Death Note: Killer Within Review - Not Enough Apples For This Shinigami

screenrant.com:

«Surprising» is a word that effectively defines both the announcement and release of , a multiplayer game focused on deductive reasoning with a steep learning curve that's a surprisingly clever use of the beloved franchise. Games based on popular anime and manga series typically involve more lasers and punching than. But here fans have something to play that effectively replicates some exciting mind games the franchise is known for — to some extent.

Publisher Bandai Namco and developer Grounding, Inc. seemingly waited to create a video game until the right idea came around, with the final product taking cues from runaway indie hit in a cat-and-mouse multiplayer social deduction experience.

While does take some time to get the hang of, its limited amount of content offers up a unique challenge that has the potential for fun and exciting matches with friends and strangers online. However, much like the otherworldly Death Note, such fun takes several vital conditions to succeed.

is one of the world's most popular anime, globally praised and adored for its intense storyline, but there's no story mode or sense of character progression in. This isn't so bad since it allows nearly anyone to try the multiplayer-only game, even if they are unfamiliar with the source material. Still, does implement some elements of its series' lore to create something less straightforward than what players of other popular social deduction games may be used to.

's plot involves several interesting characters who get zero focus or development in this title as its sole focus is providing a multiplayer game very different from the usual anime-licenced games, like . Still, it feels like a missed opportunity not to have separate game modes that further explore parts of the fascinating storyline, especially the iconic relationship between Light and L. The game strips down the series' relationships into specific gameplay job roles that — despite the lack of character depth — coalesce into a