By Justice Or Mercy -v0.3- By Towerboygames ((new))
The world of adult Visual Novels (VNs) has seen a surge in high-quality, story-driven experiences, and one title that has been quietly making waves among fans is developed by TowerBoyGames . While the game has progressed significantly—with public releases reaching version 07 by March 2025—looking back at the v0.3 release allows us to appreciate the foundational elements of its narrative, character development, and mechanics.
By Justice or Mercy 0.13 - on Tower Boy Games page - Patreon
"By Justice or Mercy -v0.3-" was more than just an early build; it was the foundation of a promising, story-driven adult VN. With its emphasis on player agency, impactful choices, and a developing narrative, it quickly became a title to watch, driven by the vision of TowerBoyGames. For those looking for a mature visual novel that blends deep emotional arcs with strategic decision-making, it represents a strong start in a rapidly evolving genre.
: Your first impression of a character (e.g., calling someone "cute") often locks you into their path for future episodes. Relationship Tiering By Justice or Mercy -v0.3- By TowerBoyGames
Players control a quiet, short-tempered, yet fiercely ambitious young man.
We have all played Fable , Mass Effect , or The Witcher . Those games offer a binary "Paragon/Renegade" system where you ultimately save the world either way.
The genius of TowerBoyGames is that there is no "good" ending. If you choose Justice, you feel like a monster. If you choose Mercy, you later find the Cinder Woman in the next town, where she has started another fire because her trauma was never truly healed. The world of adult Visual Novels (VNs) has
It wasn't just Justice. It wasn't just Mercy. It was Wisdom.
The premise of By Justice or Mercy is a powerful hook that immediately draws the player into its world. You step into the shoes of a "quiet, quick-tempered, but ambitious young man" whose life was shattered four years prior to the events of the game. Falsely accused of murder, his reputation was destroyed, and he was forced to flee from his home and everyone he knew.
While v0.3 is no longer available for download (the developer’s Itch.io page has moved on to v0.3.5 and beyond), later versions have substantially expanded the game’s content and refined its mechanics. The progression shows a developer committed to regularly adding new story days, increasing the number of rendered images and animations, and expanding the world in which players make their moral choices. With its emphasis on player agency, impactful choices,
The current version (v0.3) of the game offers a limited but impactful experience. The game's UI is simple yet effective, making it easy to navigate through the story and make choices. The writing is engaging, and the characters are well-developed, if a bit limited in number.
A more critical opinion on TapTap argued that the game felt like "pay to play" with "no meaning" and nothing to upgrade, suggesting that it might not appeal to players looking for more traditional RPG mechanics or free-to-play models.
By Justice or Mercy is not a game that will appeal to everyone. Its subject matter is dark, its protagonist is flawed and angry, and its central question—by justice or by mercy?—has no easy answers. However, for those who are drawn to narrative-heavy experiences that prioritize player agency, moral complexity, and character-driven drama, this is a title that holds immense promise.
The characters in By Justice or Mercy serve as both emotional anchors and tools for the protagonist's ultimate goals. Navigating these relationships requires balancing genuine connection against the overarching quest for vengeance.