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PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse

Square Enix

PC

"Will you survive the curse together this summer? A bittersweet tale of youth, passion, and tragedy."

Updates & Events

DLC

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse - Featured on Steam

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is currently featured on the Steam store!

About

Set in the atmospheric coastal region of Ise-Shima, this supernatural mystery blends visual novel storytelling with tactile puzzle-solving and exploration. Players step into the shoes of Yuza Minakuchi to unravel a curse rooted in local folklore, utilizing a unique timeline manipulation mechanic to rewrite a tragic history.

Story

Haunted by a sea disaster that killed his parents five years ago, protagonist Yuza encounters a doppelgänger apparition that grants him visions of future crimes. Guided by the enigmatic Storyteller, players must navigate a non-linear narrative, experiencing 'bad endings' and death to unlock 'Recollections'—memories essential for solving the mystery of the mermaid's curse.

Gameplay

The experience alternates between investigating 360-degree panoramas for clues and a unique Ama diving minigame where players collect sea resources to upgrade skills. The core loop involves 'fail-forward' mechanics, where players must manipulate the timeline and revisit past events to break deadlocks in the present.

Key Features

  • 1Non-linear Timeline Manipulation
  • 2Ama Diving Minigame RPG Elements
  • 3360-Degree Panoramic Exploration
  • 4Fail-Forward Narrative Structure
  • 5Tactile Environmental Puzzles
  • 6Rich Ise-Shima Folklore Setting
  • 7Standalone Sequel Narrative

Highlights

Intricate 'Recollection' SystemAtmospheric Coastal Sound DesignDeeply Layered Mystery WritingCulturally Grounded HorrorTactile UI Interactions

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • +Engaging timeline-hopping puzzles
  • +Immersive Japanese coastal atmosphere
  • +Strong character writing and depth
  • +Creative integration of diving mechanics
  • +Accessible without playing the prequel

Cons

  • -Some puzzles can be obtuse
  • -Pacing issues in early chapters
  • -Heavily text-based (no voice acting)

Game Ratings

Narrative9/10

Deep, branching mystery with emotional weight

Atmosphere9/10

Haunting 2D art and 360-degree immersion

Puzzles8/10

Tactile logic puzzles and timeline shifts

Horror7/10

Psychological tension rather than jump scares

Innovation8/10

Unique blend of VN, diving, and time loops

Who Will Enjoy This?

Mystery Solvers40%

Players who love piecing together complex timelines

Visual Novel Fans35%

Those seeking a rich, text-driven story

Folklore Enthusiasts25%

Fans of Japanese urban legends and culture

Similar To

Game Structure

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo

95%

match

Time Mechanics

Steins;Gate

80%

match

Folklore Horror

Fatal Frame Series

70%

match

💡 Did You Know?

Features a fully functional 'Ama' diving minigame where you collect shells and urchins to level up.

Uses a 'fail-forward' design where dying provides essential clues to progress the story.

Includes tactile puzzles, such as using a virtual hand mirror to check behind your character.

Released in early 2026 for PC and the Nintendo Switch 2.

Latest Updates & Events

DLC

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse - Featured on Steam

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is currently featured on the Steam store!

Featured on Steam
Windows
A tense, thoughtful sequel that blends horror, comedy, and tragedy.Critical Reception
A brilliant modern adventure that honors the genre's legacy.Game Reviews

Game Ratings

Narrative9/10

Deep, branching mystery with emotional weight

Atmosphere9/10

Haunting 2D art and 360-degree immersion

Puzzles8/10

Tactile logic puzzles and timeline shifts

Horror7/10

Psychological tension rather than jump scares

Innovation8/10

Unique blend of VN, diving, and time loops

Who Will Enjoy This?

Mystery Solvers40%

Players who love piecing together complex timelines

Visual Novel Fans35%

Those seeking a rich, text-driven story

Folklore Enthusiasts25%

Fans of Japanese urban legends and culture

Similar To

PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo
Game Structure
Similarity
95%
Steins;Gate
Time Mechanics
Similarity
80%
Fatal Frame Series
Folklore Horror
Similarity
70%

💡 Did You Know?

Features a fully functional 'Ama' diving minigame where you collect shells and urchins to level up.

Uses a 'fail-forward' design where dying provides essential clues to progress the story.

Includes tactile puzzles, such as using a virtual hand mirror to check behind your character.

Released in early 2026 for PC and the Nintendo Switch 2.

Latest Updates & Events

DLC

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse - Featured on Steam

PARANORMASIGHT: The Mermaid's Curse is currently featured on the Steam store!

Featured on SteamWindows

Timeline

2023-03
Prequel Release
PARANORMASIGHT: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo released.
2026-02
Global Launch
The Mermaid's Curse releases on PC and Switch 2.

The Setting: Ise-Shima

Unlike the urban setting of its predecessor, this game transports players to the rural coastal region of Ise-Shima (Kameshima). The setting is integral to the plot, featuring the traditions of 'Ama' (female shellfish divers) and local legends of the sea.

Cast of Characters

  • Yuza Minakuchi: The impulsive protagonist and diver.
  • Azami Kumoi: Yuza's diving partner and friend.
  • The Storyteller: A mysterious meta-figure guiding the player.
  • Tsuyu: Yuza's grandmother and keeper of traditions.

Game Details

Developer
Square Enix
Publisher
Square Enix
Platforms
PC
Genres
Adventure, Visual Novel +1
Atmosphere
mysterious/melancholic/eerie

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