Togainu no Chi -Lost Blood-

Visual novels come in all shapes and sizes, many of which are built around things like romance and high school drama. In Togainu no Chi ~Lost Blood~, though, you get to enjoy something very different indeed. Developer Nitropius has done a fine job of building a highly gratifying visual novel that goes in a totally different direction to most.

There is much to love about this particular novel, not least its stunning artistic direction and branching storyline. If you are looking for a visual novel to play, is this one for you?

Deeply engaging visual novel violence

The plot of Togainu no Chi ~Lost Blood~ is quite in-depth, but it starts off with pretty high stakes. You follow the story of Akira, an individual who has seen much of his life blighted by violence and aggression. This is no different. Forced to take part in a fatal game, can you help him to come through the game in one piece? That is the challenge that Togainu no Chi ~Lost Blood~ throws at you.

It bears some similarities to other more violent visual novels, such as Dramatical Murder. Fans of that particular visual novel are likely to find a friend here. One thing to note about Togainu no Chi ~Lost Blood~, though, is the slow paced start. Unlike other visual novels, it takes a little while to get going.

When it does, though, the story quickly explodes into something that can be pretty hard to comprehend. With a multi-faceted ending and excellent overall production values, there is much to love about this title.

An example of high quality visual novel madness (9/10)

Togainu no Chi ~Lost Blood~ is one of the most well-liked visual novels of its kind for various reasons. Akira is arrested at the start of the game, for a crime he never committed. Given the ultimatum of taking part in a dangerous game or being left to rot, he chooses the former. You are left on the challenging streets of Toshima, a derelict district of Tokyo that is under control of the dangerous Vischio. Here, a blood sport known as Igra is common, and competitors are given the chance to compete and win to gain control of a massive drugs empire. Losing, though, means death.

As Akira, you need to help him make the right decisions to get all the way to the top of Igra’s system and take control of the empire. The offer you receive is simple: survive, fight to the top, win, and destroy the criminal empire from within.

Pros

• High quality visual novel production values helps to keep things looking fantastic
• Storyline is deep and terrifying, but provides a very fulfilling conclusion overall
• Choices have genuine weight and can lead to various endings – good and bad

Cons

• Leans a little too hard on the violent and sexualised side, even for a visual novel