Death Note: Killer Within – An Anime-Infused Among Us Experience

Bandai Namco's new game, Death Note: Killer Within, is set to launch on November 5th, bringing the thrilling world of Death Note to a social deduction game reminiscent of Among Us. This online-only title will be available on PC via Steam, PS4, and PS5, and is included as a free PlayStation Plus title for November.

A New Twist on Social Deduction

Developed by Grounding, Inc., Death Note: Killer Within pits players against each other as either Kira, the enigmatic killer, or members of L's investigative team. Up to ten players participate in each session, engaging in a strategic game of deception and deduction. The Death Note itself is hidden amongst the players, creating a tense cat-and-mouse chase.

Players can unlock various cosmetic items, including seven types of accessories and special effects, adding a layer of personalization to the experience. Voice chat is recommended for effective teamwork and strategic planning.

Pricing and Potential Challenges

The game's price for non-PlayStation Plus subscribers remains unannounced. There are concerns that a high price point might hinder its success, mirroring the initial struggles of Fall Guys before its transition to a free-to-play model. The strong Death Note IP, however, could help it stand out in the competitive party game market.

Gameplay Mechanics

Death Note: Killer Within features two main phases:

• Action Phase: Players move through the game world, gathering clues and completing tasks while simultaneously scrutinizing each other for suspicious behavior. Kira secretly uses the Death Note to eliminate NPCs or other players.
• Meeting Phase: Players convene to discuss their suspicions, vote to identify Kira, and attempt to bring the killer to justice (or potentially wrongly accuse an innocent teammate).

Unique to Death Note: Killer Within, Kira has followers who communicate privately and can even acquire the Death Note. Investigators, meanwhile, utilize clues to narrow down the suspects. L possesses special abilities, including surveillance cameras and the power to influence discussions during the Meeting Phase.

Teamwork and deception are paramount to victory. The game's success will depend on its ability to engage both existing fans of the Death Note franchise and newcomers to the social deduction genre.