Re:Zero Death or Kiss

Re:Zero -DEATH OR KISS- (Re:ゼロから始まる異世界生活 -DEATH OR KISS- in Japan) is a visual novel video game developed by Japanese studio 5pb. Inc. It was released for the PlayStation Vita and PlayStation 4 on March 30, 2017. The developer also released a DLC pack for those who pre-ordered the game. The DLC replaced the character's original costumes with swimsuits. There was also a limited edition of the game released which featured a soundtrack CD and a collectable SD figure. The PlayStation 4 received a Ram SD figure, while the PlayStation Vita version was shipped with a Rem SD figure.

The limited edition of the game came with a soundtrack CD and either a Ram (for the PS4 version) or Rem (for the PSVita version) SD figure.[92]

STORY

Re:Zero -DEATH OR KISS- is an original story based on characters from the Re:Zero light novel series. During an event known as the Beauty Queen Election, royal candidates are judged on various qualities such as elegance and ornateness. The winner is slated to received a grand treasure that is said to bring good luck to those who possess it. When Subaru accidentally kisses the prize, he is cursed to a life of misfortune and possible death. To break the curse Subaru must share a heartfelt kiss. In order to make this impossible task obtainable, he begins to interefere with the tournamnet it order to gain favor with the candidates and avoid death.

The game will have eight different endings involving Emilia, Ram, Rem, Beatrice, Felt, Priscilla, Anastasia, and Crusch. The game also introduces two original characters into the universe, Gordon and Noble.

CHARACTERS

Natsuki Subaru
Emilia
Puck
Rem
Ram
Beatrice
Crusch Karsten
Ferris
Anastasia Hoshin
Julius Juukulius
Priscilla Barielle
Al
Felt
Rom
Reinhard van Astrea
Roswaal L Mathers
Kadomon Risch
Gordon
Noble

DEVELOPER

Re:Zero -DEATH OR KISS- was developed by 5pb, which is short for "The Five powered & basics". The company was founded on April 6, 2005 as not only a video game developer but also a record label for anime and video game music. Executive director Chiyomaru Shikura departed his former company Scitron, which is a company that specializes in video game music.

5pb is divided into two divisions; 5pb Games for game development and 5pb Records for the distribution of music. Until 2009 5pb was a wholly owned subsidiary of the TYO Group, however on April 15, 2009 Shikura purchased the remaining rights. At that point the company was owned by Shikura and AGOne, a company that is an affiliate of Dwango Japan. Notable staff members of 5pb are artist Yukihiro Matsuo and producer Tatsuya Matuhara (Chaos;Head Love Chu*Chu) and scenario writer Naotaka Hayashi (Steins;Gate, Bravely Default).

In April 2011, a collective of companies including Seed Project, Animelo Summer Life, 5pb (Records & Games divisions). Arkray and Dwango Creative School mergerd under their parent group, Mages. Inc. Mages is headed by Chiyomaru Shikura. In July 2019, Mages was officially acquired by Shikura's own concept studio Chiyomaru Studio, becoming fully independent from their parent companies Kadokawa Group and Dwango. The reason for this decision was cited as wanting to be more flexible and faster. They expect that a healthy relationship with their former parent companies will lead to a fruitful future.

RECEPTION

Re:Zero -DEATH OR KISS- was reviewed by influential Japanese games media outlet Famitsu. It receieved a score of 8/8/7/7 (30/40) for the PlayStation 4 version, and 8/7/7/7 (30/40) for the PlayStation Vita version. According to user reviews the two versions are practically identical, with the PlayStation 4 version having higher resolution art and a slightly nicer playing experience.

MUSIC

The opening theme of Re:Zero -DEATH OR KISS- is yell! magic starts with a kiss" (yell！～くちびるからはじまる魔法～, Yell!~ Kuchibiru kara Hajimaru Mahō ~), performed by Konomi Suzuki, a Japanese artist from Osaka. She also performed the first opening song for the Re:Zero anime.

The closing theme of the game is "Dai Dai Daisuki" (ダイ・ダイ・ダイスキ), which is performed by Inori Minase and Rie Murakawa, who voice Rem and Ram respectively.