The Shell Part II: Purgatorio is a simulation created by Innocent Grey and Shiravune, serving as the sequel to the mystery experience The Shell Part I: Inferno. This visual novel follows Detective Reiji Tokisaka in a post-war Tokyo that’s about to get consumed by a cult on the rise.

With an additional protagonist, a mix of old and new characters, and the same quality of artwork and voice acting, The Shell Part II: Purgatorio picks up from where the previous game left off. It raises the stakes, and some parts are admittedly darker, like Doki Doki Literature Club.

Resolve curses and fight against god’s retribution

Like its predecessor, The Shell Part II: Purgatorio also deals with dark and mysterious themes. This time, however, Reiji Tokisaka and his new assistant Tomoyuki Masaki are in a race against time. They work to stop an ancient cult from returning, stopping an obsession while Reiji deals with his persisting obsession with Toko Kuchiki—the girl who made the unusual request from Inferno.

People who enjoyed the first game can rest assured that they get the same quality as Inferno. Its anime-style character portraits, applied to both new and returning cast characters, immediately create a sense of continuity. The visuals are paired with professionally done voicework that gives you an immersive experience. More importantly, the new characters stand out and are unique in their respective ways.

It’s understandably challenging to surpass the hype generated by its predecessor. The story and the visuals, at some point in the game, are considerably darker. It has mature content that covers abuse, violence, and language not suitable for younger audiences. Another difference is its significantly shorter gameplay. Five hours of all-new content is respectable, but in no way comparable to the 10 hours of Inferno.

A good sequel, but not better than the first

The Shell Part II: Purgatorio continues the gripping narrative of its predecessor, delving deeper into dark themes and intricate character dynamics. With Reiji and Tomoyuki racing to thwart ancient cults and confront personal obsessions, the game maintains its quality with captivating anime-style visuals and immersive voicework. Despite its shorter gameplay and darker tone, it offers a unique experience that fans of the original will appreciate, albeit with mature content warnings.