MazM: Jekyll & Hyde

MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is a visual novel adventure game based on Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic Gothic novella. Set in Victorian-era London during the Industrial Age, players unravel the mystery of Dr. Jekyll’s sinister connection to Mr. Hyde through multiple perspectives. The game combines puzzle-solving, interactive dialogue, and exploration across haunting locations, expanding upon the original story with new scenes while maintaining its themes of duality, crime, and psychological horror. Players piece together clues and witness the tragic downfall through atmospheric isometric visuals and narrative-driven gameplay.

MazM: Jekyll & Hyde: Review

In the pantheon of literary adaptations, few have attempted to translate the dark, psychological horror of Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde into an interactive medium. MazM: Jekyll & Hyde, developed by Growing Seeds Corp. and published by CFK Co., Ltd., is one such ambitious endeavor. Released in 2017 for Android, and later ported to iOS, Windows, and Nintendo Switch, this game aims to reimagine Stevenson’s classic tale through a blend of visual novel storytelling and light puzzle elements. However, does it succeed in capturing the essence of the original work while offering a compelling gaming experience? Let’s delve into the intricacies of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde to find out.

Development History & Context

The Studio

Growing Seeds Corp., the developer behind MazM: Jekyll & Hyde, is a relatively unknown entity in the gaming world. The studio’s primary focus seems to be on creating narrative-driven experiences that draw from classic literature. MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is part of the MazM series, which reinterprets well-known works of classic literature with stylized art and gameplay. The series includes other titles like MazM: The Phantom of the Opera and MazM: Heartless Yellow Bricks.

The Creators’ Vision

The creators of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde set out to capture the atmospheric and psychological depth of Stevenson’s novella. By blending visual novel elements with light puzzle-solving, they aimed to create an interactive experience that stays true to the source material while offering unique gameplay mechanics. The game’s visual style, characterized by its sketchy, impressionistic art, was designed to evoke the eerie and macabre atmosphere of Victorian-era London.

Technological Constraints

Released initially on mobile platforms, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde had to contend with the technological limitations of the time. The game’s visuals and sound design were optimized for touchscreen devices, which influenced the overall user interface and control scheme. Despite these constraints, the developers managed to create a visually striking and atmospherically rich experience.

The Gaming Landscape

In 2017, the gaming landscape was dominated by mobile games, with a growing interest in narrative-driven experiences. Visual novels, in particular, were gaining popularity, thanks to titles like Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Steins;Gate. MazM: Jekyll & Hyde entered this market with a unique selling proposition: a faithful adaptation of a classic literary work, combined with engaging gameplay mechanics.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot

MazM: Jekyll & Hyde follows the story of Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer and friend of the esteemed Dr. Henry Jekyll. When Jekyll’s will names the mysterious Edward Hyde as the sole beneficiary, Utterson becomes determined to uncover the truth behind this enigmatic figure. The game unfolds through a series of chapters, each revealing more about the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of Victorian London.

Characters

• Gabriel John Utterson: The protagonist and a lawyer, Utterson is a man of principle and rationality. His investigation into Hyde’s true identity drives the narrative forward.
• Dr. Henry Jekyll: A respected scholar and philanthropist, Jekyll harbors a dark secret that ultimately leads to his downfall.
• Edward Hyde: The embodiment of Jekyll’s darker impulses, Hyde is a violent and unpredictable figure who wreaks havoc on the streets of London.
• Hastie Lanyon: An old friend of Jekyll and Utterson, Lanyon plays a crucial role in revealing the truth about Jekyll’s experiments.
• Richard Enfield: A distant relative of Utterson, Enfield provides valuable insights into Hyde’s nefarious activities.
• Sally Tucker: A maid who witnesses Hyde’s violent acts, Tucker’s testimony is instrumental in Utterson’s investigation.

Dialogue

The dialogue in MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is faithful to the original novella, capturing the Victorian-era language and mannerisms. The conversations between characters are rich with detail and nuance, providing insight into their motivations and the societal norms of the time. However, the occasional grammatical error detracts from the overall authenticity.

Themes

The game explores themes of duality, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. Jekyll’s struggle with his darker impulses serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific experimentation and the human psyche’s darker recesses. The narrative also delves into the societal pressures and expectations of Victorian-era London, highlighting the stark contrast between the city’s public facade and its hidden vices.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

The core gameplay loop of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde revolves around exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. Players navigate the streets of Victorian London, interacting with NPCs and gathering clues to unravel the mystery surrounding Hyde. The game’s fixed camera angle and isometric perspective add a layer of immersion, making the player feel like they are truly part of the story.

Combat

There is no traditional combat in MazM: Jekyll & Hyde. Instead, the game relies on puzzle-solving and quick-time events (QTEs) to create tension and engagement. These sequences, while simple, are effective in conveying the urgency and danger of the situations at hand.

Character Progression

Character progression in MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is minimal. The game focuses more on narrative development than character development. However, players can unlock additional content and achievements by completing side quests and collecting hidden items.

UI

The user interface is clean and intuitive, with a minimalist design that complements the game’s visual style. The menu system is easy to navigate, and the dialogue boxes are clear and legible. However, the lack of touchscreen support on the Nintendo Switch version is a noticeable omission.

Innovative or Flawed Systems

One of the game’s innovative features is its use of mini-games to break up the narrative. These mini-games, which include letter deciphering and code-breaking, add a layer of interactivity and challenge. However, some of these sequences feel overly simplistic and do little to enhance the overall experience.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Setting

The game’s setting is a meticulously recreated Victorian-era London, complete with cobblestone streets, gas lamps, and fog-laden alleys. The attention to detail in the environment design is impressive, creating a sense of immersion and authenticity.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is dark and foreboding, perfectly capturing the eerie and macabre nature of the source material. The sketchy, impressionistic art style adds to the game’s unique visual identity, making it stand out in a crowded market.

Visual Direction

The visual direction of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is one of its strongest assets. The character portraits and full-screen stills are particularly striking, with expressive designs that range from stoic to unnerving. The game’s use of color is also noteworthy, with a muted palette that enhances the overall mood.

Sound Design

The sound design of MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is equally impressive. The unsettling audio, which includes dissonant notes and unhinged laughter, drives home the disturbing nature of the story. The soundtrack, while minimal, complements the game’s visuals and narrative perfectly.

Reception & Legacy

Critical Reception

Upon its release, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde received mixed reviews. Critics praised the game’s faithful adaptation of the source material and its atmospheric visuals and sound design. However, many noted that the gameplay mechanics were lackluster and failed to justify the game’s existence as a standalone experience. The game’s average score of 5.5/10 on GameGrin reflects this sentiment.

Commercial Reception

Commercially, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde performed modestly. The game’s free-to-play model on mobile platforms helped it reach a wider audience, but its lack of depth and replayability limited its long-term appeal. The Nintendo Switch and PC versions, while critically acclaimed, failed to generate significant sales.

Influence

Despite its mixed reception, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde has had a lasting influence on the gaming industry. Its unique blend of visual novel storytelling and puzzle-solving has inspired other developers to explore similar genres. The game’s success in adapting a classic literary work has also paved the way for other literary adaptations in the gaming world.

Conclusion

MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is a faithful and atmospheric adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella. Its strengths lie in its visual and sound design, as well as its faithful recreation of the source material’s narrative and themes. However, the game’s limited gameplay mechanics and lack of depth prevent it from standing out as a truly engaging experience. While it is a commendable effort in adapting a classic literary work, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde ultimately falls short of its potential. It serves as a reminder that a good video game adaptation needs to be a good video game first, and a good adaptation second. In the end, MazM: Jekyll & Hyde is a curious artifact in the pantheon of literary adaptations, a game that captures the essence of its source material but struggles to find its own identity.