The hit Nintendo DS title 999: Nine Hours Nine Persons Nine Doors has received an iOS release in Japan. This combination of puzzle-solving and visual novel is getting some new features, including new, high-res art and a timeline feature, similar to its sequel, Zero Escape: Virtue’s Last Reward, which allows the player to skip to the exact moment in time he or she wants to play through, without having to replay the game.

However, this version of 999 is going to have one notable omission: the puzzles. Every last puzzle has been removed from the game. Since there is certain information only revealed during the puzzle sequences, it’s hard to say how this will affect this iOS version. Moreover, without the puzzles, all you’re left with is a story. A great story nonetheless, but without any game aspect to speak of, I question the appeal of this title.

There’s also the question of how 999’s great twist will work on iOS. It’s very hard for me to get into any further explanation without revealing spoilers, but if you’re absolutely curious and don’t mind ruining of the greatest twists in video game history, feel free to do some internet searches.

The game is priced at 1,000 yen for the iPhone and iPad.

Update: 999: Nine Hours Nine Persons Nine Doors will also be released in the United States in Fall 2013.

Source(s):

• NeoGAF
• Official Site