Basic Information
- Official English Title: Criminal Border 1st Offence
- Developer & Publisher: Developed by Purple Software, published by Shiravune
- Release Dates:
- Japanese: October 28, 2022
- English: November 14, 2023
- Platforms: PC (Steam, Johren)
- Genres: Visual Novel, Eroge, Crime Drama, Episodic Series, Mature Content
- Social Media:
- Twitter: @Shiravune9106
- Steam Page: Liminal Border Part I
- Patreon: Shiravune
In-Depth Review
Criminal Border 1st Offence (Liminal Border Part I) is a gripping episodic visual novel that merges dark humor with a crime drama, developed by Purple Software and localized by Shiravune. The narrative follows Ninomae Itsuki, an otaku who stumbles upon creating a “digital libido-enhancing drug” video, thrusting him into a dangerous underworld of organized crime. This first installment of a four-part series sets the stage for a morally ambiguous journey, blending character-driven storytelling with adult content.
Story & Characters
The game’s protagonist, Itsuki, evolves from a socially awkward virgin to a reluctant criminal entrepreneur. His relationship with classmate Hina Yorozuya is central to the plot, revealing her hidden involvement in shady dealings. Secondary characters like Rin Akinashi, a pragmatic money-driven accomplice, add layers of tension and moral complexity. The narrative explores themes of desperation, loyalty, and the blurred lines between legality and crime.
Gameplay & Structure
As a linear visual novel, Criminal Border 1st Offence offers minimal branching paths, focusing on advancing the story rather than player choice. The 6–7-hour playtime introduces four heroines, with Hina receiving the most development. Future episodes will expand on secondary characters like Rin and Kotoko, maintaining the series’ episodic structure.
Art & Music
The visual style features a unique glitch-inspired aesthetic, complementing its digital drug theme. While the art is distinct, some CGs may lack appeal due to character design inconsistencies. The soundtrack effectively amplifies tension in critical scenes but occasionally feels mismatched in lighter moments.
Reception & Future Prospects
Reviewers praise the game’s ability to balance adult content with compelling storytelling, though its niche appeal and episodic model may limit accessibility. Shiravune’s localization ensures smooth narrative pacing, with future episodes expected to deepen character arcs and expand the criminal conspiracy.
Conclusion
Criminal Border 1st Offence is a bold entry in the eroge genre, blending edgy themes with character depth. Fans of crime dramas and episodic storytelling will find the setup intriguing, though completionists may prefer waiting for all four parts. Available on Steam and Johren, it’s a notable release for adult visual novel enthusiasts.
Game Link: Criminal Border 1st Offence
