Zero Escape: Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors (aka 999) was a sensation on the Nintendo DS, a surprise hit for developer Chunsoft, who didn't expect its combination of graphic novel and puzzle game to take off, especially in North America. But take off it did, the quirky adult game quickly selling out and going for high prices on the secondary market. The game has seen a sequel (the equally highly acclaimed Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, for 3DS and Vita) and gamers are clamoring for a third one, but anyone not familiar with the series will soon be able to check it out on iOS.
The iOS version has been out in Japan for a while now but the English version is hitting next week (March 17th), but although it features improved high-res graphics this isn't the full game. The port is actually called 999: The Novel, which should give you a good indication of what to expect. All of the puzzles have been removed from the game, leaving you with a visual novel.
Of course, that's the best part of the game. The story concerns a group of nine people who wake up in a strange complex after being drugged and kidnapped. Somewhat similar to "Battle Royale", they all have watches clamped to their hands that are counting down to the person's inevitable doom, and they have to solve puzzles, get through locked doors, and, most importantly, try and figure out who the mastermind behind this all is.
There are multiple endings to the game and one big plus for this mobile version is that it will include a flow chart that will show all the different ways the narrative can go. Previously you had to experiment with different choices and hope that the story would lead in a different direction, towards one of the multiple endings.
999: The Novel will cost will cost $4.99. Pick it up and then pick up Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward, which might even be superior!
