Chaos;Head is the first entry in the Science Adventure series, originally released for Microsoft Windows on April 25, 2008. An enhanced, upgraded version of the game, titled Chaos;Head NoAH, was released in 2009 for the Xbox 360 and has since been ported to multiple consoles. NoAH features a wide range of additions—such as new heroine routes, redrawn artwork, and a resolution upgrade—and is thus considered the definitive version of the game. It would later see an official English localization in 2022.

The story follows a shut-in gamer and otaku named Takumi Nishijou who gets caught up in a series of bizarre murders called the “New Generation Madness.” He frequently experiences delusions, which are chosen by the player through the “Delusion Trigger” gameplay mechanic. The player can choose if Takumi experiences a positive delusion, a negative delusion, or no delusion at all—these choices may affect Takumi’s mental state, and thus, the outcome of the story.

As the first visual novel in the Science Adventure series, Chaos;Head NoAH would be followed by related entries such as Steins;Gate, Robotics;Notes, Chaos;Child, and its own direct sequel, Chaos;Head Love Chu☆Chu.

Chaos;Head and Chaos;Head NoAH were well-received when they initially released in Japan, and they paved the way for future titles in the Science Adventure series. After the original game’s release, three manga, an anime adaptation, and an internet radio series based on the title were produced. Chaos;Head Love Chu☆Chu, the direct sequel to Chaos;Head NoAH, was originally released for the Xbox 360 in 2010. Chaos;Child, the thematic sequel to the Chaos;Head visual novels, released in 2014.

An official localization of Chaos;Head NoAH was released on October 7, 2022 for Nintendo Switch and PC. This release was unfortunately lackluster, containing many bugs and a poor translation. Interested readers are advised to apply this fan overhaul patch, which seeks to improve the release on all levels.

We highly recommend against watching the Chaos;Head anime adaptation. It is widely considered the worst adaptation of the Science Adventure series, and for good reason: much of what makes the story excellent was, unfortunately, mishandled or poorly altered in production.

Characters

Where to buy

If you are interested in experiencing Chaos;Head, the best option is to buy Chaos;Head NoAH on Steam and apply the Committee of Zero overhaul patch.

You can also buy the bundle release, which includes Chaos;Child as well. 

Additional content

Please note that this is not a comprehensive list of Chaos;Head side material. Visit this page to view all currently known Chaos;Head material.

  • Delusion of Zero is a short prequel to Chaos;Head’s events. It explores the actions taken by Shogun prior to the events of the main game, which would, in turn, influence the course of its narrative.
  • Chaos;Gate is a crossover short story featuring Sena Aoi and Steins;Gate’s Rintaro Okabe. It serves as a midquel to Chaos;Head and is Okabe’s first appearances in the series.
  • Tomorrow in the Box is a three-way crossover short story featuring characters from Chaos;Head, Steins;Gate, and Robotics;Notes. The Chaos;Head segment of the story takes place after the events of Chaos;Head NoAH and Chaos;Head Love Chu☆Chu.
  • Chaos;Head Love Chu☆Chu is the direct sequel to Chaos;Head NoAH. While it presents itself as a stereotypical romance visual novel, Love Chu☆Chu sets out to parody that genre while also concluding the overall Chaos;Head arc of the series.
  • Chaos;Child is the thematic sequel to Chaos;Head. It takes place a few years after the events of Chaos;Head, following protagonist Takuru Miyashiro as he investigates a series of brutal murders that hearken back to the New Generation Madness. Click here to read more about Chaos;Child.