Bandai Namco's new game, Death Note: Killer Within, is a social deduction game launching November 5th, reminiscent of Among Us but steeped in the Death Note universe. Available on PC, PS4, and PS5, it's included in PlayStation Plus's November free games lineup.
Developed by Grounding, Inc., Death Note: Killer Within pits players as either Kira, the notorious killer, or members of L's investigative team. Up to ten players engage in a thrilling game of deception and deduction, aiming to expose Kira or protect their team leader. Gameplay unfolds in two phases: an Action Phase where players gather clues and Kira makes secret moves, and a Meeting Phase where accusations fly and votes determine fates.
The game features character customization with unlockable accessories and special effects. Cross-platform play is enabled between PC (Steam) and PlayStation consoles, facilitating a larger player base. While initially free for PlayStation Plus subscribers, the PC pricing remains unannounced, raising concerns about potential market competitiveness given its similarity to other deduction games. The developers recommend using voice chat for enhanced strategic communication.
Unlike Among Us, Kira possesses followers who assist through private communication and ID theft. L, conversely, benefits from unique investigative abilities, including surveillance camera deployment. Success hinges on teamwork and skillful deception. The game's potential for dramatic moments and viral online content is significant, depending on its reception and pricing strategy. Its success might depend on whether it can differentiate itself from the established social deduction game market, avoiding a similar fate to Fall Guys' initial lukewarm reception despite its PlayStation Plus launch.
