Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors

 DS
User Score
8.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 314 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 279 out of 314
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 314
  3. Negative: 17 out of 314
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  1. futureP
    Jun 29, 2023
    8
    Nine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors is a standout title in the visual novel genre, offering a compelling mix of narrative-driven storytelling, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters. Its gripping plot, multiple branching paths, and intense atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience for fans of mystery, adventure, and psychological thrillers. If you enjoy immersive storytellingNine Hours, Nine Persons, Nine Doors is a standout title in the visual novel genre, offering a compelling mix of narrative-driven storytelling, challenging puzzles, and memorable characters. Its gripping plot, multiple branching paths, and intense atmosphere make it an unforgettable experience for fans of mystery, adventure, and psychological thrillers. If you enjoy immersive storytelling and engaging gameplay, 999 is a must-play game that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.… Expand
  2. GVB
    Dec 13, 2022
    8
    A convoluted story with a lot of surprises like in Lost? Check. Interesting puzzles? Check. Cute and interesting characters? Check.

    That's it. So, if you like Visual Novels and room escape puzzles, this is for you.
  3. Doom_ak
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    Great beginning of great series. Puzzles are interesting, plot is breathtaking with good twist at the end
  4. bergcamp101
    Mar 24, 2021
    8
    The plot just makes it. Though escape rooms are not pretty challenging, but still entertaining, the plot is just great, and storytelling is wonderful.
  5. GregLobstery
    Feb 8, 2021
    9
    incredible visual novel that started an amazing series. this is one of the best DS games imo. if you liked danganronpa you will probably love this game too.
  6. ninjaguy454
    Jun 29, 2020
    8
    999 is a visual novel thriller mystery game. It combines many puzzle elements like escape the room, and other smaller minigames. The game has multiple endings and even a true ending based on gameplay offering many playthroughs. Unfortunately, due to how long it takes to complete a playthrough I will be unable to complete it at the moment. I would love to finish it at another time.
  7. Sitheral
    Jun 23, 2020
    9
    Fantastic story told in a clever way with puzzle segments that are not as amazing (but bearable) If you can get it on DS its probably the best choice because game makes really good use out of two screens and it was meant to be played that way.
  8. Minemon106
    May 18, 2020
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Happy to know I'm not the only one who liked this game, I won't go on for ages about why it's so good because otherwise I'll be here for hours so I'm going to say is, If you have a Ds and you want a heavily story based game then this is for you. and I totally recommend playing it, Quick warning: the true ending was confusing for me at first so mind that… Expand
  9. vervain
    Dec 28, 2018
    9
    If you can get past the forced slow pacing of the hefty amounts of text in this game, you'll find one of the most engrossing, chilling and satisfying story-based adventure titles ever released. For those new to the visual novel genre, you will be reading a LOT in this game. If you're a fan of classic point-and-click adventures, this one is not to be missed. Multiple endings create goodIf you can get past the forced slow pacing of the hefty amounts of text in this game, you'll find one of the most engrossing, chilling and satisfying story-based adventure titles ever released. For those new to the visual novel genre, you will be reading a LOT in this game. If you're a fan of classic point-and-click adventures, this one is not to be missed. Multiple endings create good replay value, and the characters and dialogue are solid. I couldn't put this game down!… Expand
  10. SrPepe
    Oct 22, 2018
    8
    Una novela gráfica excelente, con una historia impresionante y personajes bien logrados. Todo esta muy bien hecho, los puzzles son entretenidos y los conceptos científicos e históricos utilizados encuadran muy bien y le dan mas realismo al juego.
    Sin embargo el sistema de elección de puertas no me termina de convencer en la primer entrega, no es tan claro lo que está pasando como en la 2.
  11. Diegochocho
    Jul 3, 2018
    9
    La narrativa es impecable, en todo momento vas a estar en tensión de lo que va a suceder, y los personajes están muy bien desarrollados. Recomendadisimo jugarlo.
  12. ashketchum
    May 9, 2018
    9
    The story is incredible, one which you probably won't be able to experience anywhere else in any other medium. There are multiple endings, though there is one ending that should be achieved if you want to get the most out of the game. The art style is great, and allows for some unique and distinct character designs, like Seven and Akane. The soundtrack is great at building tension atThe story is incredible, one which you probably won't be able to experience anywhere else in any other medium. There are multiple endings, though there is one ending that should be achieved if you want to get the most out of the game. The art style is great, and allows for some unique and distinct character designs, like Seven and Akane. The soundtrack is great at building tension at crucial moments. The puzzles are simple enough to solve, though they do get gradually more difficult towards the end. However, some of the puzzles are tedious on replays, which are required to achieve multiple endings. Still, overall, a fantastic experience.… Expand
  13. LifeHistory
    May 10, 2017
    9
    This is my first Novel based game I've ever played and one of the first games I played on my DS. I was totally blown away. The story is incredible and interesting the characters are very well made. And there are so many different paths you can take to make it your very own unique adventure and experience. A must play game for every one even for a person who never played a "game" before.
  14. AouadMkh
    Apr 21, 2017
    10
    I don't normally play games of this genre (visual novel with puzzle solving) but this game does everything well the story is interesting and despite the hardware limitations of the DS the game can feel quite immersive at some points simply because it tells the story the right way. The puzzles have balanced difficulty most of the time.
  15. brockcheese
    Feb 8, 2017
    8
    If you are a fan of visual novels then this game is a no brainer. With multiple endings and fun escape the room puzzles to tie you over, 999 is a very enjoyable experience.
  16. jiiihaad
    Aug 30, 2016
    10
    I have been sceptic about visual novel games. Can they even be good and are they games at all? Well, this was my first visual novel and after seeing all 6 endings I have to say yes, they can be amazing. While it's true that game goes on tight tracks and you can't do anything extra on story sections, it doesn't matter since when story gets going, it really gets going wild and you want toI have been sceptic about visual novel games. Can they even be good and are they games at all? Well, this was my first visual novel and after seeing all 6 endings I have to say yes, they can be amazing. While it's true that game goes on tight tracks and you can't do anything extra on story sections, it doesn't matter since when story gets going, it really gets going wild and you want to know what happens next. Gameplay puzzles are just a barrier then and you just want the story and explanations. I have played games since Monkey Island and Fallout 2, but this is something else, even better. 10/10 and amazing experince.

    My two advices for new players are "less you know about the game is the better" and "after first ending you can use guide to help how to see other ending, but leave true ending last."    … Expand
  17. JRRR
    Aug 13, 2016
    9
    Amazing game! It starts slow and there's a lot of reading but thanks to the story and big replayability factor this game just becomes better and better. Fun puzzles, amazing story, memorable characters, this is a hidden DS gem and a must buy game for every DS fan.
  18. Super_Cloud
    Mar 12, 2016
    8
    I played VLR first and then 999, i had no idea there was a prequel at first. I really enjoyed the game but during the true ending path, i ended being really annoyed, it was getting late and the game became more a like a freaking book than a visual novel, too many text and it goes WAY TOO SLOW, this is my only complaint with game, the slow text was unbearable during the true ending, iI played VLR first and then 999, i had no idea there was a prequel at first. I really enjoyed the game but during the true ending path, i ended being really annoyed, it was getting late and the game became more a like a freaking book than a visual novel, too many text and it goes WAY TOO SLOW, this is my only complaint with game, the slow text was unbearable during the true ending, i enjoyed the other ending more since it was never too long. Great game overall.… Expand
  19. Gwyndolin
    Sep 4, 2015
    9
    Fantastic mystery/thriller/horror visual novel.
    Gives you just enough information to figure out things for yourself, but you don't have to, it's probably better to let the mystery unravel and be surprised.
    I gave this game a 9 because the digital root of 10 would've only been a 1... To justify the 1 point off: 1. Unskippable dialogue (Fast forwarding known dialogues should be    Fantastic mystery/thriller/horror visual novel.
    Gives you just enough information to figure out things for yourself, but you don't have to, it's probably better to let the mystery unravel and be surprised.

    I gave this game a 9 because the digital root of 10 would've only been a 1...

    To justify the 1 point off:
    1. Unskippable dialogue (Fast forwarding known dialogues should be replaced by Skip function).
    2. For a game that requires you to play through 5~6 times, some puzzles, like the first one, should've been skippable.
    3. 2 of the endings were not really necessary and the game could have done without them.
    4. This last one is just my preference: I did not like the final revelation. Maybe I will understand/appreciate it more in the sequel.    … Expand
  20. phenomicon
    Jul 7, 2015
    10
    One of the best games you will find on the Nintendo DS. Great puzzles, fantastic story and lots of reasons to replay. Make sure to give this one a shot.
  21. TheJoseph
    Jun 30, 2015
    10
    This game starts off as a simple "try to escape this place and find out who the evil captor is", but it gets very complicated, very fast. You play as a guy in college named Junpei. Once you get to the ship you're being held on you must attempt to escape by finding the number nine door and going through what follows it alive. I won't go into much more detail then that because the story isThis game starts off as a simple "try to escape this place and find out who the evil captor is", but it gets very complicated, very fast. You play as a guy in college named Junpei. Once you get to the ship you're being held on you must attempt to escape by finding the number nine door and going through what follows it alive. I won't go into much more detail then that because the story is something you must experience yourself. 999 can be split into four parts, which will tell you if this game is for you or not

    1. Story- The story is the main part of the game and is shown by dialogue and your characters thoughts, there is no voice acting so if hate reading, this won't be for you. If you like or at the very least don't mind reading, you'll love this.

    2. Gameplay/puzzle solving- The puzzle solving is the very large majority of gameplay in this game. The puzzle style is escape the room, it is really challenging but takes a back-seat to the story which you will want to get to while playing the puzzle's.

    3. Choices- The smallest part of the game, but also the most important. The choices you make will decide whether you get one of two bad endings, a very bloody and confusing ending, a sad ending, a fake ending, and the true end. All of these endings will lead to what is the final part of this game...

    4. Mindf*cks- Yup, the game will be very complicated, many plot twists, and some things you really got to think about. Just because the game gets confusing, doesn't mean that the logic is flat out wrong, or starts to contradicting itself. Everything has a reason for happening, and nothing should be left not noted.

    In the end this is a wonderful, solid 9.6 game that's only beaten by its sequel (ps vita version to be specific.) You are doing a disservice to yourself not playing it, so go on amazon and buy it!    … Expand
  22. WelshTom
    Jul 26, 2014
    9
    You'll probably start 999 by mashing the buttons to skip through text as fast as you can, but once you get to know the characters and immerse yourself in the bizarrely brilliant story, the puzzles will become the side-piece as you yearn to find out what twists are through the next numbered door. The puzzles themselves are pitched at a perfect difficulty level - challenging enough to rewardYou'll probably start 999 by mashing the buttons to skip through text as fast as you can, but once you get to know the characters and immerse yourself in the bizarrely brilliant story, the puzzles will become the side-piece as you yearn to find out what twists are through the next numbered door. The puzzles themselves are pitched at a perfect difficulty level - challenging enough to reward you without being overly infuriating.… Expand
  23. Twirkkhu
    Jun 20, 2014
    9
    This game made me experience feelings I've never experienced in a video game before. The soundtrack is so shockingly good, that it actually gave me nightmares. This game can also be truly depressing, but I still recommend you pick it up.
  24. ninja_dolphin
    May 27, 2014
    8
    Definitely a great visual novel. The story is gripping and kept me going throughout with mature themes and great characters. The puzzle sections are all fine but they really take a back seat to the fantastic story. As long as you don't mind the fact that this is barely a game and want a good read then this is for you. You have to also bear in mind that there are split paths in the storyDefinitely a great visual novel. The story is gripping and kept me going throughout with mature themes and great characters. The puzzle sections are all fine but they really take a back seat to the fantastic story. As long as you don't mind the fact that this is barely a game and want a good read then this is for you. You have to also bear in mind that there are split paths in the story that mean that you can never get the true ending on the first try so at least two playthroughs are required to get a satisfying conclusion (although on the second run through you do get the ability to skip text you have already read.… Expand
  25. JudgmentDuelist
    Jan 9, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The game is awesome! Awesome story, memorable characters and really good music. Ending is so unexpected, while the whole game seems to be tricky. Game has alternate endings, which makes it even better. I think that this is the best visual novel so far, not including its sequel. Great work!… Expand
  26. kymerra
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    A gem for the DS as literally the only DS game with a horror genre that is executed to perfection. If you are not a fan of visual novels, the story may seem slow-paced. However the plot is very deep, and the dialogue can also be amusing at times. The game also has a lot of replayability with the numerous endings you can get.
  27. Luggs
    Oct 16, 2013
    9
    Both the narrative and soundtrack were very good, and the plot was captivating. My only beef with the game was the fact that you had to replay the puzzles you already did to advance.
  28. elaux
    Aug 17, 2013
    10
    Have you ever wished you could erase part of your memory just so you could experience something amazing for the first time again? 999 is the epitome of that. It's a title anyone with a DS should pick up. Excellent music, great characters, the puzzles are all solid and keep you thinking, but the main selling point is the plot. Keep in mind, this is more of a visual novel than a game, butHave you ever wished you could erase part of your memory just so you could experience something amazing for the first time again? 999 is the epitome of that. It's a title anyone with a DS should pick up. Excellent music, great characters, the puzzles are all solid and keep you thinking, but the main selling point is the plot. Keep in mind, this is more of a visual novel than a game, but the plot pretty much makes the entire thing. 999 has the best plot out of any game I've played hands down. While playing it you might think the concept is too ambitious to have a decent ending, but prepare to have your mind shattered.
    My only complaints are that they should have added a timer for the last puzzle just to make things more intense, and the lack of voice acting but this IS a Nintendo DS title so expecting that is kind of unfair.

    Overall, if you have a DS and enjoy a good story DEFINITELY PICK THIS UP!    … Expand
  29. devinup
    Jul 25, 2013
    10
    More of an interactive novel with some little puzzles to solve thrown in than a traditional game, but it's an engaging one that is definitely worth it. The only reason I've even heard of this game is that I bought a Vita and was looking at well-reviewed games for it. The sequel to this game is on Vita, but a lot of people said to play 999 first. I'm glad I did. I can't wait for the sequel.
  30. Kanazawa
    Jul 16, 2013
    10
    Holy cow what an amazing story. Music was phenomenal and played a key factor in story telling. I have never seen such a good Visual Novel before. Time to move on to the sequel.
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Best DS Game of 2010
3
#3 Most Discussed DS Game of 2010
4
#4 Most Shared DS Game of 2010

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Nintendo Life
    Oct 21, 2011
    80
    999 is stunning. It sports a captivating plot driven by a fantastic cast of characters, a satisfying mix of puzzles and interesting mathematical, scientific and philosophical quandaries to ponder.
    Read full review
  2. Adventure Gamers
    May 13, 2011
    60
    999 is a gutsy, mature story that blends horror, science, and character-driven drama in intriguing, thoughtful ways. It's also backed by some sparse but solid gameplay, melding traditional puzzle types with a cohesive math-based theme that nicely suits its subject matter. Unfortunately, what could have been a taut psychological thriller all too often becomes a plodding, pace-killing narrative full of bloated, poorly-integrated dialogue.
    Read full review
  3. Official Nintendo Magazine UK
    May 11, 2011
    90
    A fantastic experience from start to finish. It is a game that truly expands what narrative video games can be capable of, and does so with a engrossing story that draws players in until the very end, all six of them.
    Read full review
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