Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

3×3 Eyes: Sanjiyan Henjō adopts a classic Japanese-style adventure structure, placing a strong emphasis on exploration, dialogue, and puzzle-solving. Rather than directly controlling Yakumo or Pai, players step into the shoes of Kenichi Yamamoto, an ordinary high school student inadvertently drawn into the supernatural realm. Interaction with the world is handled through a straightforward command menu—“Look,” “Talk,” and “Move”—which streamlines actions and encourages thoughtful investigation of each environment.

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Puzzles in Sanjiyan Henjō range from simple item-based conundrums to more involved logic challenges that require careful reading of character dialogue. The system rewards players who pay attention to clues dropped in conversations with Pai and Yakumo, as well as environmental details. While the difficulty curve remains gentle throughout, occasional obscure solutions may prompt consultation of a guide, though nothing feels unfairly obtuse for seasoned adventure fans.

One of the game’s standout features is its frequent inclusion of animated cutscenes between gameplay segments. These interludes not only break up walking-and-talking sequences but also deliver visual payoffs for narrative milestones. In the console versions, voice-overs bring additional personality to the cast, heightening immersion whenever Pai’s yearning for humanity or Yakumo’s restrained devotion comes to the fore. Overall, the gameplay loop—investigation, puzzle resolution, and cinematic reward—feels cohesive and faithful to the source material.

Graphics

Visually, Sanjiyan Henjō leans heavily on its anime roots, presenting character sprites and background art that will feel instantly familiar to fans of the 3×3 Eyes series. Sprites are crisply drawn, with detailed facial expressions that react dynamically during conversations. Even in dialogue-heavy segments, small changes in posture or eye movement breathe life into each interaction, reinforcing the emotional stakes behind Pai’s quest for humanity and Kenichi’s desperate need for escape.

Background environments showcase a wide variety of urban and supernatural locales, from shadowed school corridors to mist-shrouded demon sanctuaries. Color palettes shift appropriately—muted earth tones for tense investigation scenes, brighter hues when Pai’s warmth shines through. The game occasionally layers subtle animations—swaying lanterns or drifting petals—that keep static screens from feeling stale during longer dialogue passages.

The animated cutscenes themselves stand out as visual highlights, blending hand-drawn frames with limited motion to evoke the feel of the original anime. While not full-motion video, these sequences capture key character moments and action beats with surprising polish. On consoles equipped with voice acting, lip-sync frames align convincingly, further selling the illusion of an interactive 3×3 Eyes episode rather than a simple point-and-click adventure.

Story

As a side story to the main 3×3 Eyes saga, Sanjiyan Henjō strikes a careful balance between fresh perspectives and core mythology. Rather than retread Yakumo and Pai’s established journey, it introduces Kenichi Yamamoto as a newly afflicted human whose fate hinges on Pai’s powers and Yakumo’s loyalty. This shift in viewpoint opens up narrative possibilities, examining how an ordinary teenager copes with the horrors and wonders of the three-eyed demon world.

The central storyline revolves around Kenichi’s quest to break free from demonic entanglement, with Pai’s eternal yearning to reclaim her humanity offering a poignant counterpoint. Dialogue-driven scenes delve into themes of identity, sacrifice, and friendship, as Kenichi finds unexpected allies in the very demons he fears. Moments of levity—such as Pai’s childlike curiosity about modern Japanese high school life—help ground the supernatural stakes in relatable emotions.

Throughout, the writing remains respectful to the original manga and anime, dropping lore tidbits for series veterans while guiding newcomers through the cultural and mystical concepts at play. The pacing toggles effectively between investigative tension and character-driven reflection, culminating in several dramatic reveals that feel earned. Though the narrative may not rewrite the 3×3 Eyes canon, it enriches the universe by spotlighting the humanity beneath its mythic trappings.

Overall Experience

3×3 Eyes: Sanjiyan Henjō offers a well-rounded adventure for fans of narrative-driven games and devotees of the 3×3 Eyes franchise. Its measured pacing and emphasis on dialogue may feel slow to those seeking constant action, but the blend of investigation, puzzle-solving, and animated storytelling creates a compelling rhythm that rewards patient play. The game’s reliance on menus and text-based choices harkens back to classic Japanese adventure design, making it a nostalgic treat for genre aficionados.

Immersive audiovisual presentation elevates the experience, with faithful sprite work, atmospheric backgrounds, and cinematic cutscenes that capture the essence of the original anime. Voice-overs in the console editions add an extra layer of polish, though the core game remains equally enjoyable for purists who prefer reading every line. Interacting with Pai and Yakumo as they guide—or sometimes misguide—Kenichi through perilous supernatural territory becomes a highlight, with character chemistry anchoring the player’s emotional investment.

While Sanjiyan Henjō doesn’t radically reinvent the visual-novel/adventure formula, it carves out its own niche within the 3×3 Eyes mythos. The game excels at humanizing its cast, weaving thematic depth into straightforward puzzles, and delivering fan-service cutscenes that will resonate with long-standing followers of Pai’s saga. For players curious about the world of three-eyed demons or seeking a thoughtful, character-focused adventure, Sanjiyan Henjō stands as an engaging and memorable journey.

Retro Replay Score

null/10