Today marks the exciting release of Replay Boys, a game that invites you into a world brimming with dark mysteries and classic otome charm, all nestled within a twisted landscape of horror and suspense.
Imagine emergency sirens wailing outside the concert arena, unsettling texts from a friend, and a creeping darkness that suddenly engulfs your vision, only for your workday to begin anew. Welcome to Replay Boys. You step into the shoes of Hannah, tasked as a video editor at a small record label. When a sudden bout of illness sweeps through the staff, you’re left to coach the four members of the Replay Boys. Your mission: get them to the concert, prep them for soundcheck, and manage their inevitable meltdowns. What seems like a lighthearted visual novel about this less-than-perfect modern boy band hides a far more sinister undercurrent.
The game unfolds a darker narrative that challenges players to replay the same day to uncover its hidden truths. Within these repetitive cycles, prepare to encounter ghosts, confront brainwashed fans, and unravel dealings with a mysterious cult. In this relentless loop of time, you will also face crimes that are all too real, such as kidnapping and offenses involving firearms. It’s all set into motion when, inexplicably, a single day continues to repeat itself.
In a conversation with the game’s writer, Bell, an insight is offered into the game’s development. “The story evolved naturally,” she shares. “I love games that make you second-guess your own senses. Visual novels can be eerily unique because so much happens in the player’s imagination. There’s a special thrill in that.”
Replay Boys cleverly intertwines elements of visual novels and horror genres, both of which rely heavily on repetition. Visual novels typically use repeat segments to lead the player to new story branches, while horror media often lulls audiences into a false sense of security, only to shatter it later. In a fresh twist, Replay Boys turns this narrative method into an intrinsic time loop.
The beginning feels like any other visual novel—routine, until an unexpected end whizzes by. As you navigate through repeated days, the tempo intensifies, strange occurrences seep in, and new paths open up. An incoming phone call emits unsettling noises, or a previously inaccessible dark room suddenly becomes open for exploration. As time loops continue, a once-familiar story warps into something uniquely eerie and surreal.
Despite the heavy thematic undertones, the game remains true to its otome roots. “Even with the twists, I wanted each band member to be vibrant and relatable,” Bell adds. “By the end, players should feel like they’ve genuinely earned a character’s trust.”
This Valentine’s Day, dive into a blend of romance and eerie mystery with a quirky boy band. Replay Boys is now available on Xbox One, Series X|S, and through the Xbox app on your PC.
For just $9.99, REPLAY BOYS by Split Narrative Inc. promises a gripping visual novel with multiple endings. Navigate through the story as Hannah, guiding the Replay Boys through internal arguments, and world-altering challenges, deciding their fate with every choice.
