View source for Twilight Syndrome


{{Infobox video game series
| title = Twilight Syndrome
| image = Twilight syndrome logo.png
| platforms = [[PlayStation (console)|PlayStation]], [[Nintendo DS]]
| developer = {{ubl|[[Human Entertainment]]|[[Spike (company)|Spike]]}}
| publisher = {{ubl|Human Entertainment|Spike}}
| genre = [[Adventure game|Adventure]],
| first release version = ''Twilight Syndrome: Tansaku-hen''
| first release date = 1 March 1996
| latest release version = ''Twilight Syndrome: Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu''
| latest release date = 24 July 2008
}}
{{nihongo foot|'''''Twilight Syndrome'''''|トワイライトシンドローム|Towairaito Shindorōmu|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is a horror-themed [[adventure game]] series released exclusively in Japan. It was created by [[Human Entertainment]] and continued by [[Spike (company)|Spike]] after Human folded in the late 1990s. The games follow high school students investigating [[urban legend]]s about ghosts and other paranormal happenings in their school and neighborhood.

The first two games were directed by [[Goichi Suda]] and released for the PlayStation in 1996. Suda entered the position partway through development and thus did not have much creative input. He was more deeply involved with the next game in the series, ''[[Moonlight Syndrome]]'', but left Human shortly after to found his own company, [[Grasshopper Manufacture]]. The series was retained by Spike, which released a spiritual sequel in the form of ''[[Yuuyami Doori Tankentai]]'', before releasing two more ''Twilight Syndrome'' games, one for the PlayStation in 2000 and a Nintendo DS game in 2008.

The games have been praised for their atmosphere and realistic [[3D Sound|3D sound]]. Three live-action films based on the series have been released in Japan.

== Story ==
[[File:Twilight_Syndrome_screenshot.png|thumb|right|Screenshot from ''Twilight Syndrome: Tansaku-hen'' with Yukari, Chisato, and Mika in a classroom. The game features  pseudo-3D graphics for levels.<ref name=":17" />]]
The games are set in contemporary Japan, and follow high school students investigating [[urban legend]]s about ghosts and other paranormal events in their school and neighborhood. The first two volumes follow the adventures of Yukari Hasegawa, Chisato Itsushima, and Mika Kishii exploring rumors at Hinashiro Highschool and across town.<ref name=":17">{{Cite magazine |last=Los Pakos |date=December 2003 - January 2004 |title=Especial Horror: Twilight Syndrome |magazine=Gametype |publisher=Megamultimedia |location=Spain |page=61 |language=es |issue=16}}</ref> Chisato is unique among her peers in that she has [[psychic powers]] and can detect spiritual phenomenon.<ref name=":17" /> The sequel ''[[Moonlight Syndrome]]'' stars the original characters from the first pair of ''Twilight Syndrome'' games, but takes place in a [[Parallel universes in fiction|parallel reality]].<ref name="SudaMagazine3">{{cite magazine |last=Masahiro |first=Yuuki |date=22 April 2003 |script-title=ja:「『ファイプロ スペシャル』『シルバー事件』を創った男」 |magazine=Continue |pages=130–131 |language=ja |volume=9}}</ref> 

''Twilight Syndrome: Saikai'' features an original plot with new characters and doesn't continue the storyline of the previous games.<ref name=":15">{{Cite web |date=2000 |title=第１回 プランナー ： 高見亜希さん（前編） |url=http://www.spike-online.net:80/twilight/stff/s_01.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050205115354/http://www.spike-online.net/twilight/stff/s_01.html |archive-date=5 February 2005 |website=Spike |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite web |date=12 December 2002 |title=スパイク、「トワイライトシンドローム」のiアプリゲームを配信 |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/0212/12/n_spike.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182406/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/mobile/0212/12/n_spike.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |website=www.itmedia.co.jp |df=dmy-all}}</ref> ''Twilight Syndrome: Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'' also features original characters. It follows Mizuki and her two friends, Riko and Reika, who she meets after moving to a new high school.<ref name=":4">{{Cite magazine |title=DS『トワイライトシンドローム 禁じられた都市伝説』の主演の3人がPR【映像メッセージつき】 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1216092_1124.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182425/https://www.famitsu.com/game/news/1216092_1124.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref> After students begin receiving mysterious [[Chain letter|chain e-mail]] from an anonymous sender, the three girls decide to investigate.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=14 April 2008 |title=シリーズ最高の恐怖をあなたに……『トワイライトシンドローム』新作がDSで登場 |url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/073/73809/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182115/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/073/73809/ |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=電撃オンライン |language=ja-JP |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":16">{{Cite magazine |title=トワイライトシンドローム 禁じられた都市伝説 (DS)のレビュー |url=https://www.famitsu.com/game/title/4234/reviews |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430204010/https://www.famitsu.com/game/title/4234/reviews |archive-date=30 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-30 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja}}</ref>

== Gameplay ==
''Twilight Syndrome'' is a series of [[adventure game]]s about high school students investigating paranormal [[urban legend]]s.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=http://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/horror2016/hr-review031|script-title=ja:レトルト「本当にのめり込んでプレイした作品」『トワイライトシンドローム』【ホラゲレビュー百物語】|date=1 August 2016|work=電ファミニコゲーマー|access-date=18 August 2018|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182123/http://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/horror2016/hr-review031|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":3" /> The investigation of each rumor is split into individual chapters.<ref name=":12">{{Cite book|title=トワイライトシンドローム 探索編 ''instruction manual''|publisher=Human Entertainment|year=1996|location=Japan|language=ja}}</ref><ref name=":13">{{Cite book|publisher=Human Entertainment|year=1996|location=Japan|language=ja|script-title=ja:トワイライトシンドローム 究明編}}</ref> Typically each chapter begins with the characters discussing a rumor and then embarking to investigate it on foot.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> The environments are explored in a [[Side-scrolling video game|side-scrolling]] manner,<ref name=":1" /> and the game periodically shifts to still image scenes with scrolling text.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> The games have heavy [[visual novel]] elements<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Kalata |first=Kurt |date=15 September 2017 |title=Clock Tower (Super Famicom) |url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/clock-tower/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180624150849/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/clock-tower/ |archive-date=24 June 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=Hardcore Gaming 101 |language=en-US |df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the player must make numerous dialog choices during their adventure that will affect how the investigation progresses. If successful at making the correct decisions, the player will clear the scenario with the normal or best ending and unlock the next scenario. If it is failed, the player must retry.<ref name=":12" /><ref name=":13" /> 

The first games employ a [[2.5D|pseudo-3D]] graphical effect showcasing levels that include school corridors, libraries, and classrooms.<ref name=":17" /> ''Twilight Syndrome: Saikai'' introduced 3D polygonal graphics to the series, in a marked change to previous games.<ref name=":18" /> ''Saikai'' also contains a [[photo mode]] where pictures of the school can be taken.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜再会〜 (PS)の関連情報 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/games/t/4235/ |access-date=2024-05-03 |magazine=Famitsu}}</ref> The realistic [[Surround sound|3D sound]] effects are a staple in the series, and are best experienced with headphones.<ref name=":3" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=トワイライトシンドローム 探索編 {{!}} ソフトウェアカタログ {{!}} プレイステーション® オフィシャルサイト |url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00102.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182518/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00102.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |website=PlayStation |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=トワイライトシンドローム 究明編 {{!}} ソフトウェアカタログ {{!}} プレイステーション® オフィシャルサイト |url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00405.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182557/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps00405.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |website=PlayStation |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The [[heart rate monitor]] on screen is another repeating element in the series which would increase in the presence of a spirit.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":3" />

''Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'' introduces touch screen elements, such as using a mobile phone in-game.<ref name=":5" />

== History ==
[[File:Twilight_Syndrome_video_scene.jpg|thumb|left|To create the character graphics in the first pair of games, Human Entertainment used footage of actors walking in front of a [[Chroma key|blue screen]].]]
The series was launched by [[Human Entertainment]] in 1996.<ref name=":17" /> At the time, the company was working with [[Surround sound|3D sound]] technology on arcade machines. The sound effects were received well by players, and the sound team thought it would be interesting to develop a game based on school ghost stories using this technology.<ref name=":72">{{Cite news|url=https://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/suda-51-interview-about-adventure-games-and-silver-case-in-tgs-2016/|title=須田剛一インタビュー 「オールドスクールのアドベンチャーゲームを一回ぶっ壊して、再構築したかった」、ヒューマン時代から『シルバー事件』に至る反動 {{!}} AUTOMATON|last=Fukuyama|first=Koji|date=30 September 2016|work=AUTOMATON|access-date=19 August 2018|language=ja-JP|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182401/https://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/suda-51-interview-about-adventure-games-and-silver-case-in-tgs-2016/|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> Development began but soon it was not progressing well.<ref name=":72" /> The game's director had scheduling conflicts, so [[Goichi Suda]] was put in charge as director after finishing work on ''[[Super Fire Pro Wrestling Special]]'' (1994).<ref name="ANNsudaInfo2"/><ref name="SilverANN2" /> Only three of the planned ten scenarios had been developed with only three months left of development time. In order to manage timelines, Suda divided the scenarios between two releases. Most of the game was already planned so he did not have much creative input.<ref name="ANNsudaInfo2"/><ref name="SilverANN2" /> The first five scenarios were released as ''Twilight Syndrome: Tansaku-hen'' on 1 March 1996,<ref name=":72" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4237|title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜探索編〜の評価・レビューとブログ [PS]|work=ファミ通|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182331/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4237|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and the final five scenarios following the same storyline were released four months later on 19 July as ''Kyūmei-hen''.<ref name=":72" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4236|title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜究明編〜の評価・レビューとブログ [PS]|work=ファミ通|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819192359/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4236|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Following the release of the original two games, Suda began work on ''Moonlight Syndrome''. As writer and director, Suda was able to have significant creative input this time around.<ref name="SudaMagazine3"/> While the original games focused on supernatural horror, Suda wanted to shift away from paranormal elements and write about violent incidents caused by people.<ref name="SudaMagazine3"/><ref name="SilverANN2" /><ref name="SudaInterviewMoonlight">{{cite web |last=Fukuyama |first=Koji |date=30 September 2016 |url=http://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/suda-51-interview-about-adventure-games-and-silver-case-in-tgs-2016/ |script-title=ja:須田剛一インタビュー 「オールドスクールのアドベンチャーゲームを一回ぶっ壊して、再構築したかった」、ヒューマン時代から『シルバー事件』に至る反動 |website=Automaton |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161121140235/http://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/suda-51-interview-about-adventure-games-and-silver-case-in-tgs-2016/ |archive-date=21 November 2016}}</ref> After the game was released on 9 October 1997,<ref name="FamReview">{{cite magazine |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16814 |script-title=ja:(PS) ムーンライト シンドローム |magazine=[[Famitsu]] |language=ja |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160827142557/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=16814 |archive-date=27 August 2016}}</ref> Suda decided to leave Human Entertainment as he was unsatisfied with his bonuses, and felt the company would soon be bankrupt.<ref name="SilverKiller">{{cite web |url=http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070310/ghm.htm |script-title=ja:"Punk's Not Dead"須田剛一氏トークセッション 〜未来へ向けたゲーム作りが我々の職務〜 |website=Game Watch Impress |date=10 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309062934/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20070310/ghm.htm |archive-date=9 March 2016 |access-date=10 December 2016}}</ref><ref name="ANNsudaInfo2"/> Following his departure, he formed his own company [[Grasshopper Manufacture]].<ref name="SilverAUT">{{cite web |last=Umise |first=Minoru |date=22 July 2016 |url=http://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/siver-case-director-goichi-suda-interview/ |script-title=ja:『シルバー事件』の始まり、そしてシナリオライターとして目覚めたきっかけ。須田剛一氏インタビュー |website=Automaton |publisher=[[Active Gaming Media]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160722185221/http://jp.automaton.am/articles/interviewsjp/siver-case-director-goichi-suda-interview/ |archive-date=22 July 2016 |access-date=23 July 2016}}</ref>

After Human Entertainment folded in the late 1990s, some of the former staff went on to form [[Spike (company)|Spike]] including some involved with ''Twilight Syndrome''.<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Untold History of Japanese Game Developers|last=Szczepaniak|first=John|publisher=S.M.G. Szczepaniak|year=2015|isbn=9780992926007|pages=266|oclc=890601504}}</ref><ref name=":83">{{Cite web|url=http://www.spike-online.net:80/yuyami/press/press_frame3.html|title=あと100日で、誰か死ぬ|date=1999|website=Spike|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071121135323/http://www.spike-online.net/yuyami/press/press_frame3.html|archive-date=21 November 2007|url-status=usurped|access-date=14 August 2018|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The staff decided they wanted to develop a game that borrowed heavily from ''Twilight Syndrome''<nowiki/>'s gameplay system,<ref name=":222">{{Cite news|url=http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/920/920673/|title=PS『夕闇通り探検隊』15周年記念。伝説の隠れた名作ホラーゲームの思い出を語る【周年連載】|date=15 September 2014|work=電撃オンライン|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115161717/http://dengekionline.com/elem/000/000/920/920673/|archive-date=15 January 2018|url-status=live|language=ja-JP}}</ref><ref name=":83"/> and added a new sense of realism.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.spike-online.net:80/yuyami/kaihatsu/kokodake3.html|script-title=ja:開発情報＜ここだけのオ・ハ・ナ・シ 前編＞|date=1999|website=Spike|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704014715/http://www.spike-online.net/yuyami/kaihatsu/kokodake3.html|archive-date=4 July 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref> After two and a half years of development,<ref name=":52">{{Cite web|url=http://www.spike-online.net:80/yuyami/kaihatsu/kokodake3_1.html|title=開発情報＜ここだけのオ・ハ・ナ・シ 後編＞ (Part 2)|date=1999|website=Spike|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070704014651/http://www.spike-online.net/yuyami/kaihatsu/kokodake3_1.html|archive-date=4 July 2007|url-status=usurped}}</ref> ''[[Yuuyami Doori Tankentai]]'' was released on 7 October 1999<ref name=":02">{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=18868|script-title=ja:夕闇通り探検隊|magazine=Famitsu|language=ja|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130627173610/http://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title&title_id=18868|archive-date=27 June 2013|url-status=live|access-date=13 August 2018}}</ref> in limited quantities.<ref name=":14">{{Cite news|url=http://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/horror2016/hr-review016|script-title=ja:「写実的なグラフィックに妙な説得力アリ」『夕闇通り探検隊』【ホラゲレビュー百物語】|date=26 July 2016|work=電ファミニコゲーマー|access-date=13 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171107180756/http://news.denfaminicogamer.jp/horror2016/hr-review016|archive-date=7 November 2017|url-status=live|language=ja-JP}}</ref> The game is set in a city in economic decline during [[Lost Decades|Japan's recession of the 1990s]], three junior high students explore urban legends in their town.<ref name=":42">{{Cite news |last=Crimmins |first=Brian |date=2 August 2017 |title=Suburban Decay {{!}} Yuuyami Doori Tankentai |url=http://www.heterotopiaszine.com/2017/08/02/suburban-decay-yuuyami-doori-tankentai/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180130055152/http://www.heterotopiaszine.com/2017/08/02/suburban-decay-yuuyami-doori-tankentai/ |archive-date=30 January 2018 |access-date=13 August 2018 |work=Heterotopias |language=en-GB}}</ref> It is considered a spiritual sequel to the original series.<ref name=":15" /> 

The producer from ''Yuuyami Doori Tankentai'' later reprised his role for the next game in the series, ''Twilight Syndrome: Saikai''. The team sought for the new game to evolve on the original series formula in the same way as ''Yuuyami Doori Tantenkai''.<ref name=":72" /> They included lead male characters and junior high students to add variety, and added a new photo mode to walk around the school and [[Spirit photography|take photos of spirits]].<ref name=":15" /> The previous games had 2D characters over 3D backgrounds, so this was the first in the series to use 3D polygons for the characters as well.<ref name=":15" /><ref name=":72" /> It was released on 27 July 2000.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4235|title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜再会〜の評価・レビューとブログ [PS]|work=ファミ通|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182212/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4235|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

The fourth game, subtitled ''Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'', was released on the [[Nintendo DS]] on 24 July 2008.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4234|title=トワイライトシンドローム 禁じられた都市伝説の評価・レビューとブログ [DS] /|work=ファミ通|access-date=19 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182321/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4234|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> The game borrows the same adventure gameplay as in earlier series entries, but uses the DS's touch screen for additional interactivity with in-game objects.<ref name=":3" /> The development team included horror film director [[Osamu Fukutani]],<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2008/04/14/spike-scares-ds-owners-with-twilight-syndrome/|title=Spike scares DS owners with Twilight Syndrome|date=14 April 2008|work=Siliconera|access-date=18 August 2018|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182209/http://www.siliconera.com/2008/04/14/spike-scares-ds-owners-with-twilight-syndrome/|archive-date=19 August 2018|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref> and live actors were used to photograph the in-game images and record dialogue.<ref name=":4" /> The team used [[binaural recording]] methods from Arnis Sound Technologies to record the sound, making for convincing 3D sound atmosphere if played with headphones.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=22 May 2008 |title=「トワイライトシンドローム」が映画化。ゲームを題材にした「デッドクルーズ」と「デッドゴーランド」の2本を順次公開 |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080522/ts.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182341/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080522/ts.htm |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=Game Watch |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":6">{{Cite web |date=23 July 2008 |title=スパイク、「トワイライトシンドローム 禁じられた都市伝説」。出演した"リアル"女子校生3人娘にインタビュー |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080723/ts.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182222/https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080723/ts.htm |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=Game Watch |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

== Release history ==
{| class="wikitable"
|+
!Name
!System
!Publisher
!Release date
!Notes
|-
|{{nihongo foot|'''''Twilight Syndrome: Tansaku-hen'''''|トワイライトシンドローム 探索編|Towairaito Shindorōmu Tansaku-hen|lit. ''Twilight Syndrome: Search volume''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}
|PlayStation
|Human Entertainment
|March 1, 1996
| rowspan="2" |''Tansaku-hen'' and ''Kyūmei-hen'' were initially planned to be one game, but were split into two volumes due to development timelines.<ref name="ANNsudaInfo2">{{cite web |last=Ciolek |first=Todd |date=21 July 2015 |title=The Art of Japanese Video Game Design With Suda51 |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2015-07-21/the-art-of-japanese-video-game-design-with-suda51/.90633 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160409040852/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/interview/2015-07-21/the-art-of-japanese-video-game-design-with-suda51/.90633 |archive-date=9 April 2016 |access-date=8 December 2016 |website=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref><ref name="SilverANN2">{{cite web |last=Ciolek |first=Todd |date=22 July 2015 |title=The X Button - How Suda Is Now |url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2015-07-22/how-suda-is-now/.90757 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606113921/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2015-07-22/how-suda-is-now/.90757 |archive-date=6 June 2016 |access-date=23 July 2016 |website=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> A compilation package of both games, titled ''Twilight Syndrome: Special'', was released on July 2, 1998.<ref>{{Cite web |title=トワイライトシンドローム スペシャル {{!}} ソフトウェアカタログ {{!}} プレイステーション® オフィシャルサイト |url=https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps01442.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182609/https://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/slps01442.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |website=PlayStation |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref> A mobile version of ''Kyūmei-hen'' was released in 2008.<ref name=":11">{{Cite web |date=15 October 2008 |script-title=ja:『探索編』の謎が解明される 『トワイライトシンドローム 究明編』が配信開始 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/1219062_1350.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182329/https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/1219062_1350.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |website=ファミ通 |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |date=2 February 2009 |script-title=ja:女子高生3人が学校の怪談を探索！『トワイライトシンドローム究明編』追加シナリオが配信 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/1221733_1350.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182228/https://www.famitsu.com/k_tai/news/1221733_1350.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|{{nihongo foot|'''''Twilight Syndrome: Kyūmei-hen'''''|トワイライトシンドローム 究明編|Towairaito Shindorōmu Kyūmei-hen|lit. ''Twilight Syndrome: Investigation volume''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}
|PlayStation
|Human Entertainment
|July 19, 1996
|-
|'''''[[Moonlight Syndrome]]''''' 
|PlayStation
|Human Entertainment
|October 9, 1997
|
|-
|{{nihongo foot|'''''Twilight Syndrome: Saikai'''''|トワイライトシンドローム 再会|Towairaito Shindorōmu Saikai|lit. ''Twilight Syndrome: Reunion''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}
|PlayStation
|Spike
|July 27, 2000
|An adaptation with an original scenario was released for mobile phones in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2001 |title=トワイライトシンドロームがJ-PHONEに復活 |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0110/03/news08.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182416/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0110/03/news08.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=IT Media |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2001 |title=トワイライトシンドロームJ |url=http://www.spike-online.net/new_folder/twilight/index.html |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020606103640/http://www.spike-online.net/new_folder/twilight/index.html |archive-date=6 June 2002 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=Spike}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=トワイライトシンドローム |url=https://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011228/twi.htm |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170808033805/http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20011228/twi.htm |archive-date=8 August 2017 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=Game Watch |df=dmy-all}}</ref>
|-
|{{nihongo foot|'''''Twilight Syndrome: Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'''''|トワイライトシンドローム 禁じられた都市伝説|Towairaito Shindorōmu Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu|lit. ''Twilight Syndrome: The Forbidden Urban Legend''|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}}
|[[Nintendo DS]]
|Spike
|July 24, 2008
|
|}

== Reception ==
Contemporary reviews of the games were mostly positive. ''Famitsu'' enjoyed the unique gameplay as well as the 3D sound.<ref>{{Cite magazine |title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜探索編〜の評価・レビューとブログ [PS] |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4237 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182331/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4237 |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |magazine=Famitsu |df=dmy-all}}</ref> Writing about ''Saikai'', ''Famitsu'' again praised the sound atmosphere and believed the [[polygon graphics]] bettered the production value.<ref name=":18">{{Cite magazine |title=トワイライトシンドローム 〜再会〜の評価・レビューとブログ [PS] |url=https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4235 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182212/https://www.famitsu.com/cominy/?m=pc&a=page_h_title_review&title_id=4235 |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=19 August 2018 |magazine=Famitsu |df=dmy-all}}</ref> When reviewing ''Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'', ''Famitsu'' writers praised the horror elements, sound design, and touch screen implementation of the game. However, one reviewer cited that due to being based on popular urban legends, the scenarios may feel predictable.<ref name=":16" />

The series has since developed a fan following.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" /> Writing about the original game two games, ''Den Faminico Gamer'' wrote that they were great single-player experiences thanks to their strong atmosphere. The individuality of the three girls was described as well-characterized, and the unique side-scrolling movement as enjoyable and unusual in a horror game.<ref name=":1" /> ''Gametype'' magazine praised the series as a stable of the horror genre, saying the games started slow but became more interesting as they went on, but also said that the plot was complex and difficult to follow for those not fluent in Japanese.<ref name=":17" /> In 2006, game designer [[Hideo Kojima]] said he was a "big fan" of ''Twilight Syndrome'' and that he wanted to collaborate with Goichi Suda.<ref name=":7">{{Cite magazine |author=<!-- not stated --> |date=June 2006|title=Secret Games Special: Hideo Kojima Interview|magazine=Official Playstation 2 Magazine|location=United Kingdom|publisher=[[Future Publishing]]|issue=73|pages=56–57}}</ref>

== Legacy ==
The series has never been localized outside Japan and since the games feature heavy amounts of Japanese text, journalists have concluded this makes the series difficult for Westerners to comprehend.<ref name=":17" /><ref>{{Cite news |date=January 2017 |title=In the Chair: Suda51 |work=Retro Gamer |publisher=[[Future Publishing]] |pages=92–97 |publication-place=United Kingdom |issue=164}}</ref> When asked about the possibility of localizing the series, Goichi Suda said that he was concerned foreign audiences would not understand the series. In addition to this, he was not personally interested in revisiting it as he did not write the original scenarios.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Wojnar |first=Zak |date=1 March 2017 |title=Suda 51 Shares The Secrets Of The Silver Case And His Legendary Career |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/03/01/suda-51-shares-the-secrets-of-the-silver-case-and-his-legendary-career.aspx |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182256/https://www.gameinformer.com/index.php/b/features/archive/2017/03/01/suda-51-shares-the-secrets-of-the-silver-case-and-his-legendary-career.aspx |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |magazine=Game Informer |language=en |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Suda's studio [[Grasshopper Manufacture]] has borrowed settings and characters from ''Moonlight Syndrome'' for some of their works, including ''[[The Silver Case]]'' and ''[[Flower, Sun, and Rain]]''.<ref name="SudaMagazine3" /><ref name="SilverANN3">{{cite web|last=Ciolek|first=Todd|date=22 July 2015|title=The X Button - How Suda Is Now|url=http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2015-07-22/how-suda-is-now/.90757|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160606113921/http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/the-x-button/2015-07-22/how-suda-is-now/.90757|archive-date=6 June 2016|access-date=23 July 2016|website=[[Anime News Network]]}}</ref> Suda also hired Masahi Ooka to work on ''The Silver Case'' after reading his work in ''Moonlight Syndrome Truth File'', a guide retelling the incidents of the game from the perspective of fictional journalists reporting on it.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Couture|first=Joel|date=9 November 2016|title=Suda And Ooka Weigh In On Their Return To The Silver Case - Siliconera|language=en-US|work=Siliconera|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/09/suda-ooka-weigh-return-silver-case/|url-status=live|access-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111152305/http://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/09/suda-ooka-weigh-return-silver-case/|archive-date=11 November 2016|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

A [[minigame]] called ''Twilight Syndrome: Murder Case'' appears in ''[[Danganronpa 2: Goodbye Despair]]'' (2012).<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2012-07-17 |title=『スーパーダンガンロンパ2 さよなら絶望学園』コロシアイ修学旅行の一部を公開、"トワイライトシンドローム殺人事件"とは？ |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/201207/17018098.html |access-date=2024-04-30 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja}}</ref> It is about students investigating a murder that occurred in their school.<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 July 2012 |title= |script-title=ja:遊ぶと"コロシアイ"をしたくなる!? 「スーパーダンガンロンパ2 さよなら絶望学園」に登場するゲーム機「トワイライトシンドローム殺人事件」の概要が判明 |url=https://www.4gamer.net/games/138/G013812/20120717044/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182256/https://www.4gamer.net/games/138/G013812/20120717044/ |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=[[4Gamer.net]] |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The series once again touches the narrative of the game in the anime prequel.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fandompost.com/2016/08/06/danganronpa-3-the-end-of-hopes-peak-high-school-despair-arc-episode-02-03-anime-review/|title=Danganronpa 3: The End of Hope's Peak High School Despair Arc Episode #02 – 03 Anime Review|website=The Fandom Post|accessdate=February 22, 2021|date=August 6, 2016|archive-date=13 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180713153228/http://www.fandompost.com/2016/08/06/danganronpa-3-the-end-of-hopes-peak-high-school-despair-arc-episode-02-03-anime-review/|url-status=live}}</ref> The video game ''Noroware Cycle'' takes inspiration from both ''Twilight Syndrome'' games and ''Yuuyami Doori Tankentai.''<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=2022-10-24 |title=ホラーアドベンチャー『ノロワレサイクル』発表。『夕闇通り探検隊』や『トワイライトシンドローム』の影響を受け制作された、湿度高めの2D和風ホラー |url=https://www.famitsu.com/news/202210/24280239.html |access-date=2024-04-30 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja}}</ref>

=== Film series ===
The first film based on the series, ''Twilight Syndrome: Sotsugyō'' (Graduation) was released on 23 November 2000 starring [[Wakana Sakai]].<ref>{{Cite news |script-title=ja:トワイライトシンドローム 卒業 : 作品情報 |url=https://eiga.com/movie/38254/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819214228/https://eiga.com/movie/38254/ |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |work=映画.com |language=ja-JP |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=14 July 2000 |title=酒井若菜主演でトワイライトシンドローム映像化 |url=http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0007/14/news02.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182356/http://www.itmedia.co.jp/games/gsnews/0007/14/news02.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |website=IT Media |df=dmy-all}}</ref> It is set four years after ''Saikai'', and was filmed entirely in [[digital video]].<ref name=":2" /> Two more films were released around the time ''Kinjirareta Toshi Densetsu'' was released for the Nintendo DS. ''Dead Cruise'' was released on 2 August 2008 and ''Dead Go-round'' two weeks later on 16 August.<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=1 July 2008 |title=映画『トワイライトシンドローム』のDSを使った船上試写会にご招待 |url=https://www.famitsu.com/present/gamepre/1216260_1342.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180819182216/https://www.famitsu.com/present/gamepre/1216260_1342.html |archive-date=19 August 2018 |access-date=18 August 2018 |magazine=Famitsu |language=ja |df=dmy-all}}</ref> In ''Dead Cruise'', six friends depart on a cruise and discover a game that can change reality and kill people in real life.<ref name=":5" /> ''Dead Go-round'' follows seven people brought to a theme park to participate in a deadly game.<ref name=":5" />

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.twilight-syndrome.jp/}} {{in lang|ja}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/19970705000353/http://www.human.co.jp:80/new_soft_info/HomePage2/twilight/twilight.html Old official website (1997)] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Kadokawa Dwango}}

[[Category:Adventure games]]
[[Category:Japan-exclusive video games]]
[[Category:Kadokawa Corporation franchises]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console) games]]
[[Category:PlayStation (console)-only games]]
[[Category:Video games about urban legends]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Japan]]
[[Category:Video game franchises]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1996]]
[[Category:Horror film franchises]]
[[Category:Films based on video games]]

{{Wikipedia attribution|original_title=Twilight Syndrome|access_date=2026-03-07}}