Is there anything more disappointing than discovering a Japanese game that looks really promising, only to find out it did receive an English localization—but the translation reads like something Google Translate or an AI just spit out? Sometimes, if the game isn’t heavy on text, we can live with that. Unfortunately, DankHearts and WhisperGames’ *Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo* falls into this tricky spot.
While the game looks great and features some genuinely thought-provoking puzzles, the localization still feels rough, even after several updates.
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### A Mysterious Tokyo and a Dark Story
In *Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo*, characters Soto, Zena, Itsuki, Honoka, Kaito, and Hiyori find themselves in a strange version of Tokyo. However, gaps in their memory mean they don’t know how they got there or if they even know each other. Similar to games like *999* and *Danganronpa*, there’s an underlying mystery at play—complete with an odd mascot named Spectre who seems to know more than they’re sharing.
Everyone agrees they want to escape, but to do so, they need to uncover the truth about their lives. Be aware that the game deals with serious and sometimes traumatic themes, including self-harm, assault, bullying, and death. Players should approach with caution.
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### Challenging Themes, But Clunky Localization
The game aims to make us connect with the characters and feel empathy for their situations. Unfortunately, in its current state, *Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo* struggles to achieve this. The localization doesn’t handle these heavy topics well, and despite patches aimed at improving the translation, the script still feels rough and unnatural.
The dialogue often lacks the depth and nuance necessary to fully develop characters and situations. This makes it difficult for players to become truly immersed. Players who prioritize story and character development—core elements in visual novels—may find this frustrating.
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### Puzzle Gameplay Shines Despite Flaws
On the bright side, the localization issues don’t interfere much with the puzzle-solving aspects. The escape room challenges are actually quite engaging. Early puzzles involve escaping a room filled with water, figuring out a formula on a ladder, and locating palettes to paint a hanging mannequin’s face correctly. Puzzles grow more difficult as the game progresses, keeping players invested.
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### Stylish Art Direction and Character Design
*Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo* is undeniably stylish. The art direction and character designs are amazing. The environments in this alternate Tokyo are gorgeous and vibrant—though often unsettling or unnerving, the artistry is impressive. The teen characters are well-designed and visually appealing, contributing to a strong overall aesthetic.
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### Hope for Improvement
There have been three localization patches since the game’s launch in September 2025. I’ve been holding off on full coverage in hopes of major improvements, and while the updates have made the script better, it still doesn’t flow naturally.
Adventure games and visual novels live and die based on their story and character development. Unfortunately, *Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo* still doesn’t fully reach that mark.
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**In summary, if you enjoy stylish visual novels with challenging puzzles and can overlook rough localization, *Type-NOISE: Shonen Shojo* might be worth a try. However, those who value polished storytelling and character depth may want to wait for further improvements before diving in.**
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