Spirit Hunter: Death Mark is a deeply unsettling, atmospheric horror visual novel that manages to blend traditional Japanese ghost stories with modern urban legend creepiness. It’s not just a game—it’s a slow descent into an eerie world where every decision could mean life, death, or something even stranger.

The game takes place in Tokyo's H City, where people have been mysteriously afflicted with a curse known as the “Mark”—a strange scar that signals impending death. As the unnamed protagonist, who wakes up with no memory and the Mark etched into your skin, you’re thrown into a race against time to uncover the truth behind the curse, and confront a series of vengeful spirits.

Each chapter introduces a new ghostly mystery, often rooted in folklore or twisted tales of abuse, trauma, and urban decay. The episodic structure works well, creating a sense of mounting dread with each case. What really sets Death Mark apart is how it builds empathy for its ghosts, blurring the line between victim and monster.

Death Mark is mostly a visual novel, but it incorporates elements of point-and-click exploration and light puzzle-solving. You investigate haunted locations, collect clues, and make key decisions in “Spirit Battles” that determine your survival. These moments, while simple, are tense and effective thanks to tight writing and haunting visuals.

The companion system adds a strategic element—choosing who to bring along affects your dialogue choices and outcomes. Some choices lead to permanent character deaths, lending real weight to your actions.

Visually, the game is striking. Its 2D illustrations are gorgeously grotesque—gritty, shadow-drenched, and dripping with atmosphere. Character designs, especially the spirits, are imaginative and deeply disturbing without relying on cheap jump scares.

The audio is minimal but impactful. Every creak, whisper, and ambient hum is expertly placed, making even moments of silence feel oppressive. The sound design does a lot of heavy lifting in creating tension.

The gameplay can sometimes feel overly rigid or trial-and-error based, especially during boss encounters. A few logical leaps in puzzles may frustrate players, and the lack of autosave can lead to punishing repetition if you make a wrong choice.

Also, as a visual novel, it’s text-heavy. If you’re not into reading and mood-building over action, Death Mark might feel slow.

Spirit Hunter: Death Mark isn’t about cheap thrills—it’s about dread that seeps into your skin. With its eerie art, emotionally driven ghost stories, and immersive writing, it’s a must-play for fans of Japanese horror and visual novels. It proves that horror doesn’t need to be loud—it just needs to linger.

Rating: 8/10