Become Judge, Jury and Executioner in Femida – Impressions (PC)

Femida is a visual novel with multiple endings depending on the choices that you make. Starting off with some humor, the prologue tells you that you can receive infinite endings based on your decisions. Then, the game backpeddles and tells you that there is actually only a handful of endings, but each are based on the choices you make and that your ending could be different each time you play the game.

The setting is full of intrigue. You play the game as a judge who is taking an assignment is a post-war nation after his predecessor was unable to finish the case that he was working on. Not only are you the judge in this game, but you take on the role of lawyer and jury throughout the trial as well. Not the most democratic judicial system in the history of the world, but for the confines of the game it works well.

Not only are you tasked with overseeing numerous cases with your time as judge, you’re also trying to figure out what happened to your own father who disappeared about one year ago.

Each case starts with an overview of the case where you will study the known facts and issue orders based on these facts. Before heading to trial, you’ll have the opportunity to look over the evidence collected during the investigation in order to fully prepare before the trial begins. You’ll also have the opportunity to look over the files about the case including the orders that you issued, an overview of the case, and a detailed look at the participants in the case itself. After that, it’s time for the trial to begin.

The trial plays out like a visual novel/courtroom drama hybrid. Once you hit the gavel on the desk, you’ll have a limited amount of time to examine the witnesses and make a final decision. The kicker is that you’ll need to keep the tension in the courtroom down at the same time. Choosing which questions to ask the witnesses will be a key element when it comes to keeping order in the court. Fail to do so and you’ll fail the case – causing you to be walked out of the courtroom by the bailiff and you’ll have to start that particular case over.

If and when you complete the case before time runs out, you’ll be charged with sentencing the accused or setting them free. Just remember, every choice you make matters and could have repercussions as the game unfolds.

If you’re a fan of courtroom dramas and/or love visual novels, there is a lot of fun to be had with this point and click adventure from Art Interactive.