Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward

An absolutely amazing experience from start to finish, I couldn't put my Vita down without going through withdrawal a short time later. Zero's Escape: Virtue's Last Reward has a fantastic balance between story and gameplay that is somewhat rare these days.

This mind-bending visual novel captivates with challenging puzzles and an intelligent story unrivaled in its ambition.

There should be no timeline ever created that doesn't contain you playing this game.

Explaining what makes this great is no easy matter. There simply hasn't been a game like this in our region before. Even though these games are immensely popular in Japan. The genre is called visual novel, or an interactive book if you will. [December 2012, p.84]

I recommend a lot of games to friends, but this is one of those "okay, if you only play one game on this list, make it this one" type of games. I'll go as far as to say if you don't own a Vita, Zero Escape is one of the best reasons to get one.

For the most part, I think you'll find Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward to be a step up from 999, and really, that's saying something considering how excellent 999 was. It's not flawless, no, but well worth your time, especially if you're the type of person that enjoys new gaming experiences that are far from the norm.

Thematic appropriateness aside, a fantastic, mind-blowing narrative that will wreck havoc with your brain. [March 2013, p.82]

For a dark, cerebral and genuinely unique journey on Vita, this is peerless. [Jan 2013, p.108]

This is an unique title, above all in the West. It's worth a try, and will manage to keep us playing for a long while. On the top of that, getting all the endings may take around 30 hours, so if you like this kind of games, this one is definitely a must have.

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is a mature, sophisticated, and delightfully dark whodunnit adventure.

Its sharp wit, cleverness, and enigmatic plot provide not only a top-tier visual novel experience, but some of the best entertainment I've had gaming.

What's important isn't what genre Virtue's Last Reward sits in, what country it comes from, what platform it's on, or any of those other superficial things-it's the fact that this is a wonderfully crafted game that will grip you from beginning to end.

Virtue's Last Reward kept me addicted, challenged, and constantly guessing. As the sequel to 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, it lives up to its legacy and invigorates the graphic adventure genre. Don't let this one pass you by; VLR is one of my favorite games this year.

Virtue's Last Reward delivers a great amount of fun. With improved gameplay mechanics and +30h of lifespan, you won't find anything better than Chunsoft's last effort.

Virtue's Last Reward takes everything that 999 did well and does it better.

Zero Escape is a type of game that drives us to talk to other players, comparing the choices and externalizing our doubts, then unleashing a sociability that is rarely favored by a single player title with a structure like that.

If you are after a thinking man's game than Virtue's Last Reward is easily one of the most thought provoking puzzlers of the year. With a strange story that is reminiscent of an adult themed anime movie, this game will make you curse and at times cry with frustration and joy when you've solved some of the challenging puzzles.

Zero Escape is the very definition of a niche title. If you have experience with visual novels you'll be in love with the game, and if you like puzzles and don't mind a LOT of narrative it's still great. If you want nonstop action, move along!

Among the many games released each year, there aren't many that leave you contemplating and debating their story and worldviews long after the final set of credits has rolled. Virtue's Last Reward takes its place proudly among this crop of games. As fun and challenging as the brainteasers in the room escapes are, they're merely dressing for the fantastic writing, memorable characters, and stunning plot twists that could only be presented successfully in a game format.

If you're looking for a novel take on the point-and-click adventure then this should be considered an immediate purchase. [Issue#227, p.74]

An amazing storyline for an excellent visual novel that will keep you in suspense for hours.

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward comes with a good plot and many surprise twists, in a storyline influenced by our choices that will lead to 24 different endings. With puzzles that will be a challenge for any player, and belonging to a not-too-common genre, Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward will constitute a unique experience.

Virtue's Last Reward is as obscure as its title might make you suspect. Most gamers have never heard of this game and most of them are might as well steer clear from it. But those who are up for a large dose of storytelling and traditional puzzles, couldn't wish for better entertainment. We have an excellently written science fiction horror story and interesting relationships between the main characters to thank for that.

Even though the story is hard to get into, consider it worth the wait when you do. Not only does the game have different endings, all ways to get there are intertwined. It's a touching and very challenging game that keeps you guessing whether you made the right decision or not, but don't feel surprised if it turns out to be both.

Though Zero Escape comes with reams of text, it's all well written, thoroughly addictive stuff that encourages multiple playthroughs to see its 24 endings. Any Vita owner looking to try something different is advised to make the leap of faith and scoop this up immediately. [Christmas 2012, p.81]

Zero Escape: Virtue's Last Reward is a deep, engaging, and incredibly intelligent visual novel. It's a shame that the game doesn't do more with the hardware, but its meaningful player decisions, taxing puzzle elements, and unforgivably mature themes fuse to create one of the best Vita titles so far.

An excellent follow-up to 999, with a thought-provoking plot, compelling characters, and some of the hardest choices this side of The Walking Dead.

A strange, frustrating and incredibly smart game, then.

Where 999 gave you a more passive role in proceedings, Virtue's Last Reward makes you a key participant in its twisted tale – and that serves to make its mysteries that much more invigorating to unravel.

Absolutely bonkers, but untangling its many secrets is an addictive enterprise. There's tons of plot to discover, and the many storylines cross and reference each other in subtle ways that reward the diligent player.