“7’scarlet” Makes Its Way to Nintendo Switch—And It’s More Immersive Than Ever

By Brian k. Neal

Aksys Games has officially dropped 7’scarlet on the Nintendo Switch, bringing one of the most beloved otome mystery adventures back into the spotlight. Whether you’re a longtime visual novel fan or new to the genre, this eerie journey through the town of Okunezato might just be your next obsession.

At its core, 7’scarlet is a gripping tale of mystery and romance. You play as Ichiko, a determined young woman who travels to the seemingly sleepy town of Okunezato to search for her missing brother. But don’t let the town’s peaceful exterior fool you—Okunezato is steeped in urban legends, strange symbols, and cryptic locals who seem to know more than they’re letting on.

Originally released on the PlayStation®Vita, the Switch version levels up with a handful of visual enhancements. Character sprites now feature subtle facial animations like blinking and mouth movements synced to voice acting, while added screen transitions boost the sense of immersion. It’s not quite full-motion anime, but it feels like a step closer.

For collectors and diehard fans, Aksys is also offering an exclusive special edition through their online store. It comes with a charming diorama of the 7’scarlet cast—including the delightfully bizarre Okune Panda, who has definitely earned a few fans of his own.

While the gameplay stays true to the visual novel format—lots of reading, occasional choices, and multiple endings—it’s the branching storylines and high-stakes romantic tension that make it all click. You’re not just unraveling a mystery; you’re navigating emotional ties, psychological twists, and yes, some heart-fluttering moments along the way.

As Otome Kitten once put it in their review of the Vita version: “7’Scarlet is a very well-written mystery-themed visual novel. While the story was so simple, the events were paced so well that every chapter you unlock kept the suspense spellbinding enough to keep you going.”

So if you’re looking for a visual novel that blends gothic mystery with genre-bending romance, 7’scarlet on Switch is definitely worth diving into. Just don’t be surprised if it leaves you questioning every smile, shadow, and secret in Okunezato.