The Shell Part III: Paradiso

The Shell Part III: Paradiso is the final chapter of Detective Reiji Tokisaka’s investigation into the obsession surrounding the infamous Girl In Shell case. Set in January 1958, it follows Reiji as he helps his old friend Maris Stella sort through the belongings of imprisoned painter Shinzo Mamiya, who died weeks after the Blessed Congregation’s crimes came to light. In Mamiya’s studio they discover an unannounced painting of a one-winged, armless angel, which they name Exile Of Paradise. Beautiful but sinister, it resembles Girl In Shell.

Days later, a woman’s body is found altered in the manner shown in Exile Of Paradise. She is identified as someone who formerly worked with Tomoyuki Masaki. The chain of obsession that began with Girl In Shell may have only one possible end: a small girl.

Story and characters

Reiji is a private detective burdened by dark memories and a difficult past. He has solved many cases, gained and lost friends, and continues to search for a girl who disappeared. His sister Yukari is a student considering her future as an artist, while Masaki, an assistant at the Tokisaka Detective Agency, helps Reiji investigate in the hope of finding his childhood friend, who turned to crime and disappeared.

The story also brings together people connected to Reiji and the case: Ayumu Sato, Yukari’s schoolmate, who dreams of becoming a detective’s assistant; Kyoko Hazuki, owner of the Moon World cafe and someone who once shared a close relationship with Reiji; and freelance reporter Toji Aoki, who sometimes works with Reiji and the police. Other characters include coroner Natsume Takashiro, museum curator Maris Stella, psychiatrist Kaede Watanuki, and art gallery staff member Sei Maezono.

Toko Kuchiki, a student Reiji met in 1956, once asked him to help her find her true self. The two found comfort in each other, but after an accident left her incapacitated, she was kidnapped. She may have been carrying a child at the time.

Story features

The story takes over 5 hours to complete and has multiple endings. It includes full Japanese voice acting and has been remastered with new HD assets. The game completes the trilogy.