Novel Not New – Details, episodes & analysis

The sun sets on this period of Novel Not New, just as it does on the Bakumatsu Period and its defenders the Shinsengumi. A doomed romance either from 153 years ago or, strangely, perhaps 4 years ago as we tie up the last loose end on this show. After covering the first game in this two-part remake on our 10th episode, let our 42nd close the tale on this samurai otome. We’ll see you on Scanline Media, I hope.

A good mystery is like a good croissant: I bet it’s been a while since Kotaro Uchikoshi has made either. Heyoooo! Jen and Six are joined by former cohost Olivia and special guest Kim to tackle the sequel to AI: The Somnium Files, and the latest game by the creator of the Zero Escape series. It’s time to dive into the minds of suspects to determine the TRUTH behind the Half-Body Killings. And also get very exasperated, because this is not the sequel that Jen, Olivia, and Kim were hoping for. (Six never played the first.)

We've solved murders before on this show. And we've certainly caused some. But can you DERAIL a murder investigation? This is the task set to us in Overboard, as we try to get away with the murder of our truly dreadful husband. But getting away with murder is easy. Doing it with no loose ends is the real trick.

This Month's Game!
Overboard

Next Month's Game!
Four Horsemen

As Great Ace Attorney finally hits Western territories, the Novelists turn their gaze to the last release in the series. By the time of Ace Attorney 6, the series had become a digital-only series with little fanfare, but the writing might be more ambitious than ever. We're not just in "America" anymore, we're doing some globe trotting to the fictional country of Khurain and its supernatural court system. Twists and turn(about)s abound in this legal adventure!

This Month's Game!
Ace Attorney: Spirit of Justice

Next Month's Game!
Overboard

Even in death, you can't escape your commute. Jen, Olivia, and Six embrace the vampire life as a young kindred courier fully out of their depth in a game of grand undead politics. The Inquisition, dark magic, an angry elder vampire... it may seem like a lot, but don't worry. You could always just turn invisible.

This Month's Game!
Vampire: The Masquerade — Night Road

Next Month's Game!
Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney — Spirit of Justice

This is the podcast room where it happens. We have a country to run. Now, running the country? That's easy. Just be a big socialist. But dealing with all the people that those decisions make mad? Well, that's a different matter....

This Month's Game!
Suzerain

Next Month's Game!
Vampire: The Masquerade — Night Road

Folks, a chatbot is not an adequate solution for mental health. Eliza is a game that goes "of course it's not. We all know that. But. I mean it KIND of is, right?" Jen, Olivia, and Six shake their head at a game that thinks it's talking about counseling, but is really just about Silicon Valley and gig work.

This Month's Game!
Eliza

Next Month's Game!
Suzerain

2021 on Novel Not New starts with murder most foul. ...Quite a few murders, actually. And a few accidents. And illness. Monsters? Jen, Olivia, and Six explore the derelict Obra Dinn, and discover that the ship has seen more than its share of bad times.

This Month's Game!
Return of the Obra Dinn

Next Month's Game!
Eliza

Mom's dead, explore. It's time to follow in the footsteps of your deceased mother and travel the world talking people into trading with you... through CARDS! Jen, Olivia, and Six tackle this ambitious but clumsy conversation game.

This Month's Game!
Signs of the Sojourner

Next Month's Game!
Return of the Obra Dinn

It's time to solve a murder... your own?! Hang out with Jen, Olivia, Six, and the world's nicest ghost dog as we check out Ghost Trick

This Month's Game!
Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective

Next Month's Game!
Signs of the Sojourner