# The Caligula Effect

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2016 video game

2016 video game

The Caligula Effect Developers Aquria Historia (Overdose)[b] Publishers JP: FuRyu WW: Atlus (Vita) WW: NIS America (Overdose) Director Takuya Yamanaka Artist Oguchi Writer Tadashi Satomi Composer Tsukasa Masuko Engine Unreal Engine 4 (Overdose)[1] Platforms PlayStation Vita PlayStation 4 Windows Nintendo Switch Release June 23, 2016 PlayStation Vita JP: June 23, 2016 NA: May 2, 2017 EU: May 9, 2017 Overdose PlayStation 4 JP: May 17, 2018 NA: March 12, 2019 EU: March 15, 2019 Windows, Nintendo Switch NA: March 12, 2019 JP: March 14, 2019[a] EU: March 15, 2019 Genre Role-playing

***The Caligula Effect***[c] is a 2016 [role-playing video game](/source/Role-playing_video_game) developed by [Aquria](/source/Aquria). It was released for the [PlayStation Vita](/source/PlayStation_Vita) in Japan in June 2016, and by [Atlus USA](/source/Atlus_USA) in North America and Europe in May 2017. A remake of the game, ***The Caligula Effect: Overdose***,[d] was released for the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) in Japan in May 2018, and worldwide by [NIS America](/source/NIS_America) in March 2019 for the PlayStation 4, [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch), and [Windows](/source/Windows). An [anime adaptation of the same name](/source/Caligula_(TV_series)) premiered in April 2018.

A sequel, ***The Caligula Effect 2***, was released for the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in Japan on June 24, 2021.[2]

## Gameplay

*The Caligula Effect* is a [role-playing video game](/source/Role-playing_video_game) featuring [turn-based](/source/Turn-based) combat in dungeon environments. Combat is triggered upon encountering enemy characters during dungeon exploration.[3] A party can consist of four playable characters maximum. There are 9 main characters that can be used in the party as the story progresses. Any NPC can be recruited into the party after obtaining level 2 or higher association. Three commands can be chained together per turn for each party member and can preview its effect before initiating. Players can raise association with other NPCs by interacting with them. Certain NPCs are not accessible until specific NPC association is gained. After reaching a certain amount of association, side-quests are unlocked for specific NPCs.

## Premise

*The Caligula Effect* is set in a virtual reality program known as "Mobius", created so people can escape pain in their lives within reality and live in an idyllic high school setting, forced to live out their 3 years indefinitely. The main protagonist is one of the group who realizes that they are in a virtual world, and ally with the former keeper of Mobius, "[Aria](/source/Aria)" to form the "Go-Home Club", a group dedicated to escaping from Mobius and its god-like overseer program, a vocal program called "[μ](/source/Mu_(letter))". They oppose the "Ostinato Musicians", a group who supports μ and sees the Go-Home Club as traitors.[3][4]

## Development

*The Caligula Effect* was developed by [FuRyu](/source/FuRyu) and published worldwide by [Atlus USA](/source/Atlus_USA). It was directed by Takuya Yamanaka, with character designs by Oguchi. It was written by Tadashi Satomi, who had previously worked on the first three games in the *[Persona](/source/Persona_(series))* series – *[Revelations: Persona](/source/Revelations%3A_Persona)*, *[Persona 2: Innocent Sin](/source/Persona_2%3A_Innocent_Sin)* and *[Persona 2: Eternal Punishment](/source/Persona_2%3A_Eternal_Punishment)*. The music was written by former *[Megami Tensei](/source/Megami_Tensei)* series composer Tsukasa Masuko, and the theme song is performed by a three-person group: [Eriko Nakamura](/source/Eriko_Nakamura), [Emi Nitta](/source/Emi_Nitta) and [Yuka Ōtsubo](/source/Yuka_%C5%8Ctsubo). The developers define *Caligula* as a "next-generation juvenile RPG" focusing on modern [pathology](/source/Pathology) and trauma.[3][5]

The characters were said to violate a variety of [taboos](/source/Taboo), with Satomi specifically creating one that the team were initially wanting to avoid. The title stems from the psychological term "Caligula effect", referring to the want to see and do prohibited things. Despite its prominence and tying into the gameplay experience, the word itself is not mentioned within the game's context.[3][5]

The game was first announced on February 23, 2016 in that week's issue of *[Famitsu](/source/Famitsu)*, along with its release date.[6] At the time it was announced, it was said to be 50% complete.[3] A teaser trailer and the first screenshots was released soon after the initial announcement.[7]

## Release

The game was released by [FuRyu](/source/FuRyu) for the [PlayStation Vita](/source/PlayStation_Vita) in Japan on June 23, 2016,[8] and was released by [Atlus USA](/source/Atlus_USA) in North America on May 2, 2017, and in Europe on May 9.[9] An [anime](/source/Anime) adaptation, *[Caligula](/source/Caligula_(TV_series))*, premiered in Japan in April 2018.[10]

In November 2017, a remake titled *The Caligula Effect: Overdose* was announced. It was released in Japan for the [PlayStation 4](/source/PlayStation_4) on May 18, 2018, and by [NIS America](/source/NIS_America) for the PlayStation 4, [Nintendo Switch](/source/Nintendo_Switch), [Windows](/source/Windows) in North America on March 12, 2019, and in Europe on March 15, 2019.[11] The remake, developed by the studio Historia using [Unreal Engine 4](/source/Unreal_Engine_4), features upgraded visuals and gameplay, a new playable female protagonist, new endings, and more supporting characters.[12][13][14]

## Reception

Reception

Aggregate score Aggregator Score Metacritic Vita: 58/100[15] PS4: 64/100[16] NS: 60/100[17]

Review scores Publication Score Destructoid 4/10[20] Famitsu Vita: 30/40[18] PS4: 33/40[19]

*The Caligula Effect* received "mixed or average reviews" from critics, according to [review aggregator](/source/Review_aggregator) [Metacritic](/source/Metacritic).[15][16][17] *[Famitsu](/source/Famitsu)* scored the original version of the game with a 30 out of 40 rating, with an 8/7/8/7 out of 10 breakdown among the four reviewers.[18] Josh Tolentino from Destructoid gave the game 4/10, praising the fresh idea and the battle system of the game, but criticized the shallow character bonding system, the long length of battles and the poor performance of the game on the PlayStation Vita.[21]

The remake fared better among reviewers, with *Famitsu* giving it with a higher 33 out of 40 score, consisting of ratings from four critics who individually gave it 9/8/8/8.[19]

It was the second best selling video game in Japan during its opening week, with 31,243 copies sold.[22] During its second week, it dropped to eleventh place, with an additional 7,289 copies sold.[23] The PlayStation 4 version sold 20,399 copies within its first week on sale in Japan, placing it at first on the all format sales chart.[24]

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** Windows version was released on March 13, 2019

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** Ported to Windows and Nintendo Switch by [Engine Software BV](/source/Engine_Software).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** Known in Japan as ***Caligula*** (カリギュラ, *Karigyura*)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Known in Japan as ***Caligula: Overdose*** (カリギュラ オーバードーズ, *Karigyura Ōbādōzu*)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose Goes Over What's New In The Unreal Engine 4 Remake"](https://www.siliconera.com/caligula-effect-overdose-goes-whats-new-unreal-engine-4-remake/). *Siliconera*. February 23, 2018. Retrieved July 3, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["The Caligula Effect 2 announced for PS4, Switch"](https://www.gematsu.com/2021/02/the-caligula-effect-2-announced-for-ps4-switch). *Gematsu*. February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 17, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CaligulaGem_7-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CaligulaGem_7-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CaligulaGem_7-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-CaligulaGem_7-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-CaligulaGem_7-4) Romano, Sal (February 23, 2016). ["FuRyu announces Caligula for PS Vita"](http://gematsu.com/2016/02/furyu-announces-caligula-ps-vita). Gematsu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160224090028/http://gematsu.com/2016/02/furyu-announces-caligula-ps-vita) from the original on February 24, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["The Caligula Effect launches May 2 in the Americas and Europe - Gematsu"](http://gematsu.com/2017/03/caligula-effect-launches-may-2-americas-europe). *Gematsu*. March 9, 2017. Retrieved March 9, 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FamInfo_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FamInfo_9-1) [『Caligula -カリギュラ-』フリューが贈る次代のオリジナル学園ジュブナイルRPG 主題歌、予約特典情報を公開](http://www.famitsu.com/news/201602/25100180.html). *[Famitsu](/source/Famitsu)* (in Japanese). [Enterbrain](/source/Enterbrain). February 25, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160226083654/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201602/25100180.html) from the original on February 26, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** [【先出し週刊ファミ通】『Caligula -カリギュラ-』フリューの完全新作RPGをスクープ（2016年2月25日発売号）](http://www.famitsu.com/news/201602/23099932.html). *[Famitsu](/source/Famitsu)* (in Japanese). [Enterbrain](/source/Enterbrain). February 23, 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160224092649/http://www.famitsu.com/news/201602/23099932.html) from the original on February 24, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** Romano, Sal (February 24, 2016). ["Caligula teaser trailer, Famitsu screenshots"](http://gematsu.com/2016/02/caligula-teaser-trailer-famitsu-screenshots). Gematsu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160225105755/http://gematsu.com/2016/02/caligula-teaser-trailer-famitsu-screenshots) from the original on February 25, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-12)** ["Caligula's New Trailer Highlights Characters Of Its Virtual High School World"](http://www.siliconera.com/2016/04/20/caligulas-new-trailer-highlights-characters-virtual-high-school-world/). Siliconera. April 20, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["The Caligula Effect delayed to May 9 in Europe"](http://gematsu.com/2017/04/caligula-effect-delayed-may-9-europe). April 28, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** ["The Caligula Effect Game Gets TV Anime Adaptation in April 2018"](https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-11-17/the-caligula-effect-game-gets-tv-anime-adaptation-in-april-2018/.124162). *Anime News Network*. November 17, 2017. Retrieved November 17, 2017.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-15)** Sato (December 6, 2018). ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose Dated For March 2019 In The West For PS4, Switch, And PC"](http://www.siliconera.com/2018/12/06/the-caligula-effect-overdose-dated-for-march-2018-in-the-west-for-ps4-switch-and-pc/). *Siliconera*. Retrieved December 6, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-16)** Romano, Sal (November 22, 2017). ["Historia developing The Caligula Effect: Overdose"](https://www.gematsu.com/2017/11/historia-developing-caligula-effect-overdose). *Gematsu*. Retrieved December 22, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** Sato (February 23, 2018). ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose Goes Over What's New In The Unreal Engine 4 Remake"](http://www.siliconera.com/2018/02/23/caligula-effect-overdose-goes-whats-new-unreal-engine-4-remake/). *Siliconera*. Retrieved July 10, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose announced for PS4 - Gematsu"](https://gematsu.com/2017/11/caligula-effect-overdose-announced-ps4). *Gematsu*. November 17, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2018.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCVita_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCVita_19-1) ["The Caligula Effect for PlayStation Vita Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-caligula-effect/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-vita). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [CBS Interactive](/source/CBS_Interactive). Retrieved December 22, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCPS4_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCPS4_20-1) ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose for PlayStation 4 Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-caligula-effect/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-4). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [CBS Interactive](/source/CBS_Interactive). Retrieved December 22, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-MCSwitch_21-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-MCSwitch_21-1) ["The Caligula Effect: Overdose for Nintendo Switch Reviews"](https://www.metacritic.com/game/the-caligula-effect/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch). *[Metacritic](/source/Metacritic)*. [CBS Interactive](/source/CBS_Interactive). Retrieved December 22, 2020.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-famitsu_score_22-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-famitsu_score_22-1) ["Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1437 - Gematsu"](http://gematsu.com/2016/06/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1437). Gematsu. June 15, 2016.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-famitsu_overdose_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-famitsu_overdose_23-1) Romano, Sal (May 8, 2018). ["Famitsu Review Scores: Issue 1536"](https://www.gematsu.com/2018/05/famitsu-review-scores-issue-1536). Gematsu. Retrieved December 22, 2020.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-destructoid_24-0)** ["Review: The Caligula Effect"](https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-caligula-effect-434216.phtml).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-25)** ["Review: The Caligula Effect"](https://www.destructoid.com/review-the-caligula-effect-434216.phtml). *destructoid*. Retrieved January 6, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** Romano, Sal (June 29, 2016). ["Media Create Sales: 6/20/16 – 6/26/16"](http://gematsu.com/2016/06/media-create-sales-62016-62616). Gematsu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160630012710/http://gematsu.com/2016/06/media-create-sales-62016-62616) from the original on June 30, 2016. Retrieved July 6, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** Romano, Sal (July 6, 2016). ["Media Create Sales: 6/27/16 – 7/3/16"](http://gematsu.com/2016/07/media-create-sales-62716-7316). Gematsu. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160706133233/http://gematsu.com/2016/07/media-create-sales-62716-7316) from the original on July 6, 2016. Retrieved July 6, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Romano, Sal (May 23, 2018). ["Media Create Sales: 5/14/18 – 5/20/18"](https://gematsu.com/2018/05/media-create-sales-5-14-18-5-20-18). Gematsu. Retrieved May 25, 2018.

## External links

- [Official website](https://atlus.com/atlus-titles/caligula-effect/) (*Caligula Effect*)

- [Official website](https://nisamerica.com/caligula-effect-2/) (*Caligula Effect 2*)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [The Caligula Effect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Caligula_Effect) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Caligula_Effect?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.