Some of you may remember when NIS America tossed me a review copy of the PS4 version of The Caligula Effect: Overdose back in 2019 when it was first released. They were kind enough to let me revisit The Caligula Effect: Overdose on the PlayStation 5.
Truthfully the game hasn’t changed drastically, while it certainly does play better with the increased power of the new generation console, with quicker load times for example. ( They were never bad to begin with)The game also didn’t suffer from any sort of frame rate issues, or poor graphical or sound quality. In fact, I will quote my original review.
The graphics and sound are great with the music being even more outstanding when the musicians are on a map. They all have their own distinct style that matches their characters.
Me 2019
I still enjoy that most of the characters are in fact not good people, the reason why will be explained throughout the story as you progress. This isn’t limited to the antagonist either, some of the party members themselves in the real world probably wouldn’t be invited into your home.
The flaws in the characters are actually what makes them interesting, I am not even sure you are supposed to like half of these people and the game is better because of it. As you explore the world I found myself not knowing if I wanted the Go-Home club to win or the Musicians and this works out well since in Overdose you actually can join the Musicians. This and the ability to play as a male or female is new to the Overdose version of the game as opposed to the original Japan release.
The only real advice I have is with the combat, play on the harder difficulties and work your way backward until you find one you like. The battle system allows you to get a good idea of what each person will do and time your attacks accordingly. You can interrupt or defend at the last instant for example and on easy this allowed me to rush through the game with no issue or challenge and just enjoy the story. This really took away from the game for me however as the combat was very interesting at higher levels.
The game itself is a 7/10, and is still the perfect way to update a game. However, unless you are a die-hard fan there really isn’t a reason to update from the PS4 version to the PS5 version in my opinion. If you are still waiting to pick this game up, the PS5 version is the definitive version. Best wishes and may the gaming gods bring you glory.
Savior Gaming 