Review of Fun Graphic Novel Find Love or Die Trying PS5

Find Love or Die Trying is a quirky blend of a dating sim and a murder mystery visual novel, offering players a narrative-driven experience with humor, intrigue, and romance. Originally released on PC, its PS5 adaptation brings the game to a broader audience while utilizing the platform’s hardware to enhance its charm. Here’s how it holds up on Sony’s flagship console.

Story and Writing

The game revolves around the protagonist waking up on a mysterious island to find themselves the star of a reality TV dating show. The twist? If you fail to find love, you might not make it out alive. Guided by the enigmatic host Kat and surrounded by five eccentric contestants, you navigate a labyrinth of relationships and plot twists.

The writing is sharp, with a mix of heartfelt moments, witty banter, and absurd scenarios. The contestants—each with distinct personalities and backstories—add depth to the game. Whether it’s the shy and nerdy Yui or the fiery tsundere Tara, the cast feels vibrant and engaging. The game doesn’t shy away from poking fun at the tropes of dating sims and reality TV, making it a meta experience for fans of the genre.

While the humor lands well, the darker elements of the narrative—such as the underlying threat of death and the mystery of the island—add a surprising layer of tension. However, some players might find the tonal shifts jarring, as the game swings between lighthearted romance and grim revelations.

Gameplay

As a visual novel, the gameplay is straightforward: you read through dialogue, make choices, and uncover various story routes. On PS5, the integration of DualSense features—like subtle vibrations during tense moments or audio cues from the controller speaker—adds immersion to an otherwise static experience.

Choices matter in Find Love or Die Trying, with multiple endings based on your interactions and decisions. This encourages replayability as players explore different routes and unravel the island’s mysteries. However, the game’s linearity in some segments can make certain playthroughs feel repetitive.

The pacing is generally strong, though the mid-game section can drag slightly. Some side stories and character arcs feel rushed, leaving players wishing for more depth. Despite these flaws, the overall experience remains enjoyable and addictive.

Visuals and Audio

On PS5, the game’s anime-inspired art style shines with crisp visuals and vibrant colors. Character sprites are expressive, and the backgrounds—ranging from lush tropical settings to eerie control rooms—are beautifully detailed. The transition to the console hasn’t brought significant upgrades, but the visuals remain appealing.

The soundtrack is a highlight, featuring a mix of upbeat tracks for romantic moments and eerie melodies for the mystery sections. Voice acting is minimal but effective, with sound effects and music doing much of the heavy lifting in setting the tone.

Final Thoughts

Find Love or Die Trying is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and suspense. While it doesn’t revolutionize the visual novel genre, it offers a compelling story, memorable characters, and solid replayability. The PS5 version doesn’t add groundbreaking features, but it makes the experience more accessible and polished.

For fans of visual novels, dating sims, or quirky indie titles, Find Love or Die Trying is worth a shot. It’s not without its flaws—particularly in pacing and tonal shifts—but it remains a captivating journey with a lot of heart.