SAKAMOTO DAYS デンジャラスパズル faces the challenging task of translating one of Weekly Shonen Jump’s most kinetic action series into the decidedly static world of match-three puzzle gaming. While this genre choice initially seems counterintuitive for a manga built on explosive assassin battles, the game succeeds by focusing on what makes the source material truly special: character relationships, tactical thinking, and the surprisingly tender story of a legendary killer turned convenience store owner.

Where Puzzle Mechanics Meet Character Depth

The game’s three-match puzzle system cleverly integrates character abilities through color-matching mechanics, where clearing pieces corresponding to specific characters unleashes their signature techniques. This creates meaningful strategic decisions beyond simple pattern recognition—players must consider team composition, enemy weaknesses, and optimal combo sequences. The inclusion of characters like Shin with his telepathic abilities and the various assassins adds tactical layers that distinguish it from generic match-three games.

More importantly, the store management system captures the manga’s core premise better than any action game could. Players expand Sakamoto’s convenience store, assign characters to part-time jobs, and interact with familiar faces in domestic settings that reflect the series’ unique blend of domestic comedy and latent danger. This simulation element provides emotional connection that pure puzzle mechanics alone couldn’t achieve.

The Adaptation Challenge Reality

However, community feedback reveals significant skepticism about the genre choice. Many fans argue that puzzle gameplay fundamentally misrepresents the manga’s high-octane action sequences, suggesting a hack-and-slash format would better honor the source material’s kinetic energy. The limited gameplay shown in promotional materials has raised concerns about developer confidence in their core mechanics.

For SAKAMOTO DAYS enthusiasts seeking any interactive experience with beloved characters, this puzzle game offers authentic voice acting, original illustrations, and canonical story content. However, players expecting the adrenaline rush of the manga’s legendary fight scenes may find themselves disappointed by the necessarily contemplative pace of puzzle-solving gameplay.