Murder Detective: Jack the Ripper details Chapter 1, sub-story system, and Bonus Theater
Meet the chibi cast of the game's mini-corner.
Nippon Ichi Software has released new screenshots and information of Murder Detective: Jack the Ripper, its upcoming detective adventure game, introducing the game’s first chapter, sub-story system, and “Bonus Theater.”
If you missed our first report on the game, catch up here.
A string of serial murder robbery cases occurring in the dark of night is disrupting the city of London. However, in spite of countless victims, the London Police are utterly unable to find the culprit.
Due to his own sense of justice, private detective Arthur Hewitt decides to investigate the cases himself and stumbles across the scene of a murder in the back of an alleyway, which cause the police to question whether or not Arthur Hewitt is the serial murder robberies.
In order to prove his innocence, as well as put an end to the string of violent murders, Arthur chases down the serial murderer.
—Arthur calls out to police officer Charlotte during the investigation. She looks at him sharply as if waiting for an explanation.
—Arthur is handcuffed. A mistaken arrest? But what of the blood on his hands…?
A phantom of a man who calls himself “Jack the Ripper” scorns and ridicules Arthur as he investigates the string of serial robberies and murders.
“Woah there… With guesses like that, you won’t uncover the truth no matter how long you take, eh detective?”
“Shut your mouth, phantom. I’m not following the directions of some cutthroat like you.”
However, there was a certain degree of credibility in his on-site inspection and consideration of the criminal’s method.
A detective and a murderer. Though they share the same body, they are truly two different people.
Arthur, who now has a strange being cohabitating within him, will gradually inch his way closer towards the truth of the case.
—Jack supplements Arthur’s speculation. Is he able to speculate on the actions of the criminal because he himself is also a killer…?
—Arthur attacks with a pleasure-loving laugh. Is his body under the control of Jack the Ripper, or is it something else…?
Meanwhile, a request arrives at the Hewitt Detective Agency from a girl named Meryl Rose, who asks Arthur to investigate the background of her “mysterious older brother.” The girl’s older brother, Daryl Rose, seems to be going into town every night and earning heaps of money somewhere.
Sensing an air of unrest in Meryl, the self-proclaimed Jack the Ripper cuts into the conversation of Arthur accepting the job, as Arthur needs proof of his own innocence and cannot ignore the investigation of the murder robbery cases.
Should Arthur give priority to helping the girl, or should he focus on his own innocence? Arthur is faced with a decision.
■ Characters
Meryl Rose (voiced by Ran Terai)
A girl living in London. Hearing the rumors of the Hewitt Detective Agency, she asks them to do a background investigation on her older brother, Daryl Rose. Since she has a shy personality and does not say what she is thinking, she seems to adore her ill-mannered and unwavering older brother who she thinks of as manly.
Daryl Rose (voiced by Ran Terai)
Meryl Rose’s older brother. According to Meryl, he is a bit of a thug, but is also a thoughtful and kind older brother. He goes into London every night for “work” and earns heaps of money. Arthur decides to track him down after receiving the request, but…
—While asking Arthur to do a background investigation, Meryl asks not to do anything violent. This seems to be a request from a concerned little sister worried about her older brother.
Riley Rose and Carol Rose
Meryl and Daryl’s parents. While they love and value their daughter Meryl, they tend to ignore Daryl. Between the two, they disregard Daryl as “non-existent,” but for what reason?
—Rose and her family. However, Daryl does not seem to be here…
—When it comes to his parents, Daryl uses rude language and sometimes resorts to violence. It is said that the brother and sister’s relationship is good, but the relationship with his parents seems to be quite deep in the gutter.
■ Sub-Story System
As you progress through the main story, you will unlock sub-stories.
Some are unlocked as you progress normally, while others are unlocked after reaching a “BAD END.” There are various sub-stories that unlock based on the player’s choices. Sometimes, there will be stories in which you will deepen your bonds with certain characters…
In total, there will be more than 10 sub-stories, through which you can get a glimpse of the backgrounds and thoughts of characters not depicted in the main story, as well as their everyday lives.
■ Bonus Theater
“I made the wrong choice!” A common mistake in adventure games. A mini-corner awaits those who reach a “BAD END.” It is called “Bonus Theater.”
The reason Bonus Theater plays out after reaching a “BAD END” is for characters with chibi bodies to lecture you in a skit that combines laughter and tears.
■ Bonus Theater Characters
Arthur (voiced by Yuusuke Hirooka)
No matter how many times you reach a “BAD END,” Arthur rises up with indomitable spirit with the goal of clearing the game. While he is the protagonist of the main story, that may not necessarily be so in this bonus corner.
Dark Sophie (voiced by Yuki Yawakami)
The queen of Bonus Theater and self-proclaimed incarnation of darkness. She gives advice to players while teasing Arthur, and even beats up Jack with just one fist. In the world of Bonus Theater, no one opposes her…!
Jack (voiced by Kiyohiro Yamaguchi)
In this bonus corner, the self-proclaimed Jack the Ripper is secretly trying to change the name of the play to “Jack Theater.”
Rory (voiced by Mitsuki Natsukawa)
A cat-like member of the mafia. She quickly adapts to the light-hearted atmosphere and enjoys herself while giving advice to players. Because of Sophie, she is forced to add “nyan” (meow) to the end of her lines.
Charlotte (voiced by Aiko Yamasaki)
A dog-like police officer. While in confusion at being in this mysterious space, she struggles to give upfront advice to players as her sworn duty, but… Because of Sophie, she is forced to add “wan” (woof) to the end of her lines.
Murder Detective: Jack the Ripper is due out for PlayStation 4 and Switch on April 25 in Japan.
