Anime's "Death Note" Meets "Among Us"

Bandai Namco's new game, Death Note: Killer Within, blends the suspense of the Death Note series with the social deduction gameplay of Among Us. Launching November 5th on PC, PS4, and PS5, it's included in PlayStation Plus's free monthly games.

This online-only title, developed by Grounding, Inc., pits players against each other as either Kira, the notorious Death Note wielder, or members of L's investigative team. Up to ten players engage in a thrilling game of deception and deduction, aiming to either expose Kira or protect their leader. The gameplay unfolds in two phases: an Action Phase where players gather clues and Kira secretly makes moves, and a Meeting Phase for discussion and voting.

Death Note: Killer Within offers customization options, including various accessories and special effects. While voice chat is recommended, cross-play functionality ensures a larger player base across platforms. The price remains unannounced, raising concerns about potential competition with similar titles and the possibility of a pricing strategy impacting its success, similar to the initial launch of Fall Guys.

The game's mechanics borrow heavily from Among Us, but introduce unique elements. Kira has followers who assist through private communication and ID theft, while L possesses special investigative abilities, including surveillance camera deployment. The success of Death Note: Killer Within hinges on its ability to capture the excitement of both its source material and its gameplay mechanics, promising engaging gameplay and plenty of potential for online drama. The inclusion of Kira's followers and L's unique abilities adds a layer of strategic depth not found in Among Us.