Death Note: Killer Within is \"Among Us\" But Anime

Bandai Namco has just unveiled Death Note: Killer Within! Dive in to discover how this game aims to encapsulate the thrilling essence of the iconic Death Note series.

Death Note: Killer Within is Namco’s Answer to Among Us

Death Note: Killer Within Releases This November 5

Developed by Grounding, Inc. and published by Bandai Namco, this online-only game draws inspiration from the popular Among Us. It promises to capture the essence of the Death Note series, with players taking on the roles of either Kira, the notorious antagonist with the deadly notebook, or those determined to thwart his plans.

In Death Note: Killer Within, players are divided into two teams: one representing Kira and the other, L, the world-renowned detective on his trail. Up to 10 players per session will either strive to expose Kira and seize the Death Note or protect Kira’s power and eliminate L’s team. The game's format mirrors the chaotic dynamics of Among Us, requiring players to use deduction, deception, and a dash of luck to achieve their objectives. "The Death Note is hidden among the players, leading to a thrilling game of cat and mouse until one team overpowers the other," Bandai Namco stated on the game’s official website.

Customization plays a significant role in the game, allowing players to unlock up to "seven types of accessories, and special effects displayed during key gameplay moments." Although it's an online-only experience, the developers recommend using voice chat for strategizing with teammates—or for those intense moments when you're trying to prove your innocence.

Death Note: Killer Within Price Undisclosed, Could Suffer the Same Fate as Fall Guys at Launch

The game’s inclusion in the PlayStation Plus November lineup means subscribers will enjoy early access at no additional cost. Alongside Death Note: Killer Within, the lineup features Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hot Wheels Unleashed 2: Turbocharged. PC players can also join the fun via Steam, with cross-play enabled to foster a larger community across platforms.

However, the game’s price remains undisclosed. If it's set too high relative to its offerings, it might struggle to compete with other deduction-based party games like Among Us and could face a similar fate to Fall Guys at its initial launch.

Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout launched for free on PlayStation Plus in August 2020 but lacked competitive features like leaderboards, statistics, ranked modes, and tournaments. Despite its $20 price tag, sales declined as the initial hype faded, leading Epic Games to acquire the title and relaunch it as a free-to-play game with paid cosmetics and season passes.

It's uncertain whether Death Note: Killer Within will have a price at launch. Hopefully, the iconic Death Note IP will help it stand out in the competitive party game market, regardless of its price.

Death Note: Killer Within Gameplay Overview

Death Note: Killer Within features two main phases that echo the gameplay of Among Us. During the Action Phase, players roam virtual streets, gathering clues and performing tasks while keeping an eye out for suspicious behavior. This is when Kira can secretly use the Death Note to eliminate NPCs or other players. However, every move is watched, and any suspicious activity could put you in the spotlight.

The Meeting Phase is where the drama unfolds. Players gather to discuss their suspicions, vote on who might be Kira, and potentially bring them to justice—or mistakenly condemn an innocent teammate.

Unlike Among Us, Kira has followers who can assist through private communication and by stealing IDs—a vital tool in a game where real names hold the key to power. These followers can even receive the Death Note if Kira chooses to pass it on. Meanwhile, Investigators work diligently to gather and piece together clues, narrowing down the suspects and inching closer to unmasking Kira.

If you're playing as L, you have unique abilities to steer the investigation. During Action Phases, you can install surveillance cameras to gather crucial information. In Meeting Phases, you can guide discussions, expose inconsistencies, and narrow down the field of suspects.

Teamwork and deception are crucial to winning Death Note: Killer Within. If the game gains traction and captures both fans and newcomers, imagine the exciting streamer highlights and dramatic moments among friends that will follow.