The official spin-off of Other Serial Experiments is coming soon in the form of a game called //signal.. The game is scheduled for release on April 30 and brings an interactive experience that delves deeper into the enigmatic world of the classic anime. With the concept of occultic role-playing gameThe project attracted the attention of fans who wanted to explore more about Lain Iwakura's character and the world. Wired.
A Play Experience that Explores the Mystery
As a narrative-based game, //signal. allows players to interact with characters from the anime and reassemble various email as well as a log of events from the past. The player must reconnect the broken links and trace the scattered pieces of information, uncovering a new perspective on Lain Iwakura's character.
The concept emphasizes exploration and interpretation, where the player not only follows the established storyline, but also builds their own understanding of the mystery. Other Serial Experiments. With this approach, games deliver a more immersive experience compared to conventional games.
Official Project with Support from Chiaki J. Konaka
Chiaki J. Konaka, the scriptwriter of the original anime, also gave his support to this project. Team MJM shared a letter from Konaka who appreciated the game as an interpretation that stays true to the essence of the original story.
Licensed by NBCUniversal Entertainment, //signal. is not just an experimental project, but part of an official work that utilizes the opportunities of the creative guidelines that have been established since 2019 and 2028. These guidelines allow creators in Japan to develop derivative projects from Other Serial ExperimentsHowever, this is on the condition that it retains the essence of the characters, world, and philosophical themes that characterize this anime. With this rule, //signal. become part of the official ecosystem Other Serial Experiments that still honors the original concept.
Availability
Developed by Team MJM, //signal. will be available in digital format on Steam and itch.io for 1,000 yen (approximately USD 7 or IDR 110,000). In addition, the physical version in the form of a limited-edition CD-ROM will be sold for 1,700 yen (approximately USD 11 or IDR 185,000). The game can be played on both Windows and macOS operating systems, allowing wider access for players.
The game is officially licensed under the guidelines published by NBCUniversal Entertainment.
Link to Other Serial Experiments and its Anime Legacy
Other Serial Experiments is a cyberpunk anime that first aired from July to September 1998 with a total of 13 episodes. The anime was directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura, with a screenplay written by Chiaki J. Konaka, and character designs by Yoshitoshi ABe.
Other Serial Experiments was originally designed as a game before being adapted into an anime. The game version was released by PIONEER LDC for PlayStation in November 1998, with an experimental approach different from conventional games. In addition, in 2023, the project ARG titled Layer 3301: De-Cipher announced, but canceled four months after the announcement.
With the presence of //signal.legacy Other Serial Experiments It continues in an interactive form, allowing new and old generations to re-experience the story with a different approach.
//signal. brings a new perspective to world exploration Other Serial Experiments through narrative-based gameplay. As an official project with support from Chiaki J. Konaka, the game gives players the chance to dive back into the mystery surrounding the character of Lain Iwakura. With a release date of April 30, this game is one spin-off worth keeping an eye on for old and new fans alike.
Source: Famitsu
