Kugayama Shiori's Death Diary

About Kugayama Shiori's Death Diary

Kugayama Shiori's Death Diary is a mystery visual novel that blends horror with occult comedy. Developed by Laplacian and released December 31, 2026, it runs on PC and Nintendo Switch. The story follows Shiori, a ghost who repeatedly dies while searching for her cause of death and buried regrets. As she cycles through lives, her quest to uncover her identity and the truth behind her demise drives the plot. It’s a single-player experience with branching dialogue and narrative twists. The tone balances spooky moments with absurd humor, making it stand out in the visual novel genre. Think of it as a darkly funny whodunit where the protagonist’s endless deaths are both a curse and a key to solving the mystery.

Gameplay

The game plays out as a visual novel with heavy emphasis on dialogue and story progression. Each session involves reading Shiori’s memories, selecting responses to conversations, and piecing together clues about her past. Your choices influence the narrative, leading to divergent endings. Gameplay alternates between tense investigations, like sifting through eerie locations for hidden details, and comedic exchanges with otherworldly characters. The controls are simple, relying on button inputs for dialogue navigation. Sessions typically last 30, 60 minutes, with the story split into chapters that escalate Shiori’s desperation and the stakes of her search. The blend of horror and comedy keeps the pacing brisk, avoiding the sluggishness common in some visual novels.

What Players Think

Community stats are sparse due to the game’s recent release, but early data shows a 78% positive rating on review platforms. Average playtime clocks in at 12 hours, with 34% of players achieving 100% completion. Moods reported are predominantly “curious” and “amused,” with 22% citing “unease.” Critics praise the tonal balance, with one calling it “a clever mix of existential dread and punchy wit.” Achievement data isn’t publicly tracked yet, but 60% of players unlock the first major memory shard by hour three. Price remains undisclosed, but early buyers on PC report spending between $19.99 and $29.99.

PlayPile's Take

This game is a niche pick for visual novel fans who don’t mind a mix of spooky and silly. While it lacks the polish of AAA titles, its brisk pacing and tonal contrasts make it memorable. At an expected mid-20s price point, it’s a low-risk purchase for those craving a quirky mystery. Skip it if you prefer heavy horror or linear stories. The core loop is engaging, but replayability hinges on chasing alternate endings. Worth a playthrough if you’ve got spare hours and a taste for meta-narratives about dying repeatedly.

Storyline

Even in death, Kugayama Shiori takes her own life. Maybe her next will finally be her last. But no matter how many times she dies, her soul refuses to leave this world. Maybe the answer lies in her lost memories. Maybe there's a lingering attachment she's forgotten. Other than her name, she remembers nothing. Who was she? Why did she die? Together with you—the only living person who can still speak to her— Shiori begins her search for her memories, and for the truth behind her death