Root Letter: Last Answer

Its live action overhaul gives returning players a new way to experience the game, while newcomers are sure to be captured by its quirky cast of characters and a plot that'll keep you hooked through to its conclusion.

If you're new to visual novels, and curious, then go somewhere else first; Root Letter: Last Answer could put you off the genre for life. But if you're a visual novel fan, you've played all the other interesting ones on the Switch and you absolutely cannot wait for another – and if you've considered maybe just going outside or watching TV or lying on the floor and staring at the ceiling and you still can't wait for another – then you could take a look at Root Letter and just hope you find it so bad it's good.

Root Letter: Last Answer features an outstanding art style and a good set of additional epilogues for what is a good plot. At the same time, some of its endings seem out of place and the quality of the writing tends to fluctuate a lot. That doesn't mean that Root Letter: Last Answer for the Nintendo Switch is not an enjoyable game, as fans of visual novel-type adventures will find out, but the experience would be more immersive if there was any possible use of the touchscreen.

Root Letter: Last Answer is clearly the definitive edition of this mysterious and captivating story about a murder and a missing girl. I love how the game has eight chapters which are identical and then, based on how you talked to Aya in the past, the final two chapters are very diverse and offer completely different endings to the game. This is further enhanced with the new epilogues that offer more story after the credits roll on a particular ending. Although light on the ‘interaction’ side, the narrative itself keeps you hooked and entertained throughout, with an Ace Attorney-like segment which breaks up the reading every now and again.

An excellent title and very recommendable, for the most veterans of the genre and all the other who they haven’t given an opportunity to a visual novel.

Root Letter: Last Answer’s brand new visuals probably may not hold a candle to the original artwork but it's great storyline still persevere no matter what visual style it is presented in.

Root Letter: Last Answer is an interesting visual novel for a variety of reasons and may or may not be for you. The story is very intriguing and full of surprises and for that I highly recommend playing it. If you already played the original three years ago though I’m not entirely sure this retread will be worth your time.

Root Letter: Last Answer adds even more to it, so fans of the original still have a legitimate reason to look into this new version. Just don’t bother with the live action visuals, unless you want to turn this charming light novel into a corny b-movie.

Root Letter is still a gorgeous story, told beautifully. I highly recommend players turn the photo-realism mode off and enjoy every second of the vibrant anime vision. Finally, while I might have my issues with this realism art, one thing can't be denied; it is so great to have this to play on the Nintendo Switch.

As someone who isn't terribly familiar with visual novels, and can find them a bit too plodding with not enough to do, Root Letter is a bit of a surprise...