Master Magistrate

Master Magistrate

Released Jun 2020

The samurai detective visual novel! Solve crimes and pass judgment on vigilantes, officials, inventors, and brigands to protect a city of eternal cherry blossoms.

90% positive · 213 reviews
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence
Done
All announced content has been released
High confidence

Where to buy

Steam $29.99
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Evaluation

Master Magistrate launched into Early Access with the first three chapters, then exited Early Access on June 12, 2020 with the release of the complete four-chapter story. The developer's June 12, 2020 post confirms the full game is available, describing all four cases in detail. An off-Steam adult content patch was also released on the same date. The news posts after June 2020 are publisher announcements for entirely separate games released under the Shiravune label — none of them relate to Master Magistrate's content or development. There are no unreleased DLC listings, no announced future content, and no developer statements suggesting additional content for this game is planned. The store description describes a self-contained package of four cases and over 20 hours of story. The game launched as a complete product on June 12, 2020.
Evidence
Developer announced the full game is out of Early Access with all four cases now available, marking the complete release of the story.
news post · Jun 12, 2020 source development ending
high
Developer confirmed the full release date of June 12, 2020, including a free off-Steam adult content patch. No further content beyond this was announced.
news post · May 1, 2020 source content shipped
high

Media

Details

Developer
Publisher
Shiravune
Achievements
24
Platform
Windows
Controller
—
Steam Deck
Playable
Players
Single-player

About this game



Assume the mantle of magistrate to uphold law and order in a town where the cherry trees bloom all year round.
Solve crimes and pass judgment with a colorful cast of samurai, detectives, inventors, and brigands in a Japan on the edge of modernization!

  • 150+ event CGs featuring anime-style, chibi, and Japanese brush art!
  • Full instrumental soundtrack featuring over 40 original songs!
  • Four cases totaling 20+ hours of story!
  • Full professional Japanese voice acting!

The hit Japanese indie detective game crosses the sea for the first time to make its case!



Detective. Lawyer. Jury. Judge. The Magistrate of Nakamachi is responsible for the well-being of everyone under his jurisdiction—and for the lives of those who violate the law. Fortunately, the magistrate doesn't work alone. His helpers' responsibilities include everything from police patrols to firefighting to paperwork. Mountains and mountains of paperwork.

  • Shimei Ooka: The newly-appointed Magistrate of Nakamachi, and the game's main protagonist. A scholar and a bookworm, Shimei knows his business, but will he be able to live up to his father's legacy as magistrate?
  • Rimu Hiraga: The tomboy inventor of the century! Rimu joined the Nakamachi magistrate's office as a junior officer, along with her childhood friend and stalwart companion Shimei. Her best talents, though, lean more to the mechanical.
  • Sakura Toyama: The daughter of the Magistrate of Kitamachi. Brilliant, but headstrong; capable, but intensely jealous of the magistrate's office that should have been hers...
  • Koume Kawai: A mysterious girl held in the magistrate's office jail in connection with a brutal murder. Kind, sweet, and clever—but what is she hiding...?



A band of vigilante police, outside of the direct control of the Shogunate—and, by extension, the magistrate—yet always willing to cooperate closely for the safety of the city. Their methods can be tough, but they're scarily effective. Together with the more transparent and accountable activities of the magistrate's office, these battle-hardened samurai are indispensable to the peace.

  • Takeru Kondo: The commander of the Shinsengumi. As long as the magistrate is still a rookie, Kondo will remain the real power behind the Nakamachi magistrate's office, but he's always happy to educate the fledgling officials under his wing.
  • Yamanami Ayaka: Vice-commander of the Shinsengumi. Yamanami is beautiful, charming, and extremely attentive to detail. She acts like a mother-figure to the whole Shinsengumi, keeping the dormitory clean and the day-to-day business running smoothly.
  • Shino Okita: A tight-lipped and laconic ace swordswoman. Absolutely terrifying in a fight, Okita is the perfect enforcer. Underneath the surface, though, could she have a softer side too...?
  • Toshikaze Hijikata: Childhood friend to Rimu and Shimei, and a highly-trusted officer in the Shinsengumi. Sloppy as he is in his private life, he's matured into an extremely reliable man.



Enjoy daily life in Oukacho, interacting with the townspeople, and building relationships with your friends and coworkers—until an incident disturbs the peace! Interview witnesses and suspects to collect information and build dossiers, investigate the crime scene for material evidence, and explore the town in pursuit of more clues. When you need a breather, explore your dormitory to get to know your friends better! Once your investigation is complete, hold a hearing with your suspects and key persons of interest to narrow down the possibilities and uncover the truth behind the lies!

But don't forget: some mysteries are longer-lived and deeper-rooted than any one case. As the magistrate of Nakamachi, will you have the resolve to do what it takes to uncover the conspiracies at the heart of your city and your life?
Last evaluated Jun 26, 2026
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