts, named Mobius that was built by 2 virtual pop stars named μ and Aria. You don’t get much of an introduction to the premise of the narrative before you’re dropped straight into the thick of it.

But how’s the actual game itself? Let’s find out. The Caligula Effect: Overdose originally released back in 2019 on PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch but is now getting a Western native PS5 version in 2023! Sadly it is yet another lazy port being re-released at full price with a lack of an upgrade path or a save transfer. Everyone knows the powerhouse character-driven JRPGs Persona and the Shin Megami Tensei series, but have you ever heard of The Caligula Effect: Overdose? The FuRyu developed game sets an interesting premise along with a wide cast of diverse characters to present an experience that attempts to reach the heights of its inspirations.

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