By Joaquin Marfa
Not many writers spend 13 years on a single story – but Keika Hanada did.
“I’m glad I was able to write this story. It contains everything I am,” wrote Hanada in a post announcing that he had just finished the last line of his newest work: Project Code M.
In 2012, the visual novel The House in Fata Morgana was released and broke Metacritic charts, and remains today in the top 30 Best Games of All Time.
Fans are on the lookout for the author’s next big work.
“I don’t think ‘magnum opus’ is a term a writer should use,” said Hanada in the post. “But even so, I’ll boldly say it: it’s a magnum opus.”
For many who are unfamiliar with visual novels, The House in Fata Morgana was their disturbing introduction to the storytelling medium. It certainly was for Julianne.
“At first, I thought it was strange and disturbing,” said first-time player Julianne. “But as I went on, I realised just how deep and sincere this story really is.”
She said that she would certainly be willing to give more visual novels a shot.
The House in Fata Morgana is not for the faint of heart, containing many disturbing and uncomfortable themes. And the trend continues into Project Code M, which journalist Amber V said lets players “enjoy doing ‘ethically questionable’ things in a way only fiction can”.
“I meticulously trimmed all the redundant parts and poured my utmost care into every single sentence,” wrote Hanada. “I’m both excited and anxious about how it will be received. If you trust in my scenarios themselves, that trust will not be betrayed.”
Fans are eager and ready to tackle the 40-to-50-hour game, fully trusting that the author who delivered 13 years ago will deliver again.
For Julianne, its bizarre premise is what caught her eye.
“The dichotomy of playing as both the detective and murderer is really fascinating. I’m interested in how the protagonist’s perspective will be explored.”
Featured image: Cover art for Project Code M. Photo: Hanada Keika/Twitter/X