I did it. I wasn't planning on ever doing a review for anything but, after almost two years, perfecting and reading DMMD many times, I decided I wanted to leave a review. In this review I want provide character information that might be helpful for those who are considering DRAMAtical Murder, and a few things I would have appreciated knowing before I dove in blind. Not to mention a small addition of what I really loved and enjoyed. I don't plan to spoil anything but, if spoiler is needed, I will make sure that it is marked.

In all my years of reading visual novels nothing compares to DMMD. The game has many hours’ worth of content, five routes you can go, and multiple endings. The game has an incredible cast of characters, as well as a super dynamic protagonist with a well established personality that still changes in unique ways depending on which route you go. I would highly recommend DMMD to anyone looking for a masterfully written story with lots of lore. DMMD has an incredible OST with stunning visuals, checking every box and beyond that I’ve ever looked for in this genre of game. It will continue bringing me back again and again.

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Our chaotic cast consists of our protagonist, Aoba and our 5 main love interests in the story that you can follow (5th is locked). Here I will give you a brief overview of our cast with as little deep in game info as possible to inform you. I would recommend reading every route, and I will give a recommended route order based on the what I feel would be the most enjoyable and plot chronological. Its important to note as well that you don’t have to read all the routes to enjoy the game but, if you want the complete story I would say it’s necessary to understanding. I will also supply you with some knowledge of what you might want to be aware of before doing each route.
**Please be aware some statements I use will be things you discover about the characters with removed context, my goal is to make sure the characters aren't spoiled while also informing you, I wont point these out to give you the chance to enjoy the full experience of discovering in the story.

The Main Cast goes as follows:

Koujaku – The Flirtatious Lady Killer and Charming Childhood Friend who can occasionally be quick tempered, he is a wandering hairdresser with a reputation and a following, always in a constant state of denial in his feelings for our protagonist.

What you need to be aware of for Koujaku’s Route: Koujaku’s route deals with a lot of traumatic events that deal with Koujaku’s past, a lot of blood, further characterization of Aoba, as well some very sweet nostalgic moments, but most importantly a critical route exclusive minor antagonist that takes the place of the usual main antagonist for the game. Koujaku’s route is one of the best ones, However his route touches the least on the overarching plot of the story, focusing on the lore and history of Koujaku and Aoba, and it doesn't truly touch the full picture. I believe his route should be played first, and it’s a very good introductory experience to the game and to story’s the world building.

Noiz – The Neglected Trust Fund Baby who was isolated from society, unable to feel pain and comprehend it, obsessed with rhyme and an unbroken winning streak, he the leader of a rhyme gang who deals information.

What you need to be aware of for Noiz’s Route: Noiz is a little special in that he has two bad endings unlike the other characters, both are equally freaky. I absolutely loved Noiz’s route, but there is a moment in the route that is an absolute mind f*ck if you aren’t prepared for it with glitching/broken game effects. The visuals are especially stunning on his route, but again you will want to prepare yourself for the game to appear broken when you reach the climax of his route. Noiz’s route touches somewhat upon the big picture but is mostly focused on his character development rather then the overall story plot, thus it leaves quite a bit out but gives more then Koujaku’s route. I would recommend playing his route second.

Clear – The mysterious man from unknown origins who wears a gasmask, accompanied by a seemingly avid fear of anyone seeing his face, he is cheerful and upbeat with a love for jellyfish, but will never take his mask off for any reason.

What you need to be aware of for Clear’s Route: Oh boy, the sunshine boy. If you are a fan of anime or games in general, you will probably know that the sunshine characters can sometimes have the saddest or most tragic routes. I believe Clear is no exception to that. Clear’s route is beautifully emotional and reaches way beyond the stereotypical expectations of his character upon first impression. This route surprised me, but I can’t deny it was the most emotionally provoking route, bringing tears to my eyes which is a feat. Clear’s route is lore heavy along with Mink, neither of them are as pure lore as the final route but both do a great job of the plot building. I read Clear’s route last on my original playthrough, but I feel as if Clear’s route would be best played Third, before Mink.

Mink – The Criminal Leader who escaped from prison to form a gang with other escapees, tied by chains in his past, he is spiritual, steadfast, and cold, prepared to use any method to pursue and complete his singular goal.

What you need to be aware of for Mink’s Route: If you got this far, this is the most important warning I believe I can possibly provide. Mink’s route is unlike any of the other routes, including the final. It ends the most openly and feels unresolved. Mink’s route is also devoid of romance. Notably his route is properly resolved in the sequel and done so beautifully. Even after going through the entire game it did not prepare me for his route. Mink’s route is critical to the story. HOWEVER, If there was any route I’d give a content warning for, it would be Mink's. Mink is a very cold character and does some seriously messed up things to the protagonist, his route directly involves emotional & physical ab*se, r*pe, and sexual violence. (Virus and Trip's ending as well) I’m taking the time to genuinely warn anyone who is reading this. Mink is not inherently a bad guy, this is touched on by Aoba’s reflections by the end. But, that is still NO EXCUSE for the things he does to our protagonist. Mink is a deeply complex character with many faults, but also the most misunderstood. With that, I would still recommend you play Mink’s route. It took me a while to accept the events of his route and I am also not endorsing anything he has done, (As I have been personally affected) but the route is still important. All in all, if you plan to read this route you have been thoroughly warned, and prepare yourself. Mink’s route I believe should be read last before the final.

#5 -Ren – Aoba's Allmate who is calm, collected, reliable, and always there for Aoba. Aoba cares deeply for him, and the feeling is intensely mutual. They are connected always; however he might not be just an Allmate…

What you need to be aware of for Ren’s Route: There is not much to say here other then this is the final and true route, this route covers all of the lore and any missing holes that the other routes do not touch upon. Ren’s route is written beautifully, and is most definitely worth the wait of unlocking it. There’s not a lot I can say without spoiling, but if you do plan on obtaining all of the endings, please be aware that Ren has one bad ending that is very gory, the other branches off and becomes Virus and Trip's ending.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read all of this, and if anything I hope something i've said has sparked you to dive into the incredible world of DRAMAtical Murder! I only wish I had space to say more, so thank you again!
- Nat <3