Kira supporters, brace yourselves; Bandai Namco just unveiled a video game adaptation of the hit murder mystery anime series. The game is called Death Note: Killer Within and it will launch very soon on November 5, 2024, for PS4, PS5, and PC via Steam. Although you and up to 10 players can play together via cross-play before long, you might want to temper your expectations a bit.
First up, while it isn’t your common Bandai anime fighter, Death Note: Killer Within is an Among Us-inspired social deduction game. Players can side with either Kira’s team to eliminate threats and keep the Death Note hidden, or go to L’s side as detectives. To mix things up, Kira and his followers can transfer Death Note between each other while L can narrow down suspects through ‘instructions’ and ‘meetings.’
Second, you don’t exactly play as Kira, L, or any other character in the anime. Instead, all players will control a chess piece resembling the anime cast. Thankfully, you can also customize them with accessories, custom nameplates, and special animations. Watch the Death Note: Killer Within avatars in action in the reveal trailer below.
Previously, Kira and Ryuk often appeared in several Shonen Jump-themed crossover games such as Jump Force but rarely in standalone games. Especially one that’s available outside of Japan. For that reason, most fans are ecstatic about Death Note‘s first solo foray into the gaming world in English.
One YouTube commenter excitedly said, “Honestly thank god it’s somehow not another generic arena fighter or mobile game.” Another one chimed in, “Interesting concept for a death note game. Might be an among us style with a spin.”
However, not all Death Note fans are happy with this game, perhaps expecting something more complex. “What the hell is this,” wrote a YouTube commenter followed by a crying emoji. “Ain’t no way this is the gameplay,” said another. One commenter wrote, “Death Note deserves so much better than this.”
For Death Note fans hoping for something fresh, and for those who are tired of run-of-the-mill anime game adaptations, Killer Within could prove to be an intriguing twist. Just make sure you don’t act too sus and laugh maniacally around your friends.
